Please address either one or both of the following prompts. Reply on a new thread, using “Blog Post #1 Response:” and your own title.
Wolfgang Iser argues in “The Reading Process” that “reading removes the subject-object division that constitutes all perception, [and so] it follows that the reader will be ‘occupied’ by the thoughts of the author […] Text and reader no longer confront each other as object and subject, but instead the ‘division’ takes place within the reader himself” (67). How might you apply this insight to the first two Harry Potter books? Reflect on the way your own experiences may alter the way you read, what interests you, and how you either identify with or fail to identify with various characters in the series. Consider how someone with a different perspective, and therefore, a different perception, may read these works differently.
Wolfgang Iser argues in “The Reading Process” that “expectations are scarcely ever fulfilled in truly literary texts” (53) because the text continually modifies our expectations about what is to come. Consider how this applies in different ways to the first two Harry Potter books. What expectations are raised? Why? What expectations are and aren’t fulfilled? Why? What is important about the choice to raise an expectation and then fail to fulfill it?
Blog Prompt #1- Expectations within the first two Harry Potter novels
ReplyDeleteThe first two Harry Potter novels give the reader many hopes and desired expectations througout the chapters. Begining with the first novel, Harry is described as a "beaten", underappreciated child who has been delt an unfair hand at life. As a reader, one would expect Harry to somehow defeat his enemies and triumph over those who have done him wrong. Although Harry does not literally defeat his foes, a twist within the plot enables him to esape to another world and chose his own destiny.
As you read on within the Harry Potter series, various key points of information are leaked out. This has a profound effect on the readers expectations, continuously changing what the reader expects. An example of this would be the reveal that although Harry "defeated" Voltamort in the first book, he will be reappearing in forms unrecognizable to Harry in the second book. This takes the reader off guard and changes the possible outcomes the reader may have fabricated.
As the author sets the stage wihin the books, she raises expectations for the reader and tends to "fail" to fulfill them. This may be to make the reader think about the "leaked" information given previously within the chapters and set up an alternative solution to the problems. Another reason may be that the expectation is not fulfilled now, but throughout the series, the plot will increase in complexity and the expectation will be fulfilled later within the series.
Expectation in Harry Potter
ReplyDeleteIn rereading the earlier books after completing the series, you as the reader come to realize that Rowling sets up many expectations and later (sometimes several books later) dashes those expectations. For example, in The Sorcerer’s Stone the reader expects Snape to be the villain, but in fact it ends up being the seemingly feeble Professor Quirrel. Even more unexpected is that Harry must confront Voldemort at the end of the first novel, which when I first read through the series was not expecting until a later book. Who would expect an author to have an eleven-year-old confront the most powerful and darkest wizard of all time? Even if he was in a weakened state.
Another failed expectation occurred through the discovery of Tom Riddle’s true identity. Very little pointed to this studious prefect being Voldemort. Rowling even threw her audience for another loop but suggesting that the lovable Hagrid might in fact have released a monster that killed a student, but luckily that proved to be false. Rowling sets up her novels in true mystery novel style and ends each book with a fantastic twist; in fact the series itself is a succession of twists and turns and expectations that are built up only to be proven wrong.
These twists give rereading the series an added bit of fun surprisingly. Typically when you read a mystery it loses its appeal after the first read since the surprise is gone. Rowling’s lovable characters and terrific plot make for great rereads though. Furthermore, unlike many mysteries, the plot twists make the novels fun to reread as you can go back and the novels will be somewhat different with your more informed perspective. For example, in Sorcerer’s Stone it becomes especially hilarious that Fred and George hit the back of Quirrel’s turban with snowballs now that you know that’s actually covering Voldemort’s face. Also, the presence of Scabbers in the early books becomes sinister and somewhat creepy knowing that Ron’s pet is in fact the man who betrayed Harry’s parents.
There are several expectations throughout the Harry Potter series that create the interesting elements of the plot. The reader is led to believe that Harry is the savior for the wizarding world, and even though the failed expectations are discussed there are so many more triumphs that Harry has than failures. He somehow always ends up on top after the struggle to meet expectations. The entire series is based upon a expectations. It is expected that Harry is the only wizard to be able to rid the world of Voldemort. Therefore, any failures that Harry takes part in, they are minimal compared to the task of ridding the world of the evil that Voldemort brings.
ReplyDeleteBlog Post 1: Expectations
ReplyDeleteBefore starting the Harry Potter series I had somewhat high expectations for the material. My older brother was addicted to the series as well as several of my friends, and I knew it couldn't be that bad with all the hype it gets around the world. I had also seen the first movie which was enjoyable, so I had an idea of what I was getting myself into.
My expectations were fulfilled after reading the first two books. I always enjoy a book over a film because you can fit more detail into a book and it allows the reader to create their own interpretation of the world their reading about in their head. And is the case with the Harry Potter series.
There are a couple expectations I will note that are raised in the Harry Potter series. It is seen that their is some bad blood between Gryffindor and Slytherin. This is also seen with Harry and Draco Malfoy. I expect that these factions will feud throughout the series and it will get more intense as the series continues. So as of now this expectation is unfulfilled because nothing too serious has resulted except for small arguments. The other expectation is that Harry will ultimately have to face and defeat Voldemort. It seems as if he is destined to do this from when they first meet, and to avenge his parents. I am sure this expectation will continue until late in the series to resolve the ultimate theme of good vs. evil, but will Harry prevail?
-Alex Fosco