Week Ten, Fiction of Ideas

Fantasy is a very wonderful way that many stories show or teach young adults to navigate life by showing fantastical characters in somewhat similar situations, but with that magical twist. This is most definitely seen in "Harry Potter," where the main characters (Harry, Hermione and Ron) are not only faced with intense magical challenges that test their abilities, but also the challenges of growing up and making their own decisions. The characters have to figure out what is right and wrong, where their morals lie and how to keep up their beliefs. In the first book, they are still young and unsure of what they want in life. I think many people of this age can relate, as most are not really sure what they want, and how to get something they may be passionate about. Through the story, they find themselves in tough situations which in this case can contain fighting with magic powers, but in a sense this can represents young adults and their struggle to figure out how to make better decisions and be brave, to stand up for themselves. I think especially that each character in this series is very unique in their own struggles that many can relate to. Harry has been far removed, and is mocked or glorified, tries to figure out how he should act. Ron is very clumsy and comes from a poorer family so he gets made fun of, but is still such a brave character. Lastly, Hermione is very smart but feels she still isn't always good enough or has struggles in finding how to be herself and be as good as she can be. All these are struggles many young adults go through, and I think that's why this is a great series to read.


Finally, one can note that over each book, the story gets darker and darker, with more grim challenges, showing a maturity in characters as they age, just like readers may realize their adult responsibilities as they get older and face more difficult struggles.