How are the Harry Potter books aprecciated as literary works?

Question

I mean they have to have something more than a good story line and the facsinating world that it is. Can they be considered as good (or serious) literature?

Answer 1

I think they are similar to the "Chronicles of Narnia", "Eragon" or even "Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn". People of all ages enjoy them but they tend to be much more memorable and popular amongst the younger age groups. Not that I'm saying they are only for "children" but they are written for younger readers and don't have the difficulty of something like "Lord of the Rings" or even classics like "Pride and Prejudice","Withering Heights" or "Canterbury Tales"

It doesn't mean that they shouldn't be considered "serious" literature, just that they are not in the same genre or written at the same level of difficulty as some other books.

Answer 2

Personally, I believe that ANY book that gets kids to read is a treasure in some sense. It riles me, there are groups that want to ban the Potter series as well as a host of others.

However, the overall consensus between three of the English Docs I know is "No. The Potter series is fun, imaginary, but hardly 'Great Literature.' "

It obviously takes much more than a cursory comparison between what is considered classic fantasy and this series.

But, alas and again personally, I found all the books rambling -- progressively through the series, much too long. It hasn't stopped me from "caring" for the characters -- I do hope Rowling does not kill off Harry, Hermione, or Ron in the final installment. Sometimes, you just NEED a happy ending.
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Answer 3

I think they can. Afterall, how different are they from The Lord of the Rings, obviously one of the greatest literary works ever? They both have magic and magical creatures. They both have an unlikely hero battling against a much stronger evil character. They both have a group of friends to help the hero in his quest (the fellowship of the ring and the order of the phoenix). I know that JK Rowling is not Tolkien, but I think to dismiss the Harry Potter books because they are full of magic and kind of written for children is wrong.

Answer 4

YES, because not only has JK Rowling shown the magical world, but she has also shown the ups and downs, emotions n tensions in a teenager's life. There is happiness, sadness, excitement, anger, sympathy, and so much intelligence that is woven into the story. It's a roller coaster ride with all this, plus the added benefit of an exciting storyline.
That's why it has got the world hooked!

Answer 5

Serious literature? No. Good literature? In my opinion yes.

That depends on your expectations on literature. Of course Rowlings is not exactly Shakespeare. But she didn't need to. She just wrote books that end up been incredibly entertain to read.

I have literally devour her previous six books, not because they are wonderfully written.....but just because they were really interesting and fun to read.

If you think literature is about having a great time with a book in your hands...then yes, it is a good book. If you think literature is only about books that goes deep into the meaning of life...then probably this is what you call "a commercial book".