Assignment 3-1

Harry Potter is a popular set of fantasy novels written by author J. K. Rowling. The stories are of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends as they overcome obstacles and battle the evil wizard Lord Voldemort whom is attempting to overpower the world. The conflict between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort is personal, as Lord Voldemort killed Harry’s parents. Harry is famous for being the only survivor of Lord Voldemort’s wrath. The stories of Harry Potter have led to movies, video games, and consumer products based on the novels.
Harry Potter has become vastly prevalent in culture. The main characters are young and in a magical school dealing with childhood issues, which appeals to the child population. The novel also has action and suspense which appeals to adults. There is a great following for fantasy novels and films. Even better, Harry Potter is a series that allows society to anticipate more to come of the story.
As with any item of mass popularity, Harry Potter has been open to controversy. The religious community was opposed the Harry Potter series believing that it promoted Witchcraft and Satanism. Where I understand long ago many individuals were persecuted for being involved or thought to be involved in witch craft, the times are very different. Films and books are inundated with storylines based on vampires, werewolves, and magic. Science fiction and fantasy are well-liked as entertainment in common culture. Immortality and possessing power to change things are attractive to individuals. It does not mean the individuals being entertained are aspiring or even being persuaded of becoming witches, wizards, or monsters. I believe the book would not have found as much attention from the religious community had it not been geared toward children. The controversy seems to have died down and the new movie “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” just released to theatres this week. I personally am looking forward to going to see the movie and get caught up in the magic tomorrow night.