What Does It Mean to Me?

Philip Pullmans writing is charged with a strong message. Out of all the debate, that was not one of the questions. Yet, each person has their own theory about what it all means. We can go on for days debating about religious values, organizational problems, or Pullmans intentions and change no one would change their opinion. Not one bit. We would be too busy arguing for the sake of changing the other’s opinions as opposed to listening to anything that was being said. So, in the end, we are left with the question “What does His Dark Materials mean to me?” From the ideas shared, to the questions asked, to the discoveries made, we all have found something special within this book series. Maybe an idea or thought. Maybe fond memory of a sudden understanding of parts of his writing. Either way – we need to be able to look at the books through our own perspective. The copyright and proceeds may belong to Philip Pullman, but the story now belongs to the readers. I, personally, appreciate the long and winding adventurous story that Pullman provides us with. He is an extremely skilled story teller which shows throughout his work. I also appreciate his deeper ideas against the suppression of knowledge and free thought in the world. Others may not have the same thoughts or values. Others may say “You’re totally wrong.” But am I? In the end, what I gained from the experience isn’t something that can be compared with others. It is something personal that each new book and experience yield upon the reader.