Harry Potter

 

From a dark castle in the middle of Scotland to the bright lights of a film studio, the saga of Harry Potter continues with unhindered speed.  The movie “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” raked in 93.5 million dollars in its opening weekend of November 16 and earned 188.1 million dollars in the first 10 days, breaking numerous box-office records previously set by such movies as “The Lost World: Jurassic Park 2” and “Stars Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.”

Aside from the wand-waving and record-breaking, the real magic of Harry Potter lies in its popularity.  The books have sold over 110 million copies around the world in dozens of languages, and people are simply going wild over them.  Kids line up in front of bookstores as early as 5 am, eagerly awaiting the release of the next book.  For most people, it’s a relief to see kids so eager to read; with television, the Internet, and video games, books have been forgotten – until recently.  “It’s easy to see why the books appeal to kids,” says senior Anne Foster-Keddie.  “They’re written in a simple style, so kids can understand them, and they are very imaginative."

 Although the books are geared toward children, countless teens and adults consider themselves avid fans.  With each passing year, the writing structure of the books becomes more advanced; subplots and two-faced characters emerge, keeping teen and adult readers on the edge of their seats.  Art teacher Ms. Churchill describes what makes Harry Potter so captivating: “Harry Potter – complete with ‘geeky glasses’- has universal appeal.  The ultimate hero, Harry brings the most fearsome foes to their knees.  Yet, at the same time, the invincible Potter is vulnerable, suffering greatly with the death of his parents.  These dual aspects of Harry’s character allow for a plot which is both touching to our humanity and magically inspirational as scene after scene conquers evil with good.”

Harry Potter is a normal person; that is the reason why so many people identify with him.  The fantastical conflict in the books is good versus evil, but another, more realistic conflict exists as well.  Like so many students, he learns to balance school, sports, and time with friends.  He struggles to keep his grades up and stay out of trouble, because an expulsion would result in the return to his unbearable relatives.  Sophomore Sylvia Garcia says, “The Harry Potter books are great because the characters are so real.  You almost feel like it’s you in the book instead of Harry.” 

The appeal of the books has also attracted negative attention.  Some religious and morally concerned adults consider Harry Potter to be from the Devil.  This subject has recently been publicized, bringing to the surface old issues that have never been solved.  “The Harry Potter books are making us think about society’s attitude toward new and different ideas,” says junior Trina Barrera.  “They’re also bringing up old conflicts, like literary censorship.” 

Even though the controversy, fans remain undaunted.  The fifth book, rumored to be named Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, will appear in bookstores sometime next year, and fans are already purchasing copies in advance.  “These books are so much fun to read,” says junior Marcela Hernandez.  “It’s a shame people judge them without reading them.”  So if you haven’t read Harry Potter yet, give it a shot.  Millions of people like the books, there’s a good chance you will too.

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