Back to Godric’s Hollow

On Wednesday, the fifth "Harry Potter" movie, Order of the Phoenix opens in theatres. I won’t be there, however. Not because I don’t want to see the movie — I do — but because I can wait a few days for the crowds to thin out.

Having said that, I remember going to see the first movie, "Philosopher’s Stone." I went to the early show on a Sunday evening, shortly after its release, because there are usually far less people on Sundays than at other times. While there were fewer people at this screening, I would say the theatre was still about three-quarters full.

What amazed me most, as it did at screenings of the next three in the series, was that there was no chattering by the children in the audience.

To witness a theatre packed with children, all staring in rapt amazement at the screen, not saying a word except to ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ in all the right spots was astounding. I don’t recall that any of them even left their seats for the entire showing.

In an age where children’s attention spans are more often measured in seconds, to see children and young adults (as well as some not-so-young adults) lining up to purchase these books —in the case of the fifth installment a 766-page book — is truly remarkable. To call this a ‘phenomena’ is an apt description.

I will say that while I enjoy the movies tremendously, they are, as movies tend to be, somewhat disappointing. We adults know, and young people are finding out, that no book translates directly into a movie. Scenes are altered to be more cinematic, stories are edited keep the length within reason, and a certain amount of artistic license is employed in the realization of the overall story.

The movies are tremendously enjoyable. But as a purist, I look to the books for the complete story.

So, what is it about the Harry Potter series that has captured the interest of fans, young and old alike?

Some would claim that the suspense that author JK Rowling (rhymes with bowling) has created through a relentless and effective campaign of secrecy surrounding the writing, publishing and release of the subsequent books in the series has been like a carrot dangled ahead of her fans’ noses. However, I would argue that this is not necessarily the case. When the first book was released it generated very little fanfare, initially. Its popularity grew through word of mouth, as more and more children — and adults — heard of it from others.

Although Philosopher’s Stone ended with a hint that there was more to come ("They don’t know we’re not allowed to use magic at home. I’m going to have a lot of fun with Dudley this summer…"), it certainly wasn’t a cliff-hanger.

Yet, in the end pages of Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) are reprinted actual letters received by Rowling from children and adults, all telling how much they loved the first book and imploring her to write more books about Harry.

In Goblet of Fire, the fourth book, another letter, written by nine-year old Breann Simpson tells of not being able to put the books down. She also says she will be "…reading the first one over again (after my mom gets done reading it)."

Breann’s mom added a postscript, saying that she likes the books, too!

I believe that Rowling’s work captured the imagination in a way that few books ever have. They are an unusual blend of fantasy and reality. While the magical aspects comprise the fantastic, it is the characters who embody the realistic. These characters, both children and adults, have a depth and range seldom seen in works of fiction, especially "children’s fiction."

Repeatedly I have read comments from young people how a particular character is "just like" them. Many claim to relate to the emotional turmoil and angst that the teenage characters experience in the books, and the non-magical situations they find themselves in.

In fact, one of the most consistent comments, from readers and reviewers alike, is how typical the characters really appear to be; these are people who could be neighbours, school mates or co-workers.

Characters such as Lewis Carroll’s Alice, Tolkien’s Frodo, and JM Barry’s Peter Pan all drew readers into the fantasy world in which they existed, and for a time readers could share that world with them.

However, while readers may have wished to be one of these characters, or to be just like them, the Harry Potter characters are just like their readers. Except that they can do magic.

There have been many books over the years which have dealt with themes such as growing up, and good versus evil. I don’t believe any, though, have had the influence and appeal that Rowling’s have.

There are some who denounce this series because of the "magic." One woman I know spoke passionately to me of her condemnation of the series. She felt that the Bible’s exhortation against associating with those who perform "magic" (Leviticus 19:31) was absolute, and applies to such works of fiction. More recently, Pope Benedict XVI, when he was still Cardinal Ratzinger, expressed his disapproval of the series for its "subtle seductions, which ... deeply distort Christianity," in an exchange of letters with author and sociologist Gabriele Kuby.

I wonder if they also object to Snow White, Cinderella, and the Wizard of Oz?

One other criticism, which I believe is unwarranted, concerns the increasing "darkness" of both the plot and the characters' moods. Deaths occur in these books, deaths of secondary and main characters. Evil creeps across the pages, and those opposed must fight it tooth and nail.

Some say that children should not be exposed to these darker themes. Then again, simply watching or reading the news will expose children to much, much worse, and in far more detail.

One of the underlying themes in the novels is to prepare Harry and his friends for what lies ahead. Isn’t that what we want for our children?

Do we want to shield them, and keep them so isolated and naïve that they are unaware of what awaits them in "the real world" of grown-ups. Or do we want to introduce them, bit-by-bit, to the reality of life, so that when the time comes they, too, are prepared?

Not by teaching them magic spells, but by giving them positive role models who are confronted with choices, choices that may be "between what is right, and what is easy." (GoF, 628)

Like many other "Pottermaniacs," I am both eagerly anticipating and dreading the release of the final installment. I want to know how the story ends — Rowling is a master of suspenseful plot twists — and yet, I don’t want the series to end.

If you haven’t read these books yet, I recommend them highly. They are extraordinary! I would even call them magical.

But… that’s just my opinion.