Bloomsbury can instantly spot a profitable piece when it is brought
to the reputable publishing house. When no one else was willing to take a
chance on the nearly homeless newbie, J K Rowling, and her brainchild, Harry
Potter, Bloomsbury knew the potential in both the writer and her creation.
From accusations of promoting witchcraft and black magic to
bestseller acclaim for entertainment value, the Harry Potter series has seen it
all. But what is it about Potterverse
that grips the imagination of a diverse and prolific readership? Let's explore
this turn-of-the-millennium phenomenon and analyse why readers from all age
groups and socio economic backgrounds found themselves immersed for over a
decade in the magical universe of Harry Potter.
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Well Knit Plot: A
well written story lacks plot holes and keeps the reader riveted till the last
word. J K Rowling's execution of the complicated storyline, spanning seven
books of the Harry Potter series is flawless. Her fantastic imagination coupled
with incredible storytelling skills grabs the readers' interest from the get-go
and maintains it till the very end.
Rebranding
Fantasy: Tolkien's Middle Earth, Lewis's
Narnia and many other fantasy worlds created by talented novelists and
playwrights have taken us to untold wonderlands each comprising a unique world
of creatures - some familiar and taken from myths and folklores, while others
new and fresh hut with a vibrance of their own.
Rowling has given her own flavour to the fantasy genre and created
a universe in which conventionally sombre ghosts may have a jovial sense of
humour (Nearly Headless Nick). Goblins deemed to be traditionally mischievous and/or
evil creatures, in Potterverse are
shrewd and cunning beings responsible for safekeeping of the magical world's
wealth at the Gringotts Wizarding Bank. In some cultural folklores like Russian
and even Sub-continental, the use of an object to keep safe the life or soul of
an evil witch or wizard does exist; however, the idea of a horcrux - a magical
object that contains a part of its maker's split soul - has been fully and
distinctly explored in the 6th and 7th books of the series. Rowling transforms traditional
broomsticks of witches and wizards into modern means of transport, also used as
valuable sports gear, which, like automobiles, keep evolving in style and
utility.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where children who
possess magic learn about the magical arts and world - as Muggle (human)
children do about math and history at their schools – and pass exams in order
to graduate after seven years of formal education. Last, but definitely not the
least, facelift of conventional fantasy comes in the form of the Ministry of
Magic which is the governing body of the wizarding world with various
departments, legislative bodies and courts etc to maintain law and order in the
magical world. It boasts its own highly trained police force (Aurors) and
correctional facility (Azkaban Prison).
Simultaneously
Existing Worlds: For better or
for worse, magic has captivated human imagination for a very long time.
Magicians flourished in ancient Egypt, but witches were burnt at stake in Salem
(modern day America) in the 17th century. The wizarding world of Harry Potter
exists in plain sight of the Muggle world but is hidden from humans by
enchantments. Only a few Muggle leaders are aware of its existence. The comedy
of errors and series of unfortunate events that ensue while trying to keep the
two worlds from seeping into each other make for an entertaining read.
Escape: Modern life has its conveniences and comforts, but they come at a
hefty price. Rigors of the now fast-paced life make people want to escape the
world they know. Potterverse caters
to that impulse quite admirably and without an age limit. For a few short hours
the readers can leave their troubles behind and ride a Nimbus 2000 or a
Firebolt into a high-flying Quiddditch match with Harry; feast on sumptuous
meals prepared by house elves in the great hall of Hogwarts; risk losing
their souls to a dementor’s kiss; put their lives on the line to locate and
destroy horcruxes; and experience the glorious triumph of good over evil.
Connecting
Generations: Perhaps the
greatest appeal of J K Rowling’s masterpiece is in the fact that even though
it’s a young boy’s coming-of-age story, its not age specific for its readers.
Children, their parents and grandparents have all equally enjoyed the books and
connected over them through dinner table conversations, cozy lounge discussions
and bedtime readings. The books have helped to somewhat bridge the fast
widening gap between generations due to rapid evolution of digital technology.
Catharsis of
Emotions: Potterverse draws even the most sceptical
of readers into a world where love salvages innocence; forms unbreakable bonds
of trust and loyalty; and in the end, vanquishes evil. We cry for the
mistreated orphan boy, rejoice in his accomplishments, hold fast to his
friendships, curse his enemies, are enraged when he's betrayed, smile when her
falls in love, and are elated when he finally stands victorious. It's an
emotional roller coaster which leaves the reader with a plethora of feelings
that find an outlet in the life and adventures of Harry Potter.
However, as Harry Potter’s wise old Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore,
eloquently pointed out, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to
live." Therefore, read and enjoy the books and move on to the next
real-life adventure.
This article is written by Mahrukh Shah, one of the contributors to the School of Literature.
