Abstract:
Many texts exist that dwell upon the origins and meanings of the Harry Potter phenomenon, termed so because of the continued publishing successes of the series. Most of J.K. Rowling's critics agree that the tremendous success of the books challenge traditional conceptions of children's literature, publishing, and for some the very definition of a "good" book. Of the hundreds of articles and books that approach this topic, a majority place the blame for the phenomenon on the public and social functions of novels, defined by Ronald Peacock as "the sense that literature enshrines a vast total of thought, feeling, and experience gathered through the centuries since literary creation began and which is available in a certain measure, partially rather than completely, to everyone" (14). This belief has spawned the creation of numerous books that discuss the mythological influences on J.K. Rowling's writing, such as Allan and Elizabeth Kronzek's The Sorcerer's Companion: a Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter. However, Peacock also describes "an individual, personal function" of literature that exists "because it can be selectively treated by individuals and assimilated to the process of their own though, sensibility, and spiritual character" (14). It is this function that interests me, and what I ultimately believe is the secret behind the Harry Potter phenomenon. To this effect, I have included in this project a short reading-response log. In this journal I have recorded my thoughts and responses to the Harry Potter books and the critical essays regarding them. The second part of the project includes an essay exploring my perspective on the success of the Harry Potter series. The last section of the project consists of two addenda. Appendix A is a list for further reading on the topic, while Appendix B includes copies of selected articles.
