Every Harry Potter reader would have wished if J. K. Rowling could continue writing the thrilling series. Since its inception, the book series has been well received by the authors. Through the creation of this little magic, J. K. Rowling has found a place in the hearts of millions along with her hero, Harry. It is intriguing to find out what makes Harry Potter popular. Is it simply because the books come under the genre of 'detective fiction'?
English literature abounds with detective fictional books such as Batman, Superman, Hardy Boys etc. Moreover, Sherlock Holmes series also come under this genre. Within the category of detective fictions, Harry Potter consists of the elements of 'the whodunit' and 'the thriller', in the sense that it brings about new adventures and risks in the course of the action.
Each book in the Harry Potter series begins with a particular mystery and ends with the revolution of it, brought about by Harry and his friends. Each book is the continuation of the previous one, so one is compelled to read the whole series to enjoy the book. The author uses the story - telling formula, which resembles the Batsman or superman series. For many critics, Harry Potter is a suspense novel. A suspense novel is the one in which the reader is puzzled as much about the future as about the past. Here the reader is interested not only by what happened but also by what will happen next. Yet, the reader, who is familiar with the convention of the detective fiction, know that in the end the hero will be victorious. In the sense, one of the demerits of detective fiction is also the necessity of "the immunity of the hero" to death, for the continuation of the series.
But, Harry Potter series is in contrary with the above mentioned phenomenon of detective fictions. The sharp wit and wisdom of J. K. Rowling in the plot creation is so as to maintain the suspense throughout the series and one at a point, the reader is doubtful whether Harry and his friends will win or lose. The plot construction in each series is also excellent that it leads the reader, prepares the reader, progressively for a final battle between Harry and Voldemort and there along with the characters, the reader is also aligned in each sides or poles in accordance with their moral preferences and social vision. When Harry and his friends move closer to arch their enemy, Voldemort, they pass through a near death experience. The author doesn't assure the safety of investigators. Thus the books exemplify the characteristics of the thriller and whodunit.
The significance of the books lie in representing the critique of the binaries such as good/evil. The final battle between Harry and Voldemort designates the battles between good and evil. The investigators who seek the truth work in opposition to their evil antagonistics. Thus Harry and his friends are in the side of good egalitarian forces, who make battle cry against evil enemies. The suspense that the author maintains till the end can be interpreted as the doubts of the humanity about the real world, where good and evil are in ceaseless battles. With regard to this aspect, the adventures of Harry and his friends are not merely school children's escapedes, but evokes the ongoing crusade between good and evil. The story stresses on the concept of "destiny" and "heroic mission" of the hero, who has social commitment to set a right society by uprooting the evil from all spheres. Harry the hero, is ready to sacrifice his life on this great enterprise. J. K. Rowling is commendable, because she has conferred "knighthood mannerism" to Harry, which is an indication of the romantic novels.
One might be astounded on seeing how the "puzzling ability" of the author, stressed by the Freudian psychology comes out true in the Harry Potter series. The optimism of the novelist that the goodness will come out victorious over evil in the long run, gives a pleasurable ending to the reader and a sense of solace to him or her.
The books in the ever memorable series are:
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Lets wait for the future wonders of J. K. Rowling. Let the success story continues...
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