Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Harry Potter, is that you?
Nobody Owens from "The Graveyard" reminds me of Harry Potter's character — so much so, it's a little scary. Both boys are the only ones in their family to survive after an evil man kills them. They are both well-known in their respective "magical worlds," whether it be the non-muggle realm or a graveyard. Nobody is known for being the living boy, whereas Harry's known for being the chosen one. Throughout their stories, they get into trouble along the way, but they have guardians and friends who help them. They both seem pure at heart, as Nobody shows when he helps children with the bullies and tries to get the witch a headstone. And those similarities are just scratching the surface.
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Now that you mention it, yes I see a lot of similarities. Remember, that even before Harry was the chosen one, he was "the boy that lived." Very similar to the living boy, even though it comes from a different context with one meaning he survived, and the other meaning he's alive in the world of the dead. I found that after Harry Potter first came out, a lot of stories with similar themes came out. It's a popular plot really. Charley Bone is an example of those Harry Potter wannabees. I wonder if it is hard to escape that kind of plot since it has become so popular, intentionally or not.
ReplyDeleteI defiantly got a Harry Potter vibe when Bod was going to save Scarlet on his own not waiting for his guardian. He had the brave Harry Potter I have to act now on my own to save the day attitude. Plus the snaky sleer reminded me of the whole Slythrine theme.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of what you're seeing is common in many coming-of-age stories. The Graveyard Book is Gaiman's send up to Kipling's The Jungle Book, and like Mowgli (and Harry Potter), Bod is raised by creatures outside of what would have been his normal society and must, eventually find his own way into that society.
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