Blog Post #1 Response: Expectations

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  Ideas about what to expect play a key role in the analysis of the first two Harry Potter books. In the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry has his first encounters with the wizarding world, and he is exposed to certain standards and guidelines to abide by once he is at Hogwarts. At the onset, he and his classmates are forbidden to enter the third-floor corridor, and are informed of other school rules (such as not entering the Restricted Section of the library). As readers just being introduced to the series, we expect the characters to adhere to these guidelines. Another important expectation that is raised during the plot regards Professor Snape and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Led by the main trio’s perceptions, and their constructed beliefs, we are led to believe that Snape is plotting to steal the Stone guarded by Fluffy. As the story progresses, only more evidence is given by Rowling, and then deciphered by the trio, which points to Snape plotting to steal the Stone. These expectations are constructed and incorporated by Rowling during the novel, which can serve as a limiting focus or scope of her storytelling. To establish a set “direction” in which the story can maneuver sort of sets up the reader a path in which he or she can follow; and when expectations are not fulfilled, these can serve as unexpected turns in the path that function to hook and draw the reader in. Neither of these expectations is fulfilled. The book indeed has a mystery theme, and to lead the audience astray is truly a crucial element in establishing a well-written mystery novel. Rowling is able to allow her characters to influence us into taking their side; and when the true character is revealed, the audience is taken aback and experiences a “loss of innocence” moment precisely when Harry does (ex: when he learns that Quirrell is trying to steal the stone). As Harry and his friends break rules, too, this serves a function in the lessons that the novel is aiming to teach – notably, that sometimes in life there are situations where one must disregard regulations and what is expected may not always serve the best function.


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  In Chamber of Secrets, Harry and his friends again make an assumption based on gathered evidence – this time, they believe that Draco Malfoy is the Heir of Slytherin and has opened the Chamber of Secrets. We are also led to believe that Hagrid is responsible for the monster that killed a girl the last time the Chamber had been opened. However, neither of these expectations are fulfilled, and they disguise the real story. What is different about these expectations, however, is that the trio is entirely concocting these beliefs on their own in Chamber. In the first novel, professors at Hogwarts constantly tell Harry that Snape is protecting the Stone. In the second novel, the trio make guesses entirely for themselves, and both use the Polyjuice Potion and enter the forest to visit the monster entirely of their own accord. I think Rowling incorporates this into the novel because, after the first novel, we have grown closer to our main heroes. We are able to think as they do and understand their motives and actions. Therefore, Rowling seems to almost trust our abilities to get a little closer to our main characters and learn as they learn, and make mistakes as they make mistakes.


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  I think failing to fulfill expectations is important for the story and for the audience in general. For the story to be appealing and to be exciting, I think an element of surprise is a beneficial conclusion to the story. The expectation of the Heir of Slytherin to be Draco is based on the trio’s encounters and interactions with Draco; but even as they have every reason to believe he is the Heir, there are details that are overlooked or missed that are significant to encoding the true identity of the real Heir. By playing on these “false” expectations, the reader can become intrigued and continue reading until the end. To not include this element would almost be “boring”, as the story would not contain any ways in which the reader can engage in the thinking and processing of the mystery. Not fulfilling an expectation allows the reader to take a step back and apply a second glance at what he or she perceived to be the real story. This truly strengthens the reader’s abilities at analysis, and a literary work that can successfully play on these skills definitely has some potential.