My topic is going to examine the appeal of the novel, Harry Potter and what are the reasons for its appeal. I’ve already talked to the librarian and found some articles on the appeal to audiences. And found some helpful books in the subject. The Ivory Tower and Harry Potter: Perspectives on a Literary Phenomenon edited by Lana Whited states, “Roughly 150 people ranging in age from five to fifty-five waited patiently for the doors of our local bookstore to open” (343). This shows that Harry Potter has such as wide audience that I need to pick a part to study, which I think children or adolescents are a good start. Whited later talks about that young boys set aside their toys to read Harry Potter.
One reason I found on the mass appeal is on a chapter in The Ivory Tower and Harry Potter of written by Rebecca Borah who states, “Part of the answer to why Harry Potter appeals to such a diverse range of fans lies in the story of the creator” (350). Harry as a character is a lot like J.K Rowling herself where their story is about people going from rags to riches. And this introduces the relateability that Harry as a character has on the readers. Most people who have never read Harry Potter are introduced by it by their friends or family.
The primary text I plan to use is Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone since it would be hard to do the series, which I decided on doing the first book of the series.
Also there are books that I want to see to get, which one that was recommended was Reading the Romance by Janice Radway that will give me ideas and research ideas that I might want to do and give me more focus. Also I found a book called Unlocking Harry Potter: Five Keys to the Serious Reader by John Granger that talks about the narrative and the form of Harry Potter.
I have some good ideas but the problem now is to focus on one aspect of Harry Potter and using the first book to talk about a specific audience and idea that has to do with the appeal of Harry Potter. Hopefully with more ideas from the books and getting an appointment to talk about my ideas and maybe get more of a focus from Dr. Middleton.
November 3, 2008 at 9:50 p11
John Granger’s most recent book is an updated version of the one you mentioned, “How Harry Cast His Spell: the Meaning Behind the Mania of J.K. Rowling’s Bestselling Books.” This book might be an interesting resource for you as in this one John goes through the entire series and why people love Harry Potter so much.
November 12, 2008 at 9:50 p11
It might be easier to narrow your focus if you question why Harry Potter was popular in it’s particular cultural context/moment in history. Would it have been as popular had it been written decades ago? Even ten years ago? Is there something about the 21st century that makes wizardry appealing? Maybe it has to do with our reliance on technology?
I think that is the most interesting thing about Harry Potter, because frankly I don’t think it would have been nearly as huge an phenomenon had it been written in the 80s. I don’t know why I feel that way, and maybe you disagree, but maybe you can see if anyone agrees with me/has any opinions about this.