I counter the claim JK Rowling stole Harry Potter, & Bots attack the channel

Summary

This video critiques the Harry Potter series by highlighting its similarities to existing myths and stories, questioning the originality and depth of J.K. Rowling's writing. It explores common tropes such as the orphaned hero, the wise teacher, and the antagonist, drawing comparisons with other fantasy works like 'The Worst Witch' and 'The Sword in the Stone.' The narrator argues that Rowling's success stems from her ability to tap into universal cultural desires, but claims her writing lacks true creativity and fails to challenge deeper themes. The video also touches on Rowling’s public statements about her writing and the impact of fandom.

Takeaways

• 😀 JK Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series is critiqued for being derivative of existing stories, archetypes, and myths from various cultures.
• 😀 The concept of magical schools and orphans destined for greatness has been explored in literature long before 'Harry Potter', making it not entirely original.
• 😀 The protagonist of 'Harry Potter' shares similarities with characters in other works, such as the 'The Worst Witch' and 'The Sword in the Stone'.
• 😀 The appeal of 'Harry Potter' lies in its ability to tap into universal human experiences, such as the desire for magic, adventure, and self-discovery.
• 😀 The critique points out that Rowling’s work does not ask challenging questions or explore complex themes, even though it appears to comment on social issues.
• 😀 Critics argue that Rowling's narrative relies heavily on familiar tropes without offering new insights, making her books more commercially successful than critically acclaimed.
• 😀 The Death Eaters in 'Harry Potter' are criticized for being a superficial depiction of evil, not providing a deeper exploration of their motivations or ideology.
• 😀 There’s a discussion about the lack of originality in modern media, citing recent 'Star Wars' iterations as an example of works tailored too much for audience appeal.
• 😀 The importance of writing for personal passion and not just for external validation is emphasized, using Rowling's initial approach to 'Harry Potter' as an example.
• 😀 The final takeaway critiques the notion that success equates to greatness in storytelling, pointing out that Rowling's popularity does not necessarily reflect the depth of her work.

Q & A

What is the main criticism of J.K. Rowling's *Harry Potter* series in the script?

The main criticism is that the *Harry Potter* series relies heavily on well-worn tropes and archetypes, borrowing from established myths and stories rather than offering original or fresh perspectives on its themes and characters.

How does the script compare *Harry Potter* to other magical stories like *The Worst Witch*?

The script draws parallels between *Harry Potter* and *The Worst Witch*, pointing out similar plot points, such as the protagonist being an outsider at a magical school and the presence of a kindly mentor figure. Both stories feature familiar character types like the orphan destined for greatness and a wise teacher.

What is said about J.K. Rowling's understanding of themes like fascism and genocide?

The script critiques Rowling for not fully understanding the themes of fascism and genocide when writing the *Harry Potter* series. It mentions that it wasn’t until 2004, after visiting the Holocaust Museum, that she recognized the similarities between the Death Eaters and Nazi ideology, raising questions about her awareness when writing these elements.

Why does the speaker believe Rowling's writing lacks originality?

The speaker argues that Rowling's writing is unoriginal because she primarily relies on familiar tropes and archetypes from existing stories, such as the orphan child destined for greatness and the mentor figure. These elements are recycled from older myths, fairy tales, and other works of fiction.

How does the speaker view Rowling's creative process?

The speaker suggests that Rowling wrote *Harry Potter* primarily for herself, not for a specific audience, which contributed to the series' authenticity. They argue that Rowling’s success came from her personal investment in the story, rather than trying to create something for mass appeal, unlike recent works such as *Star Wars*.

What are the parallels drawn between *Harry Potter* and *Star Wars*?

The script compares *Harry Potter* to *Star Wars*, noting that both series feature the 'orphan destined for greatness' trope. However, it points out that *Star Wars* (especially the newer iterations) suffers from a loss of originality due to corporate and studio influences, whereas *Harry Potter* was created with more personal intent.

What does the speaker think about the success of *Harry Potter*?

The speaker acknowledges that *Harry Potter* is a cultural phenomenon and a massive success. However, they argue that this success doesn’t necessarily equate to artistic greatness, claiming that the books scratch a cultural itch but lack depth and originality, unlike stories that challenge conventions and explore new ideas.

What is the role of the Death Eaters in the series, according to the script?

The Death Eaters are seen as a symbol of fascism and totalitarian ideologies, representing the dangers of extremist beliefs. However, the script also criticizes Rowling for using these themes without offering a deeper critique or satirical examination of real-world injustices.

How does the speaker describe the character of Harry Potter?

The speaker defends Harry Potter as a rounded, complex character, noting that he experiences significant emotional and psychological growth throughout the series. Harry struggles with fears, loves, losses, and moral dilemmas, particularly dealing with his capacity for darkness and his inner conflict when confronting Voldemort.

Why is the speaker critical of the way the *Harry Potter* series handles familiar myths and tropes?

The speaker is critical because they believe the series doesn’t offer new insights or subvert the clichés it borrows from mythology, instead recycling them without challenging their inherent messages or exploring them in a meaningful way. The speaker feels this results in a more predictable and less transformative reading experience.