Harry Potter Series

Introduction

One of the most successful novel series at present is Harry Porter. A series of seven novels, which have attracted people from all over the world to get fantasize by reading the novel, however, the conversion of the novel in the film by Warner Bros adds value in this imaginative series, which provides visualization for this master piece of J. K. Rowling's. This study aims to provide a standpoint or opinion of the writer on the series.

Thesis Statement

Harry Potter books are not for adult readers.

Discussion and Analysis

Over the years, the Harry Potter series has been on quite a journey. It started on a napkin and evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. Now, J.K. Rowling's unique magical universe, is not just something that exists in the imagination of every muggle who reads the beloved books (Lawless, pp. 61-83). A reason some critics think the Harry Potter books are not for adult readers is simply because the hero is not grown up. As of yet, the series has not released Harry in adulthood. Furthermore, with the publication of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Rowling has introduced us to a new Harry one who is entering turbulent teen years and experiencing all the angst, doubts, and troubles that we see in "classic" British novels (Eccleshare, pp. 7-14).

In fact, the Harry Potter novels can be linked to many "adult" literary traditions. To begin with, Harry fits into the hero archetype described by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Simply by being himself, Harry is a heroic figure in the wizarding world, known to all. Furthermore, Harry is Christ-like in his status of being marked from birth by the snake-like Voldemort and destined for greatness since he has "saved" the wizarding world (Nel, pp. 53-55). As revealed in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry is like Jesus Christ in that his life, too, is the subject of prophecy. Harry's life also parallels that of another hero-savior: King Arthur. Both Harry and Arthur are raised away from danger or attention until they are of age, or ready for challenges. Arthur is raised in his foster brother Kay's shadow, not realizing that he is special King Uther Pendragon's son--until he inadvertently pulls the sword from the stone. Once this sign occurs, Arthur is taken under the tutelage and guardianship of the wizard Merlin. In a similar way, ...