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Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

By: Prof. Julian Wamble
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About this listen

 Instead of seeing criticism as an indication of not liking something, Professor Julian Wamble invites listeners of Critical Magic Theory to explore the things about the characters, plot points, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter broadly that have always given them pause or made them smile without knowing why. It is in this navigation of the positive and the negative aspects of a world that we find true magic.Copyright Prof. Julian Wamble Art Literary History & Criticism
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Episodes
  • Ambition and Audacity: The Two Faces of Quirinus Quirrell

    Ambition and Audacity: The Two Faces of Quirinus Quirrell
    May 14 2025
    What if the villain wasn’t overtaken—but offered himself up?

    In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the sweaty, stammering chaos of Professor Quirrell—and the dangerous audacity that lies beneath it. Often remembered as little more than a jittery man in a turban, Quirrell is actually one of the clearest cautionary tales in the Wizarding World: a man who gave Voldemort room on the back of his head in exchange for the illusion of power. From Ravenclaw ego to radical insecurity, we unpack what happens when ambition meets delusion—and why Quirrell might not be possessed, but willing.

    Plus, a warm welcome to our newest Patreon Deep Divers: Addy, Rachel, and Nicole! Your support keeps this world spinning and these conversations growing—thank you for diving deep with us.

    Be on the lookout for the Lockhart survey!

    Til then, be critical and stay magical my friends!
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • The Silent Suffering of Minerva McGonagall

    The Silent Suffering of Minerva McGonagall
    Apr 30 2025
    “She was watching the Dursleys all day while everyone else celebrated—and somehow, we still expect more from her.”

    In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we take a long-overdue deep dive into the one and only Minerva McGonagall. Often admired for her strength, fairness, and dry wit, McGonagall is seen by many as the model of a good teacher, a good Gryffindor, and a good person. But what happens when we start asking whether those expectations are fair—or even possible?

    We unpack how patriarchy and pureblood supremacy shaped her life, how the fandom has turned her into a presumed infallable fantasy maternal figure, and ask why we judge her more harshly than we do many of her male counterparts. From bending rules for Harry to staying behind at Hogwarts under Death Eater control, McGonagall’s story is one of survival, restraint, and invisible labor—and maybe that’s a different kind of heroism altogether.

    And a special thank-you to our newest Deep Divers on Patreon: Lynn, Molly, and CunningandCompassion. Your support means the world.
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Prof Responds- Remus Lupin & the Struggle to Stay Human

    Prof Responds- Remus Lupin & the Struggle to Stay Human
    Apr 23 2025
    Welcome to Critical Magic Theory, where we deconstruct the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—because loving something doesn’t mean we can’t be critical of it.

    This week’s Prof Response tackles one of our most emotional episodes to date: Remus Lupin. But before diving in, we confront a real-world reality—J.K. Rowling’s continued advocacy for trans-exclusionary laws and the heartbreak of deciding whether we can still use her text for good. Spoiler: we think we can. And we explain why.

    From there, we wrestle with listener reflections on shame, love, and the monsters society creates—both literal and metaphorical. We discuss Fenrir Greyback as a disturbing allegory for institutional bias, analyze Lupin’s internalized fear, and ask hard questions about fatherhood, failure, and trying to be good in a world that tells you you’re not. This is a deep one. But it’s also a reminder of why this podcast—and this kind of critical thinking—matters.
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    39 mins

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