Expectation; we all have them (Post #1)

In response to the second prompt, the first two books of the Harry Potter series is a great example of Iser's argument that “expectations are scarcely ever fulfilled in truly literary texts.” 

            In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone we, as the reader, are introduced into the world of magic, a world that Harry himself is for the first time experiencing and we are filled with all kinds of questions about this magic and its history and social practices.  We hold all of the same questions as Harry, and like-wise expect all of them to be answered.  We expect to know why Harry didn't die all those years ago, and where Voldemort has been sense that night, and why Snape hates Harry so much, and how come Hermione is such a great wizard born of muggle parents, and Neville whom is a “pure-blood” can’t seem to do anything right.  By the end of the book we are still wondering about Harrys past, and know next to nothing about Voldemort and where he has been or if he is coming back.  It still makes little sense as why Hermione is so naturally talented and Neville struggles so much.  There are questions from every area in this world that are left unanswered and are meant to be that way.  In this series especially the element of mystery and surprise is what keeps us as readers indulged.  However knowing this is a series also gives us the expectation that these questions will be answered at some point.

            When we enter into book two Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, we are introduced to new characters and new bits of magic that enchant us all over again.  We become more familiar with our leading characters and ones that were hiding in the background for most of the first book.  We see How Ron’s bad luck gets him into some sticky (or slimy) situations, how Hermione cleverness always comes in handy with their adventures, and Harry, while brave and a true has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The more we get to know them the more find ourselves caring for these characters.  We start to expect things of them, to stay out of trouble for once, to find out what bad things are happening and be able to stop it before anyone gets hurt.  We expect that teachers will be on their side and that these three will stick together through anything they have to face.  We expect that Malfoy is the heir to Slytherin that has opened the chamber of secrets and is helping attack people in the school.  We are surprised to learn in the end that it was actually little Ginny Weasley who had opened that chamber of secrets, possessed of course by Voldemort himself.  Harry is there of course to fight Voldemort away again and save poor Ginny before it is too late.  We do get a little more information on Harry’s past as well as Voldemorts in the final chapters of this book.  We now understand that Voldemort is the heir to Slytherin and that Harry can speak to snakes because of a connection he has to Voldemort (one greater than we first expected.)

            J.K. Rowling builds up our expectations and the fails to fulfill them to keep us wanting more, so keep us wondering and to force us to try and solve the mysteries on our own.  It encourages us to look at the story lines and all the information given in every way to try and unravel the mystery knowing we can never be sure until we finish the series.  Fulfilling expectations is not exciting while failing to answer our most despite of questions is an intentional action that keeps us coming back.