Harry potter


Honestly, I just used this week as a chance to reread the first Harry Potter book. It’s been well over 9 years since I’ve done this and the book has obviously stood the test of time for both me the millions of fans of the story. I think it managed to strike a cord with the children of the 90’s not just because of story, but of the decade it was written in. We attached ourselves to these characters that held a sort of folk tale/ magical feel mixed with children of modern times. We grew up with these characters and as the books went on they grew as well. This kind of modern magic captured our imaginations through means of escape for the monotony of everyday life, with the surreal whimsy of Hogwarts all while hiding more adult tones that kids would only pick up on years later. Even with the first book being very lighthearted it finds ways to slip more mature aspects into its world like that of a harder home life. This most prominent with Harry’s living situation and the mistreatment he gets from his Aunt and Uncle. The awkward transition of puberty found in its three main characters. This gets strengthened as the books go on with their relationships; best example is Ron and Hermione, or Harry’s love interests. Finally loss of loved ones and how Harry is able to cope with this through the support of his friends. These factors gave it the longevity the series holds today, and in many ways the genre as a whole continues to utilize these mature and childish traits that will make it extremely popular for years to come.


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