[HPforGrownups] New elements

[Margaret Dean]

No: HPFGUIDX 15371

I think Rowling's gradual introduction of new elements is
masterly, for more reasons than one.  From one angle, stringing
them out from book to book mirrors the way the main/viewpoint
character (Harry) encounters them; when you enter a world or
situation that's new to you, you =don't= normally learn
everything at once.  Furthermore, it's easier for the reader to
assimilate these things if they're introduced a few at a time.

But the other thing I've noticed is that Rowling practically
never just whips something out of her sleeve at the last moment
if it's going to be an important plot device.  Things are planted
carefully in advance.  Remember how Sirius Black is actually
=mentioned= in PS/SS Chapter One, before we have the least
inkling that he's going to be a pivotal character in Book Three? 
We also get Harry's talking to the boa constrictor in PS/SS,
before we have any idea how important that incident will loom in
CoS.  The Polyjuice Potion is important to the plot of CoS, but
that also means it's firmly laid in as background for its use in
GoF -- yet how many of us picked up on that clue, on first
reading?  I know I didn't, though when Barty Jr.'s imposture was
revealed, I could see all the clues leading up to it.  Among
other things, Rowling is a first-class mystery writer!


--Margaret Dean
  <margdean at erols.com>