What makes ‘Harry Potter’ so magical?

What makes ‘Harry Potter’ so magical?

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Hannah Bacon
Monday, 20 February, 2012 - 14:15

When author J.K. Rowling had the idea for the ‘Harry Potter’ stories, she was on a delayed train from Manchester to London. She was very excited about her idea, and started outlining the plots almost straight away. However, what she didn’t know was, years later, that idea would turn into the bestselling series of books ever to be published.

But what causes us to love this young wizard so much? What are the reasons why his story has spread right across the world and reached so many different people?

Imagination

While reading, we discover that J.K. Rowling not only describes what happens to one boy – a whole world is there waiting for us when we open the cover! It’s not just the Hogwarts students and teachers who come alive through the writing – each character, from the shopkeepers to the bus drivers, has his or her own life and personality – even if we don’t find out about them directly from Harry!

If you read closely, you can spot the magical background details, and notice how colourful and alive they are. For example, think about the scene in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ where Harry has his first conversation with Ron. Here we are introduced to many new and exciting things: frogs made of chocolate that can jump out of the window, jelly beans of any flavour you can think of, and even moving people in photographs!

British Connection

However, it’s not only the extraordinary details that make the ‘Harry Potter’ series so unique. Some people say that they have learned a lot about British culture by reading the books. For example, a young girl from Germany said that when she read about the “Knight Bus” driving around London, she was amazed at the idea that a bus could have more than one level! She had never seen a bus like this in Germany, and was happy that one day, she might have the chance to see one if she visited Britain.

Did you know that Harry and his friends take important exams at the same time as British children (age fifteen or sixteen)? At age seventeen, young wizards can also take a test that allows them to “Apparate” (transport themselves from one place to another). This is the same age that British teenagers can learn to drive a car!

Humour and Good v Bad

Some say that the best kind of story can make you cry and laugh at the same time. Of course, those who make us laugh the most are the Weasley twins, Fred and George, who can make even the worst situations better for everyone. Even when George’s ear was destroyed by a curse, they couldn’t resist telling a joke about ears!
Fred and George prove that being able to laugh can be a very useful tool.

Other popular characters also demonstrate good qualities, such as Hermione’s hardworking nature, Harry’s bravery and Ron’s loyalty. Together, they fight against those who believe that power, greed and prejudice are the way forward. The series shows us some very real and universal issues that humans face, while keeping us entertained along the way!

Over to you!

What is your favourite kind of magic?
Do you identify with a particular character?
Do you like books that make you laugh?

Discussion

Over to you! Reply to Hannah's questions in the box below.

And, finish this sentence: "Harry Potter is ..."

Comments

niky_02nqn's picture
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niky_02nqn
4 July, 2012 - 23:53

"Harry Potter is ...ME" hahhaahaa, just joking! :P
My school friends tell me Harry Potter 'cause I wear glasses!!!hahaha, It's funny, but it's offensive at the same time!!!I hate them!! hahha just joking,,, :P
Well, this is seriously: "Harry Potter is the most adventurous and magic film I've ever seen! And it's great!!!
PD: I like Rupert Grint! He's very cool! :))))

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36 users have voted.
futsal's picture
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futsal
30 September, 2012 - 16:12

I have read harry potter series and watched all of them . . .
I think this is one of the best books I have ever read . . .
I like hermion and the actor ema watson .

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19 users have voted.
SomethingAboutYou's picture
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SomethingAboutYou
4 October, 2012 - 18:11

Harry Potter is one of my favourite books I'v ever read .. I like the good magic which makes the end of the story a Happy-End ...
I love the books that make me lough alot .. I think that kind is the one I want to read all the time ..
I watched "Harry Potter" movies and I enjoyed in them, But I think reading the series is more interesting than just watching .. Why? In reading you use your imagination to imagine the characters, plot and setting ..
And one of the best things in Harry Potter is Hogwart ,Wow!! What a place !!!!!
>>Lina<<

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20 users have voted.
LadyLily5000's picture
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LadyLily5000
27 October, 2012 - 11:48

Harry Potter is... amazing. The books and the movies are incredible. The plot and the places where everything happens are rare, and you can't find them in any other book.
But I agree with SomethingAboutYou, the book series are much more better then the movies 'cause while you're reading them you jump in another world that is made in your own head, and you imagine how it looks, the appearance of the characters, everything.
I didn't like the last part because it was sad. So many characters which were placed deep in my heart died. But it ended with a war, and in wars many good people die. It was like in the reality.

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17 users have voted.
rosa's picture
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rosa
4 November, 2012 - 16:59

When I read H.P I live different life. I escape from cruel world and live life I wont. H.P. is great story about eternal fight between good and evil. We never mustn't stop fighting for good and justice. It is very real story, about hope, where dreams become truth. My favorite character is Hermione. She is hard-working and brave, also good person. I identify with her.

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14 users have voted.
o0yoyo0o's picture
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o0yoyo0o
29 November, 2012 - 04:46

I love fanasty. I don't read any other books. Yes I admitt it, I'm addicted to fanasty novels!!! Espically the Harry Potter series!!! It feels like it's really real!!!

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etleva hoxha's picture
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etleva hoxha
17 December, 2012 - 20:01

I love harry potter ..i have read all volumes of his books and see all the films ..it is amazing ,,I like the end whan thay are grow up with children and everything it so beautiful .Anway I like more to read that see Harry Potter..

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17 users have voted.
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lilyluna
8 January, 2013 - 13:32

Harry Potter are WICKED! No other books has ever made me feel this way. Each chapter are hidden with its very own meaning. Jo really knows how to twist the story. Her writing are magical and so does herself too.

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rabbitukraine2013's picture
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rabbitukraine2013
22 February, 2013 - 21:12

HARRY POTTER Ithink is one of the best books that had ever been written and i'm sure that everyone had ever looked a film or read a book . Harry Potter its not only magic but also there is some kind of moral which was written so good that every child can undarstand it. Have magic weekends!!!!!!!!!!!

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11 users have voted.