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When it comes to its message, 'Harry Potter' beats 'Twilight' any day

A showdown between the two popular book series

MEGHAN SWEENEY

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Saturday, July 4, 2009, 2:24 PM

Updated Thursday, July 23, 2009, 6:11 PM

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Read more: Harry Potter, Stephenie Meyers, Edward Cullen, Luna Lovegood, Bram Stoker, Brendan Gleeson, Devon Murray, Evanna Lynch, Seamus Finnigan, IrishCentral.com

"Harry Potter" vs. "Twilight"

On the other side of the world you have “Harry Potter,” an adventure series that follows the life of young British wizard Harry. Another fantasy series, the plot of the seven-book epic revolves around Harry’s struggle against the evil dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed his parents and aims to take over the wizarding world.

Both “Twilight” and “Harry Potter” gain points for attracting readers of all ages, and making books “cool” for kids and young adults.

Both series allow the reader/viewer to “lose themselves” in the story, providing entertainment for children and a nice little escape for angsty teens.

Both series are bestsellers, and though “Harry Potter” was won many more awards than “Twilight,” but awards aren’t everything. And to be fair, “Harry’s” been around much longer, and has a better write behind the wheel, which gives it its advantage.

But the winner in the “Twilight”-“Potter” contest is clear when viewing the attitudes and values expressed in the stories.

“Twilight” keeps in step with the sexist Victorian way of thinking that prevailed in Bram Stoker’s time. The female character is useless, except when it comes to moping around about her tricky love life and pining after her sparkly vampire (that would be Edward).

The lack of strong female characters, and the weakness of “Twilight’s” main heroine, are major blows to the series’ point value.

“Harry Potter,” on the other hand, features empowered wizard women, such as logical, street smart Hermione and her counterpart, none other than the faithful, doesn’t-care-what-people-think, Irish Luna Lovegood. These characters serve as great role models for kids. They go to school, work hard and don’t worry too much about boyfriends.

“Twilight” seems to be setting a bad example for teenagers, and not just for girls. Meyers places a huge emphasis on Edward Cullen’s looks, and makes him out to be “perfect,” though he is often controlling and aggressive with his lady friend, Bella. Not a great way to teach guys to treat their girlfriends.

Harry, the hero of the “Potter” series, goes through awkward teen angst moments as well, but the focus sure isn’t on his good looks.

In fact, if you go on looks alone, Harry is an unlikely hero; the bespectacled wizard is small and rather “ordinary-looking.” And he certainly doesn’t sparkle in the sun. (Yes, if you don’t know, vampire Edward Cullen is sparkly in the sunshine. Meyers attributes this to the fact that vampire skin is made of crystals. Nevertheless, this bugs me, and only further justifies my argument that “Potter” is way better.)

So while “Twilight” rocks because it’s Irish-influenced, and gets kids to read and all that, in the end, “Potter” is better. It brings books to the hands of young people, and gets them wrapped up in a fun fantasy story, while still promoting empowering values of hard work, dedication, faith, loyalty and such.

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When it comes to its message, 'Harry Potter' beats 'Twilight' any day

A showdown between the two popular book series

Be the first to make a comment.

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