Comparitive Literature (was - Re: They are children's books)

[Iggy McSnurd]

No: HPFGUIDX 81838

From: Laura
> First of all, for Harry to assume a Christlike role in the
> hypothetically allegorical HP books, he hardly needs to mirror Christ's
> Godlike personality or lack of sin.  Allegory isn't about rewriting
> Scripture.  It's about taking a theme from an epic tale and fleshing it
> out so that it becomes more human (and, incidentally, more accessible
> to the reader).
>


Iggy:

*grin* If you want to have a lot of fun, you can also compare him to
Belgarion from the "Belgariad" and "Malloreon" series by David and Leigh
Eddings.

1 - He was a child of prophecy destined to defeat a being of great evil
(Belgarion vs. Torak, Harry vs. Voldemort)

2 - For most of his childhood, he was kept in hiding and made relatively
anonymous.  (Garion on Faldor's farm, Harry at Privett Dr.)

3 - He wields great power, usually with the aid of a magical item.
(Belgarion has the Orb of Aldur and the Sword of the Rivan King, Harry has
his wand.)

4 - When his identity is revealed, he is the most famous mortal of his time.
(Belgarion is the Godslayer come at last... Harry is the Boy Who Lived.)

5 - He often questions why the task must fall on his shoulders.  (Both have
to come to grips with their destiny, despite wanting to be relatively
normal.)

6 - As a child and before knowing who he is, he does things with his powers
without realizing it.  (Garion cured a madman of his insanity and almost
merged his mind with his aunt's.  Harry talked to a snake and jumped to the
roof of his school.)

7 - Both are alone in the task they have to do to achieve their destiny, but
are also surrounded by "helpers" who have their own, more minor but
important tasks.  (Belgarion has Silk, Relg, Barak, Belgarath, Polgara,
CeNedra... and more.  Harry has Ron, Hermione, Dobby, Dumbledore,
McGonagall, and the DA.)


I could go on... But I think I've made my point.  *grin*

(Anyone else see close match-up with other book series'?)


Iggy McSnurd
the Prankster


"I DON'T suffer from insanity.  I enjoy EVERY MINUTE of it."

-- One of Iggy's stickers on his broom.

ADMIN Note:  If you're posting a reply to this list, please make sure to compare the books you discuss to HP.  If you wish to make a comment solely about the Belgariad or Malloreon series, or about other literature in general, please direct your response to our sister list, HPFGU-OTChatter.  Thanks!