Ellington

Remember the days before Harry Potter? Although it may seem like forever, the world of Harry Potter has only been a part of American consciousness for about nine years. Before star-studded movie premiers, piles of Potter merchandise and even Potter rock bands, there were plenty of popular fantasy series.

Now, as we look forward to the premier of the first installment of the seventh and final movie, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” it’s time to look back and ask why this series has become such an important and culture-altering part of our generation. Why has this bespectacled boy in particular cast such a wide spell?

Like many others of our generation, Appy Ayyagari, a UW senior, grew up with J.K Rowling’s enthralling cast of characters.

“I was 9 or 10 when I read the first book and was almost the same age as Harry and the other main characters as the books were released,” Ayyagari said.

Unlike future readers, our generation is the only one that had to wait, however eagerly, for each book to come out. Because of this, we’ll have a special, unique experience with this series.

Ayyagari said the Harry Potter series was so attractive because “it was realistic and fantasy at the same time. It provided a world to escape to.”

Young readers are able to relate to the fictional characters. Even in the world of Harry Potter, there are many of the same things that exist in ordinary, non-magical life: the same uncertainties and mistakes, mentors, villains and, of course, teenage angst. Ayyagari said she has read each of the books “probably 10 or 15 times.”

Undeniably, Harry Potter has crept into pop culture more than any fictional character before. While it’s true that some people hate Harry Potter — we can’t forget the preachers denouncing the series for promoting witchcraft and the occult — for the most part, members of our generation look back fondly on this young wizard and his motley band of friends. Fads are usually unexplainable and unrepeatable, but Harry Potter has proved its staying power. Why?

Instead of seeing the books as simply a battle of good against evil — because that isn’t Rowling’s most powerful story — look at the books as an explanation of Harry’s strength and Voldemort’s weakness.

This series deals with much more than universal themes and politics. The relationships built throughout the books — between characters and readers alike — are the focal point for its popularity. It all comes down to community, the strength attributed to friendship and the ability to love. Instead of the cliche-ridden novels that seem to come to the forefront of young-adult fiction, the Harry Potter series is full of the strong, relevant relationships that everyone craves but that are sometimes difficult to actually partake in. These relationships appeal to children and adults, and that is why the series has made such a deep impression on so many readers.