April 30, 2003

Why So Hard on Harry Potter
Danny

I am the first to openly declare that Harry Potter is not the sweeping masterpiece that Lord of the Rings or Silmarillion are, but I think that it is rather aarogant snobbery to denounce it as absolutely useless. It is a different writing style, about a different world, in a very different time. Sure it is light hearted, and writes in a way for kids to enjoy, but I do not think it is fair for anybody to say that a fan of Harry Potter has no business on this site. I too noticed the similarities between the dementors and wraiths, and the spiders etc, but there are lots and lots of differences. You would be hard pressed to find any fantasy novels that post-date Tolkien that don't have a few ideas that relate similarities. That is what you expect when you consider an author the father of modern fantasy, as many do Tolkien. Things that come after evolve from what the father passed them. For those who worry that Harry Potter is stealing the show from Lord of the Rings, I say that is nonsense. If I compliment one of my friends, that does not in any way mean I don't regard my other friends highly. Actually, I think that Harry Potter may help bridge the gap for many people who would otherwise be 'too cool' for fantasy literature. It certainly can't hurt Lord of the Rings if other fantasy literature becomes popular. I have yet heard anybody who likes Harry Potter tell me they don't like Lord of the Rings. As an artist, and occasional writer myself, I find virtually all fantasy literature I have found enjoyable, and in some way instructional. I will always hold Tolkien above the rest as it deserves, but I also acknowledge other author's for their ability to craft a story. JK Rowling is a good story teller. It is one thing to admire Tolkien and acknowledge him as the best writer of fiction ever (at leat as I see it) and another entirely to stick up your nose at other fantasy literature as garbage because it doesn't compare to Tolkien. If you ask me, the success of Harry Potter is a compliment to Tolkien. His work laid the foundation, and inspired those who came after him. Robert Jordam, Orson Scott Card, Terry Brooks, JK Rowling, and a myriad of other authors' successes all pay tribute to Tolkien in my mind. So rather than stick up our noses at others who explore the world Tolkien opened, let us appreciate their contributions and their imaginations.