Re: Harry Potter–A Worthwhile series??

[christi0469]

No: HPFGUIDX 33731

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "kimballs6" <kevinkimball at h...> wrote:
> Much debate is swirling around the Harry Potter books versus 
> C.S. Lewis's and Tolkien's stories.  Many argue that these 
> books are all similar--just fantasy, pure and simple.  I 
disagree.  
> They are fantasies (Lewis going into allegory), but that is where 
> the similarity ends.  After reading the first book in the Potter 
> series, reading The Hobbit, and brushing up on The Lion, the 
> Witch and the Wardrobe, I see a tremendous gulf between 
> Rowling and the other two writers.  This paper discusses the 
> difference between their world views and the incredible gulf 
> between writing abilities.
> 
 There have already been many worthy posts refuting the points made 
in this "paper", the quality of which I'm afraid I would be hard put 
to match; however, there is one more point I would like to explore.
Stating that all three series are fantasies (pure and simple) is in 
my opinion a bit too simple. Tolkien would have the distinction of 
creating a pure epic fantasy. The Narnia cycle is more that fantasy 
going into allegory, it is an allegory that exists in a fantasy 
environment. The cycle can be read simply as a fantasy, but Lewis's 
intention was allegory. Rowling has fantasy elements without a 
doubt, but IMHO the HP series is very difficult to catagorize as far 
as genre. I've seen several insightful posts pointing out the child-
exile elements. There are satirical elements that give the series a 
humorous note, which is very refreshing given the dark tone that is 
emerging. Mystery is one genre I particularly enjoy, so I recognized 
the use of misdirection and end of book revelation (often by the 
villain). When the series is completed we may notice evidence of 
more genres, the coming of age story being one possibility. There is 
enough of the adventure genre to entice reluctant readers away from 
their computers, televisions, and gaming systems (no small 
accomplishment in today's adrenaline dependent society). This 
complexity of genre may be one of the reasons that the books enjoy 
universal rather than niche popularity, as they offer something for 
(almost) everyone. 

Christi