Chapter 2 Discussion - SPOILERS

[flying_ford_anglia]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C4578
From: flying_ford_anglia
Subject: Re: Chapter 2 Discussion - SPOILERS
Reply To: [Yahoo! #4562] Re: Chapter 2 Discussion - SPOILERS
Date: 7/19/00 1:51 am  (ET)

a bit of space, just in case
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<<<Do we need all this description of the main characters? Are we meant
to believe that anyone would try and start the series with book 4?
 Could anyone read this book with no knowledge of the first three?>>>

Hmmmm. Although it's not really required, I've grown to accept the
preamble as a briefing for new readers and a reminder for old hands. Each
book is a self-contained story, so it's feasible that someone might
read one in isolation. Of course, 'once you've eaten one, you have
to devour the rest'. Like a box of chocolates with progressively more
inviting fillings.

I agree with Penny that the recap device is commonly used in children's
books, especially as, in this case, most of the information is stated
rather baldly at the start of every new scene. I sense that JKR is
either getting bored with doing it or is lessening it gradually as a
way of bringing the books into a more adult framework.

Another technique sometimes used in books is to list the regular
'cast' and synopsis at the front of the book, like the transcript of a
play. Perhaps that would make more sense...

Neil

PS - JKR could hire Simon to do that :)