Almost three decades ago, J.K. Rowling introduced us to the magical world of Hogwarts through Harry Potter. Then came the movies that were nothing short of a wonderland for 80s and 90s kids. It remains a bestseller for many reasons, but especially because kids relate to it, and this is what the author had to say about it.
JK Rowling on Harry Potter’s audience
In an interview with EToys, J.K. Rowling was asked why so many people like her works and what makes them so alluring, to which she said:
“It’s very hard to think about my work in those terms, because I really wrote it entirely for myself; it is my sense of humor in the books, not what I think children will find funny, and I suppose that would explain some of the appeal to adults. On the other hand, I think that I have very vivid memories of how it felt to be Harry’s age, and children seem to identify strongly with Harry and his friends.”
What makes the world of Harry Potter so enchanting is how it walks people through loss and gains and everything in between. There are things, creatures even, that would terrify the audience; however, they also fill us with wonder.
The curiosity and the fantasy, when blended, make for the perfect sauce, in this case, Harry Potter. It is also the friendships, old and new, and redefined tropes that make the series stand out in many aspects.
For children who grew up reading and watching Harry Potter, the story starts with Harry being mistreated. The entire concept of an outcast kid finding his tribe and his chosen family is endearing. The eponymous hero lives his early years in torment.
With Dursleys, he is met with scorn and disdain, but with Weasleys, he finds family, love, togetherness, and belonging. The books also invoke a sense of community, a shared belief, and a need to stand up against all wrongs.
Precisely why JK Rowling’s books aren’t merely reflective of fantasy and magic, but also a social message: “ Happiness and hope can be found even in the darkest of places, if only one remembers to turn on the light.”
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