JK Rowling Harry Potter The series has been questioned since its release for the decision to focus on a protagonist without truly exceptional magical abilities. Although Harry Potter is a wizard destined for Hogwarts, he is also just a normal 11 year old boy when the series begins. Thrown into a world of magic and chaos (through no choice of his own), young Harry has been forced to face new threats and a looming existential war with Voldemort since childhood. After HBO Harry Potter TV show airshopefully the negative opinions about the series will change.
Although Harry Potter remains incredibly popular, some audiences clearly wish Harry had some exceptional talents that would make him appear more balanced against the forces of the Dark Arts. Rowling could indeed have portrayed Harry as a child wizard prodigy, but instead, she chose to make him seem average or, at times, even exaggerated. This was an intentional choice by Rowling, because In fact, Harry shouldn’t be the most talented or the best wizard of his age. Despite being “the chosen one”, the point of Harry’s story is determination and heart, not skills or natural ability.
Harry Potter’s “talentless wizard” complaints ignore that Harry is supposed to be average
We’d have nothing to root for if Harry was a wizard prodigy
Most of the intrigue of Harry Potter universe comes from the tension built watching an inexperienced wizard work to defeat the most powerful dark wizard of all time. If Harry had an easy path ahead of him to defeat Lord Voldemort, then the books would be very predictable. The bets of the Harry Potter the books are so loud and intense because Harry is facing insurmountable challenges. Watching Harry hone his wizarding skills and even war strategies over the course of the series not only makes him a likable and relatable character, but reveals so much more about him than being superpowered ever could.
Harry was written to be an ordinary boy who was targeted by chance; That’s what makes him the “chosen”. Fate chose Harry to save the wizarding world and he is up to the challenge instead of crumbling under pressure (that’s expecting a lot from a child). Being an ordinary wizard and an underdog makes Harry’s heroism that much more impressive, because he has to use his bravery, heart, and courage to defeat Voldemort; all qualities more interesting to read than natural talent. The real chance of Harry losing this war makes us turn the pages.
Harry Potter works because its hero is chosen by chance
Fate chose Harry, but his choices made him a hero
Harry was targeted by Voldemort because of who his parents (members of the Order of the Phoenix) were, not because of who he was as a child. A prophecy foretold by Sybyll Trelawney and heard by Severus Snape predicted that a child would be the downfall of Voldemort, but there was actually no clear indication of who it would be until Harry survived the killing curse. Other children with parents in the Order could also have fulfilled the prophecynamely Neville Longbottom, but ultimately Voldemort chose him. Harry didn’t ask to be chosen, making his effort to win mean that much more.
Harry may have been “the chosen one,” but he is only a legendary hero because he chooses to be brave when he could easily run away.
Readers love Harry Potter so much because he has no supernatural or prodigal abilities, not despite that. Harry’s averageness is what makes him so impressive and admirable that he is even willing to dedicate his life to defeating Voldemort. Harry and his friends are not without fear throughout the series. In fact, children are often frightened by the odds against Voldemort, which makes them more sympathetic characters. Harry may have been “the chosen one”, but he is only a legendary hero because he chooses to be brave when he could easily run away.
Harry Potter’s story would be much less interesting if he was talented and special
The real magic is in Harry’s journey, not his gifts
Harry Potter is special (after all, he carries a seven-book series), but again, it’s because of what he overcomes throughout the books. Being orphaned as a child and abused by his adoptive family sets him up for a difficult life that is only made worse when the fate of the wizarding world is placed on his shoulders. His harrowing story and growth throughout the series make him exciting to root for because he is not confused by privileges or rights and instead shows his strength and determination. These qualities are relatable and give readers the feeling that they too are capable of greatness.
Perhaps the most powerful theme Harry Potter it is the power of choice; that our choices define us, not our inherited qualities. This message captured the hearts of millions of people, but only because Nothing indicated that Harry had a good chance against Voldemort and he did the right thing anyway. If Harry had been born with fantastic abilities, he wouldn’t need to rely on the importance of bravery, resilience, friendship, or hope, which are the defining qualities of this story. JK Rowling kept the Harry Potter interesting series by forcing Harry to achieve his victory, making it more rewarding.