When analyzing literature, it is essential to understand the material from all the perspectives in order to get the intended information. There are several methods and techniques such as the critical analysis of the material and reading analytical reviews on the content. In addition, Mallon and Kirsch argue that there exists a relationship between authors and their writings and therefore, an understanding of the authors’ background can influence the perspective, views and opinion of the readers (1). In the same way, authors can use their writings to influence their personal life and the world they live in. By examining the life of the author JK Rowling and her famous Harry Potter books, this paper explores the influence of her personal life …show more content…
The initials J. K stand for Joanne and Kathleen with Kathleen being adopted during the publishing of her first book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Her father was Peter James Rowling, an aircraft engineer at Rolls Royce while her mother, Anne, was a science technician at Wyedean Comprehensive where she worked in the chemistry department. Besides the influence of her parents, JK Rowling had a sister Dianne, who was born when she was 23 months old and served as her friend and audience for the fantasy stories Rowling wrote …show more content…
Rowling’s style of writing is what makes readers cling to the book up to the end, regardless of whether one is a child ( the intended audience) or one is an adult (Smith). First, the plot is very witty, creative and dramatic. While much detail is given in the first book, the suspense created through plot twists was enough to make readers crave for the second book and consequently all the books in the series (The Scotsman). Moreover, the plot is such that, questions left in the first book, “Harry Potter and the philosopher’s stone” are answered in the last book “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”. For instance, it’s only at the end of the last book we realize that, while all along we knew Harry’s scar is just a symbol of her mother’s love and sacrifice, it was also a Horcrux of Voldemort. And more surprising is the paradox that for Voldemort to die, Harry had to die! No wonder it took Rowling 5 years to map out the
In our contemporary civilization, it is evident that different people have somewhat different personalities and that novels behold essential and key roles in our daily lives; they shape and influence our world in numerous ways via the themes and messages expressed by the authors. It is so, due to the different likes of our population, that we find numerous types and genres of books on our bookshelves, each possessing its own audience of readers and fans. In this compare and contrast essay, we will be analysing and comparing two novels, The Chrysalids and Animal Farm, and demonstrating how both books target the general audience and not one specific age group or audience of readers. We will be shedding light at the themes and messages conveyed to us in both books, the point of view and the style of writing of the authors as well as the plot and the format used by the authors, in order to demonstrate how both books are targeting the general audience.
Since the emergence of literature, thousands upon thousands of characters have graced our imaginations. From trouble maker Bart Simpson of the celebrated cartoon television series The Simpsons to Mr. Darcy of Jane Austen’s renowned novel Pride and Prejudice, the world has witnessed a plethora of characters in literature. Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner, and Billy Collins, distinguished American poet, as well as countless other authors, share the utilization of characters in their literary works. The manner in which these authors use the literary element of characters varies immensely.
Books that have literary merit tend to engage the reader with a conversation to the author in deep analysis with the use of juxtaposition, varying syntax, and a hidden deeper meaning within the literature. In Charlotte Bronte’s novel, Jane Eyre, it established its own literary merit by the books complexity, use of motifs, and the situations the readers can identify to. Rick Riordan’s novel, Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief, is a complex novel that teenagers can relate to, but it does not have the qualities of merit that Jane Eyre does. Jane Eyre stands the test of time because of its complexity, but it is not likely for Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief to gain merit
Literature is an outlet for imagination without restrictions, a platform for expression, and a form of art that outlives its author. Most importantly, it can be a way to help one truly discover themselves. As audiences are exposed to more literature throughout their lives, they not only learn about their true potential, but are also made aware of their flaws and faults in character. Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird and Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton are both remarkable characters, but from various events that reveal their shortcomings, the audience receives the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. By appreciating literature, one not only receives a wonderful story, but is also given the chance to grow with the characters and learn lessons from the character’s experiences.
The Harry Potter book series has sold over 450 million copies and has been translated into almost every language on the face of the earth (“Harry Potter”). Millions have faithfully followed the story about this magical world and have fallen in love with the many enchanting characters. What most readers do not recognize is the prominence that classical Greek/Roman mythological allusions play in the beloved Harry Potter roles through their names and personality attributes. The importance of names is extremely significant to a person’s identity, especially in literature where words are meant to bring stories to life. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, continues this concept through her characters by linking their names to classical
“In my estimation a good book first must contain little or no trace of the author unless the author himself is a character. That is, when I read the book I should not feel that someone is telling me the story but t...
