by Lauren Hovis

Created on: August 17, 2010

A picture is worth a thousand words.  So too is a novel.  The incredible and unreal in the name of fantasy require substance beyond all measures.  The written word holds high expectations in any genre.  However, in such a format as fantasy, expectations are at a nearly impossible level.  Description must be exceptionally rich for every character, setting, and sequence.  Every scene in each chapter must be sound.  In other words, fantastic writing must be treated as though it were to remain written and not devoured by directors and producers for film.  The Harry Potter series is unique.  I own the first novel and movie in the set, so I can only speak to this regard.  A reasonable argument can be made for both, so in the following I will weigh both sides.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in book format is so fantastic, any reader might wonder how such thoughts could arise and be comprehended in one very real mind.  Yet, J.K. Rowling made these thoughts make sense and entertain at the same time.  The book format introduces every character in a reasonable fashion.  Therefore, their development is appropriate.  For example, Harry Potter's entrance is somewhat delayed within Chapter 1 so that the infamous Dursley family can be explained to the reader.  Harry Potter grows in age and in this time, the reader sympathizes with his experiences so that by the time he reaches present age, the plot he enters into throughout the remainder of the story will not be a surprise.  All crucial characters fall in line because of this organized format.  Plot development, too, unwinds in a reasonable fashion.  The discovery of Harry Potter's magical capabilities is discussed early on and his preparation for Hogwarts, actual training, and sequenced experiences while a student, then, is appropriately played out.  A detailed account of character and plot development is critical to fully understanding the rationale behind the author's thought process.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in book format is so organized in development that descriptions of all settings and overall tone are naturally rich.  Prior to the movie version, an active imagination sufficed as the descriptions were clear and vivid.  So too were the details of action sequences nearing the end of the novel.  As a reader, I sat on the edge of my seat in seeing intense action

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>