Dying and age-appropriate fiction

[dudemom_2000 <dudemom_2000@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 52324



Tyler says: 
> More importantly to my discussion of dying charecters,
> I'm wondering about another literary device JKR might
> be using. The ageing of charecters in 'real time'
> seems pretty unique to the HPbooks. I can't think of
> any other children's book series where the charecters
> age from story to story. Most stay the same age for as
> long as the author cares to write them. 
> I'm wondering if JKR is purposefully moving the
> reading level of her books up as well as the series
> progresses.  Age appropriateness as far as language,
> vocabulary, etc. seems about the same in the books so
> far (I'm not an expert at this, however). What is
> changing is the complexity of the larger story. Plots
> are more complicated, more and more charecters are
> introduced, ideas of 'good' and 'bad' actions and
> charecters are often slipping into gray areas. My
> feeling is that JKR may be purposefully writing her
> books for older readers thematically, while
> technically leaving them accessable to younger
> readers. If this is the case, adult themes such as
> death, suffering and (dare I say it?) romance will
> become more prevalent as the series advances.
> 
> Comments?
> 
> 
> Tyler

*******\(@@)/*****

I have to agree with you. I noticed the books "grew" as they moved 
into more complex areas. The characters age appropriately in a real 
time frame. I love in GoF where Harry and Ron have to deal with 
asking out girls. The twins, being older and a bit more mature just 
ask and don't take it too seriously but for Harry and Ron its a 
really big deal. How many of us remember being so unsure of 
ourselves at that age! I also like that the kids are kids not the 
all knowing, smart mouth, too mature for their age ones portrayed on 
TV and in movies. I think the average kid can relate to these 
character. Just a thought. 

Dudemom_2000  \(@@)/