Wednesday, August 29, 2007

So, if Harry Potter isn't Sophisticated...

...what is?

Some of you who read my blog know that occasionally I like to ask questions and collect responses. I'm in that sort of mood today.

When I was in Wisconsin last week, my sister-in-law told me that she found the Harry Potter books disappointing because they lack "sophistication". For some reason, I enjoy bickering about books with my friends, but not with my SIL. There's not much point in contradicting her, since "sophistication" is strictly subjective; not defined in my Abrams' Glossary of Literary Terms. I love my SIL, but she can be a little pretentious at times. I felt that, if we delved into this topic too far, it would bring out her less lovable side! However, I spent a lot of time thinking about this comment afterward.

So, in your opinion, what qualities make a story "sophisticated"?

7 comments:

~ L said...

Good question. I hate snobbishness, whether over looks, clothing, food or literature.

Get over yourselves already, snobs!

(You were wise to avoid taking the bait!)

I have been enjoying your blog. Not sure if I've said "hello" here or not. :)

Erin said...

So I began writing this comment as a list of things I think make writing sophisticated, but I can't do it.

I have to defend by beloved Harry Potter instead. So here are the reasons I think HP is sophisticated. If I got one reason I think the HP series is sophisticated it's because it shows every side of the human spirit. The characters include individuals that have done horrible things but are characterized as heroes, and villains that have the ability to be martyrs. You see everything from lust of power, to love, to family values, to a fight with self-loathing. The entire series redefines right and wrong, good and evil.

And I will now step off my soap box...

Anonymous said...

"Sophistication" is many things.

I think one element that makes a book "sophisticated" is the complexity of its' story-line.

I haven't read HP, but from what I understand J.K. Rowling has interwoven a complex tapestry of themes from one book to the next.

This is much the same talent that I think J.R.R. Tolkein did in creating the complex inter-relationships between humans, elves, orcs, & wizards in "Lord of the Rings", "The Hobbit", & "Silmarillion".

The creative spirit of humanity just amazes me sometimes.


-John

Maria said...

If you read all of her books, you see a theme emerging and also lots of tails sticking out that eventually get tucked in.

I find that incredible, that she was able to weave all those tails around and around and come out with a legible and true story.

Plus, the dialogue is incredible. You notice this right away if you read her books out loud.

My dictionary describes sophisticated as "world wise" and "complicated in design." I can think of no other words to more perfectly describe J.K. Rowling's books. I do think there is sort of an underground snob movement who likes to see themselves as just a little above Harry Potter. Purebloods, if you will....

Alice Kildaire said...

Well damn, remind me not to discuss literature with your sister-in-law, I've always been quite fascinated by the work of Dr. Seuss by myself :D

Katherine said...

I thought anyone with an English accent is sophisticated.

Erin said...

I change my mind - I agree with katherine! :D