The logical appeal of this paper is showing of how Radcliffe’s displays his feelings of being Harry and idolized as such by his fans. Radcliffe is Asked in an interview “How do you feel about becoming famous?” he replied with “It’d be cool!” demonstrating that in his early childhood he was very open to this idea. These quotes tell of how a young boy demonstrates how a change in life would be, he had no clue of how his life would change just by these movies. Daniel tells how he feels, “I’m more nervous about the anticipation about feeling bad,” telling the interviewer that he worries about those letting the fans down and not signing all their memorabilia. This quote shows that he likes to make people happy. When he cannot accommodate his fan base do so he is left in sadness. Susan Dominus notes that Daniel deserves to receive the golden ticket he earned at age ten, He will not squander his fame on little things when he has the ability to be a major role model. He does not want to hurt his fans feelings but he cannot be at places fo...
The work of C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling is of grave vital on the grounds that their work portrays actuality as well as adds to it. Yes, their work is not just a portrayal of actuality; it is somewhat a quality expansion. Their meeting expectations are depictions of the reasoning examples and social standards pervasive commonly. They are a delineation of the diverse features of regular man's existence. Their works serves as a something worth mulling over and a tonic for creative energy and innovativeness. Lying open a single person to great artistic lives up to expectations, is proportional to giving him/her the finest of instructive chances.
... to assimilate the concept, argue and this widens our horizons and we try to broom rationalistic and humanistic in nature. When we go on reading books like that we come to know various situations which we may not be experiencing now, but later we can utilize this to handle the situation in a matured way when we actually face it. In today’s fast- paced world, reading has taken aback as modern gadgets and gizmos have made their grand foray in our life. The importance of literature has been overshadowed by media influence. Books are replaced by digital gadgets. But the importance of reading should not be abandoned. Reading novels, magazines and literary work give us a broader prospective of viewing things, improves skills, instills knowledge and makes us aware of various different facets of life. It lays a foundation of an enriched life and adds ‘life’ to the living.
In recent history a cultural phenomenon has occurred. With the rise of Harry Potter, this nation's youth have displayed a “mania” that has not been seen in reference to books for a long time. For example, Barns & Noble America's largest bookseller has recently declared that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be their “largest seller in the history of the entire company” (Mangan). In light of this rise to fame one should note that Harry Potter can and will impact modern culture.
The first Harry Potter book came out in 1997, and no one at the time could imagine that in the 10 years that followed, it would become the most read children’s book and a $6.4 billion worth film franchise. The aim of this essay is to try to explain the reason for the popularity of the Harry Potter books. The aim is also to show the changes that the series caused, how they influenced the people who read them, how they had an impact on literacy and overall, on British popular culture. In the first part of the essay I will briefly explain the beginning of the Harry Potter phenomenon and its growing popularity in the countries all over the world. In the second part I will deal with the character of Harry, explaining why he has such an appeal to the readers and how come people identify with him. In the third part, I will explain the impact Harry Potter books have on society, how they influence young adults and children. The fourth part will deal with the controversies about Harry Potter, the views and thoughts of religious people who see Harry Potter as a book that should be banned. In the fifth part, I will mention the difference the phenomenon caused when it comes to the book business and the film industry of Britain.
Literature plays an important role as a part of the cultural heritage. Thus, literature is the soul of our civilization, the center of our religion, and the machine we can travel back in the time of our old civilizations. In addition, literary works are able to take the readers beyond the limited experiences of readers’ lives. They show the lives of others. The literary works covey the social, political, and cultural backgrounds of the time when the stories or novels were written. The author of the book, “The Death of the Author,” Roland Barthes expresses that authors are always the agents of their times. According to the statement conducted by Roland, to get the fully understanding of the text, he recommends
Ever since I was a child, I've never liked reading. Every time I was told to read, I would just sleep or do something else instead. In "A Love Affair with Books" by Bernadete Piassa tells a story about her passion for reading books. Piassa demonstrates how reading books has influenced her life. Reading her story has given me a different perspective on books. It has showed me that not only are they words written on paper, they are also feelings and expressions.
One of the most read series in all literature is Harry Potter. The seven-book succession has sold over 400 million copies and has been translated into over sixty languages. What is it that makes this series so wildly famous? What is it about the boy who lived that makes frenzied readers flock to their local bookstore at midnight on the day of the release to buy the latest installment? How is a story set in a world that doesn’t exist about wizards, witches, magic, and mystical creatures so popular? The series has been able to earn its spot on the New York Times Bestseller list and has granted author J.K. Rowling multiple awards because it is relatable. It is not the setting or the events in the plot of the story that we relate to. We relate to what Harry, his friends, mentors, teachers, caretakers, and even enemies feel. Harry is in a lot of ways exactly like us. He represents some of the good characteristics that all of us have as well as the bad. The series as a whole, is about one thing that is stressed over and over again in the novels, love. The Harry Potter series is one of the most read sequences of novels because the central theme is love and self-sacrifice, and readers are looking for a novel that shows them just that.
Literature is an essential part of society in the present day and enables the communication between multiple parties in a written form. Texts can provide a vast knowledge on subjects dependent on content whereas novels are often seen as being purely for leisure and enjoyment. However it can often be seen that prose