In the summer of 2003, the eagerly anticipated fifth installment of the Harry Potter series, \u201cOrder of the Phoenix,\u201d was released to a fanbase hungry for more wizarding adventures. Entertainment Weekly sought the perspective of another highly successful author, Stephen King, to review J.K. Rowling\u2019s latest offering.<\/p>\n
While King had some criticisms, particularly noting Rowling\u2019s overuse of adverbs, his overall review was overwhelmingly positive. He acknowledged the critic-proof status of the phenomenally popular series at that point and highlighted the importance of a great villain in a fantasy novel. In this case, he praised Professor Dolores Umbridge as a standout character in \u201cOrder of the Phoenix.\u201d<\/p>\n
King\u2019s praise for Umbridge was particularly noteworthy, as he deemed her \u201cthe greatest make-believe villain to come along since Hannibal Lecter.\u201d He described her with vivid imagery, emphasizing her girlish voice, toad-like face, and clutching stubby fingers. King recognized the impact of a truly terrifying character, comparing Umbridge to the archetypal \u201cReally Scary Teacher\u201d that instills fear in students.<\/p>\n
The author further explained the anticipation that comes from fearing what Umbridge might do next and the hope that she would eventually face consequences for her actions. He highlighted her capability to ban Harry Potter from playing Quidditch as a demonstration of the character\u2019s authority and ruthlessness.<\/p>\n
Imelda Staunton would later portray Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter film adaptations, capturing the character\u2019s irritating mannerisms and distinct coughs and giggles. In the series, Umbridge is not only an annoying presence but also a formidable villain who inflicts physical harm as a method of punishment during detentions, scratching lines into students\u2019 hands until they bleed.<\/p>\n
\u201cOrder of the Phoenix\u201d stands as proof that the Wizarding World offers more than just the supernatural villainy of Lord Voldemort. Characters like Bellatrix Lestrange, Barty Crouch Jr, and Fenrir Greyback also have their moments, but Umbridge and Cornelius Fudge represent more insidious forms of villainy \u2013 bureaucratic figures more interested in denial and control than overt violence. King\u2019s review captured the essence of the complexity and depth that Rowling brought to her characters in the magical world she created.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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