| Since the publication of the Harry Potter series in 1997, written by J.K. Rowling, anupsurge of Harry Potter has been set off throughout the world. The series has beentranslated into over sixty languages. Todate, the number of the sold books hasmounted to about three hundred million, which is regarded as a myth. Four filmsadopted from the first four books of the series by Warner Brothers also proved to begreat successes. The brilliant imagination brought people a relaxing entertainment.However, in academia, there are hot discussions about whether the series belongs tothe literature novels or popular fictions, whether it can last long or just ephemeral, etc.Therefore, in my paper, I would like to expound the possibilities of the classificationof the series as a popular fiction.My writing includes four chapters:The first chapter introduces not only the writer, J.K. Rowling, and the main plot ofthe Harry Potter series, but also the concept of popular fiction.The second chapter analyzes the popular fiction characters embodied in the series.The simplicity of the wording makes it easy and relaxed to be read. The characters areconsistent with clear value orientation. Rowling spends more time on the organizationof the plots and creates Harry to be a legendary hero. In this imaginary world, readerscan entertain themselves and escape from the cruel reality. Patternization is anotherremarkable feature of the series, both from the process of its publication and from theaspects of its plots and characters.The third chapter discusses the outstanding characteristics of the series, whichmake it possible to be a classic one in the numerous popular fictions. Firstly, the vividand detailed descriptions of the magic world make the series different from otherfantasy stories. Secondly, the stories are finely fabricated. They are attractive to bothadults and children. Every book can be regarded as an independent story, however, atthe same time, all of them are connected to each other and combine together to be awhole one. Thirdly, the series also has its ideological meaning. Besides the courageRowling especially emphasizes, the horror brought by Lord Voldemort is coincidentwith the terrorism in reality since the 9/11 attack. The series is bestowed withcontemporary meaning. Finally, the amazing influences it brought to the readers, thesocial economy, and the popular fiction undoubtedly help the Harry Potter series to be revalued as a classic in popular fiction.The last chapter is the conclusion, which summarizes briefly the situation of thestudies on Harry Potter series and the meaning of studying it. |
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