Harry Potter is very refreshing after reading the Wizard of Earthsea. While fantasy is all about exploring fictional worlds, I feel that there needs to be at least something within that fictional world the reader can identify with. If there is nothing to be identified with in the fictional world, there should be an “examination” of reality by the author, as done by Rowling when she begins each book in the Muggle world. In the Wizard of Earthsea, it is difficult to form a relationship with Ged, because I feel as if his goal is to be as far from human as possible. In Harry Potter, Harry accepts that he is a human like the rest of us, but just with wizardly powers. Other than having these powers and unique adventures, he represents the qualities you would find in an everyday person. He goes to school (wizard school, but the idea is similar to school we attend), he has two best friends, he has enemies, and he plays sports. The reader is able to form a relationship with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and all the other characters, whether liked or disliked by those three main characters because of these human qualities they all have. Not only do we become involved in examining Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s friendship, but we also become a part of that friendship. I felt myself becoming angry when Harry wouldn’t listen to Hermione or when Ron and Hermione were fighting over something ridiculous. Their friendship is portrayed so well that readers know the characters need each other and it’s frustrating to us to see strife arise between them. Their friendship gets them through each book, just like the reader’s involvement in the lives of these fictional characters carries him or her through the series.
Purpose for Imaginative Literature
14 years ago
