From Rugby to Hogwarts

From Rugby to Hogwarts.

School novels: adult literature vs. children's literature

1. INTRODUCTION

With more than 116 million copies in print in 47 languages in 200 countries, the Harry Potter books have turned out to be the biggest phenomenon in publishing history. Put simply, the charismatic wizard boy has enchanted people all over the world, irrespective of age, gender, culture, and class. Indeed, although centring upon the adventures of a child protagonist, J.K. Rowling's novels have managed to equally capture the hearts of adults, enthralling them no less than the younger readers the books are first and foremost intended for.

In the face of these intriguing facts, one might raise questions as to the reasons for this resounding and unparalleled success. What exactly is it that renders these books so irresistible to readers of all ages? Is it the charming, virtuous hero? The sparkling humour? The fusion of the strangeness and ordinariness of reality within one presentation? The social and moral values underlying the narration? Or rather the combination of all these facets?

It is to these aspects, above all, that I dedicate my research paper.

Using the debut novel of the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, as a basis, I provide a portrait of the author (chapter 2) as well as a brief synopsis of the book (chapter 3.1.), before undertaking a rough formal analysis of the novel's structure, setting, narrative technique and stylistic features (chapter 3.2.). Chapters 3.3. and 3.4. focus on character drawing and themes, whereas chapter 3.5. is devoted to aspects of school and education. In chapter 3.6., I highlight basic characteristics of children's literature and adult literature as displayed in the book and examine the appeal of the novel to children and adults.

2. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The first story that I ever wrote down, when I was five or six, was about a rabbit called Rabbit. He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee. And ever since Rabbit and Miss Bee, I have wanted to be a writer, though I rarely told anyone so. I was afraid they'd tell me I didn't