Today my best friend and I went to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour for the third (yes, third) time.As you can probably tell I am a huge Harry Potter fan, specifically of the books. I have loads of memorabilia (including an iPhone case, travel mug and Gryffindor scarf) have ridden on a broomstick three times, have drunk Butterbear in two different continents and have been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.
My recent visit down Harry Potter memory lane got me thinking about why generations across the World have fallen in love with this series and inspired so many. The following are the reasons I have come up with (there's probably many, many more...).
1) An amazing book makes a great film
I am a huge fan of the films and, like many, I watched the films before I read the books. However, when I did read the books; I realised that the films do not do them justice. Much of Rowling's creativity, spark and imagination is lost, like many book to film productions, as the scale and detail of the world she created is not done justice in the films. For example, did you know that when translated into Aramaic, the killing curse, Avada Kedavra means "I will destroy as I speak"?! That is absolute genius. Why would you cut any of that creativity? After reading the books, I therefore felt somewhat at a loss and could not get over the amount that was changed and left out of the films.
My new understanding about the series completely changed how I looked at certain characters, events and places! I think I will leave it there- I do not want to give away any spoilers! You will have to read the books to see what I mean...
2) Not just for children!
I think the key to a successful book is to make something that appeals to a wide variety of people and that will last from generation to generation. Rowling cracked this. Even though the Harry Potter series is everything a children's book should be; it is not just for children. It is one of those series which is relatable for all ages, genders and nationalities. It is universal.
I, for one, was eighteen when I first read the Harry Potter series and, now at twenty, I love it even more. For this reason I am sure that the Harry Potter series will continue to be read by future generations for decades.
3) Harry, Ron and Hermione
The characters. I think the Harry Potter series contains some of the most lovable, interesting and well developed characters I have ever read in any book. From loyal, misunderstood Snape to weird, clever Luna; the characters throughout the Harry Potter series teach readers important lessons about compassion, friendship and love that will stay with readers forever.
A whole generation of now 20-something children grew up with characters, whether on-screen or in the books, and felt their hardships, joy and sadness. The way Rowling crafted these characters, it made readers feel as if they knew the characters personally, and as if they were our friends. A trick which keeps readers coming back for more. I am therefore somewhat cynical of younger audiences who do not know what it is like to be a part of a generation inspired by Harry Potter. In the words of my best friend today; "They just don't understand... :("
However, at the end of the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour, there is a quote from Rowling which I think encapsulates what those my age feel about the Harry Potter series and demonstrates the timeliness of Harry's world and readers' relationship with it.
"The stories we love best do live in us forever. So whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”
J. K. Rowling
4) Words of Wisdom
Even though this sounds a bit sad; I think some of the most powerful lessons I have learnt in life are, in fact, from Albus Dumbledore. Quotes, like the following, show how talented Rowling is at engaging with her audiences and making them think as I am always reminded of them.
“Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone
“Do not pity the dead Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love."
Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
It is therefore easy to see why Rowling has won countless awards for her writing! However, her writing is not only profound and engaging but also, at times, unbelievably funny (especially within the books!).
5) New book, pretty please?
The Harry Potter series leaves you wanting more. After finishing one book; I was straight onto the next, spending hours at once reading page after page. It is one of them series which you cannot put down. At the end of the series, I was a bit confused as to what to do next and the fact that there is probably never going to be a new book in the series; made me feel a bit nostalgic.
I think, however, that even though Harry Potter fans across the World, like myself, are upset that there is probably no new book on the horizon; I would not have it any other way. The way Rowling concluded the series with every character finding their resolution and getting their just deserts, was perfect, as it provided both the characters and the readers closure. Another book would just be greedy, and a bit pointless!
However, there is hope for those wanting more as next year when Harry Potter is transformed into a West End Show. For information about that can be found here (I will definitely be going!).
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