HP as escapist children's literature (was Harry's DADA skill)

[montavilla47]

No: HPFGUIDX 182762

> >Julie: 
> > I don't call the Harry Potter series "escapist children's
> > literature" as an insult (and I'm not debating its merits
> > in comparison to other escapist children's literature). I
> > just think that is what it turned out to be, despite some
> > impressions midstream that led me to see more potential
> > pyschological and emotional depth than was actually delivered.
> > And I would rather view the series as what it is than keep
> > trying to invest all manner of deep meaning (and/or intent) 
> > where it doesn't (IMO) exist. 
> 
> Potioncat:
> Yeah. It's pretty darned good escapist children's literature. (That's 
> books escaping children would read while on the lam, correct?)
> 
> I began reading the HP to my 3rd child after years of reading Boxcar 
> Children, Animorphs, and the Bailey School Kids books. Oh, what a 
> relief! Although I did enjoy the first six or so Bailey School books.
> 
> I like the language and the twists of HP. The adult characters do 
> have to be absent at important moments, but they aren't idiots---and 
> they're well written enough to be interesting. Another relief!
> > 
> > Julie,  (And I suppose there
> > is always fanfic for some of those wishes ;-)
> 
> Potioncat:
> I do hope so! yes indeed. I do hope so!


Montavilla47:
I guess it does depend a lot on what you are comparing the HP
books to.  A lot of children's literature doesn't bother to do half
the stuff JKR does in her book.  One book might have funny puns
and snappy dialogue, but it's unlikely to also have a tight plot, 
an inventive universe, and compelling (as opposed to "engaging")
characters as well.

It's when I compare the series with high fantasy that I feel let
down.  With the exception of Susan, whose fall from grace
takes place almost entirely off-page, I can't think of a single
character in the Chronicles of Narnia who disappoints.  Even
the minor characters, like the interchangeable lords in 
Voyage of the Dawn Trader have interesting moments and 
finishes.

Or the Prydain Cycle, which isn't nearly as rich as HP, but
still manages to make the most of every character who
appears (many of who make repeat appearances over the
five books).  

And, of course, there's His Dark Materials, which has an
even richer universe (three of them, actually), compelling
characters, and a great end, although not (as far as I
remember) much of a sense of humor.  :)

It's been ages since I read The Dark is Rising, but I 
remember the characters being compelling. I couldn't
get enough of Paul--and I didn't.  He was a very minor
character.  But I didn't end up feeling disappointed with 
him the way I did about Lupin.

Maybe that's because there wasn't a point in the 
climax of The Dark is Rising when a flute player would
have come in handy.

Montavilla47