what kind of story is HP? (was:Re: Who will betray the order)

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 83073

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "jwcpgh" <jwcpgh at y...> wrote:

> Laura:
> 
> You raise an interesting question-are the HP books a personal saga 
> or an epic of a world in crisis?  Can they be both?  Given that JKR 
> has titled the books around her central character, I'd argue that 
> she sees them as being primarily about him. Since she places him in 
> a world of her own creation, we inevitably learn a lot about that 
> world and its situation, especially since Harry's personal 
> challenges are reflected in those confronting the larger WW.  But 
> I'd contrast JKR's aims with those of, say, Tolkein, who wanted to 
> create a true epic and didn't focus on any one character in 
> particular.  
> 
> Of course, then the question arises, how should JKR proceed if the 
> books are a personal saga vs what she should do if they're an epic 
> about the WW?  For one thing, I suppose if they were the latter, 
she 
> could kill off Harry...but I sure hope she doesn't.


Geoff:
I feel I must disagree with this view. Tolkien, in the Lord of the 
Rings, focusses on one character, Frodo, who has a burden placed on 
him to carry the ring. He has companions and friends - Sam, Merry, 
Pippin, Gimli, Aragorn, Legolas et al. They are around him, they 
support him, encourage him and help him. However, look at Elrond's 
words when they leave Rivendell:

"The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest... On him alone is any 
charge laid: neither to cast away the Ring, nor to deliver it to any 
servant of the Enemy...... The others go with him as free companions, 
to help him on his way. You may tarry or come back or turn aside.... 
no oath or bond is laid on you to go further than you will."

Jo Rowling, in the Harry Potter books, focusses on one character, 
Harry, who has a charge placed on him by the prophecy (Which I tend 
to take at face value) to carry the ring. He has companions and 
friends - Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Luna, Dumbledore et al. They 
are around him, they support him, encourage him and help him. go with 
him as free companions, to help him on his way. They may tarry or 
come back or turn aside.... no oath or bond is laid on them to go 
further than they will....

I think there is  a similarity here.....

Geoff