Seeking: an explanation as to WHY Harry Potter is so popular

During our last few zoom discussions about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K Rowling, we have attempted to determine why this novel, and this series, are so widely read and loved. As it turns out, this is a tough question to answer, since Harry Potter pervades not only the literature world, but the pop culture world as well. At times it seems like the only way to answer the question “Why is Harry Potter so popular?” is “It just is!” However, in this blogpost I want to pinpoint some features of the novel that do draw in such a massive crowd of readers. I believe that the widespread adoration of Harry Potter comes from the fact that there is no strict target audience, it features an underdog hero journey’s, and it is escapist.

First, part of the appeal of Harry Potter is that it appeals to all age groups– there are characters for everyone to see themselves in. For the purposes of this class, we have examined it with an audience of children in mind, but any small analysis of the fandom will tell you that Harry Potter is not just for kids. Of course, any child reading the book (present- day or when it was first released) can easily see themselves as being or befriending Harry, Ron, or Hermione. But the significance of the adults in the novel mustn't be overlooked. Hagrid, Professor McGonnogal, and Dumbledore fulfill the roles of protector, mentor, and instructor. Adult readers of the novel may see themselves in one of these roles in real life. When readers see themselves in a character, it propels them forward because there are many lessons to be learned from these characters.

The hero’s journey is a common plot in literature, and it is made all the more appealing with Harry’s humble beginnings on Privet Drive. Harry’s hero journey begins as he departs from the muggle world after Hagrid visits him and informs him that he is a wizard. Upon being dropped off at King’s Cross Station– “‘Have a good term,’ said Uncle Vernon with an even nastier smile. He left without another word. Harry turned and saw the Dursleys drive away” (Rowling, 91). Once at Hogwards, Harry faces many trials and challenges, eventually coming face-to-face with Voldemort. But, Harry defeats him and returns to Hogwarts, winning the house cup for Gryffindor. Of course, describing the entire analysis of Harry Potter as a hero’s journey would take a lot more space than I have, so that’s the most basic framework.

Lastly, the escapist nature of the novel draws readers in. It allows readers to escape from the mundane, often troublesome, nature of our lives. We can enter a world of magic where “there were shops selling robes, shops selling telescopes and strange silver instruments Harry had never seen before, windows stacked with barrels of bat spleens and eels’ eyes, tottering piles of spell books…” (72). Readers indulge in this world because there is so much to discover. We know the secrets, tips, and tricks of navigating the human world. But, as readers, we get to follow side-by-side with Harry as he navigates through the wizarding world for the first time.