Houston Chronicle ran a story today asking whether Harry Potter has universal appeal as a hero figure or whether he will pass like the Ninja Turtles. The consensus from those interviewed seemed to be that Harry has the kind of appeal to real life issues that makes classics. I would agree. After all, there’s not much to relate to a freakishly large mutated turtle who knows Kung Fu. Or whatever style the Ninja Turtles knew.
What is it about the Harry Potter stories that will make them classics? What makes them so popular at this time? The answer is far too complex for just one or two comments, but I’ll offer just a few thoughts to get the discussion going.
The orphan story is powerful, maybe moreso now than at any point in recent history. The breakdown of the family and the promulgation of no-fault divorce has resulted in a tragedy for children. Just listen to the popular music made over the past 15 years, and you’ll hear a lot of children who are now grown up and angry at their parents.
Of course, Harry has no reason to be angry with his parents, but he does find himself, as a result of their death, is a rotten family situation. And finding a way to cope with that has a lot of appeal these days.
Another interesting aspect of the novels that makes them widely appealing is Harry’s being just so normal. That may sound strange, given that he is “the boy who lived,” who defeated Voldemort at an age before he could remember anything, and who has the strange mark on his head. But as we read through the novels, we learn that Harry is really not more exceedingly gifted in magic than anyone else. In all of his battles so far, something beyond his own resources has come to his salvation (Dumbledore, Fawkes, etc.).
Add to these the key themes of prejudice, change, love, and a host of others, and you have the makings of a classic. Time will tell whether or not this will be so. But I’d love your thoughts on the matter. Will Harry be a classic, or just another fad? If a classic, what about the books will make them classic?
woman_ironing on 
korg20000bc on 
revgeorge on 
Red Rocker on 
Loading ...
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Melissa
11.26.05 at 4:24 pm
I do not believe Harry is going to be a fad. I think it will be a classic. Writers everywhere will be reading it to see how they can copy the success. Professors will be using it in their classrooms. And parents read it now, children read it now and as those children become parents, they will share this wonderful memory from childhood. A classic series has been borm. In my humble opinion.