Are you a die-hard Harry Potter fan who can’t get enough of J.K. Rowling’s captivating storytelling? Or perhaps you’re an aspiring writer looking for inspiration from one of the most successful authors of our time?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll delve into the literary influences that shaped J.K. Rowling’s writing style, from classic novels to contemporary works that sparked her imagination and fueled her creative fire. Join us on this journey as we unravel the web of influences behind one of literature’s greatest minds – it’s bound to be a magical ride!
Introduction
It’s no secret that J.K. Rowling is one of our time’s most successful and well-known writers. But what may be less known is the incredible range of writing influences that have shaped her work. From classic authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens to more contemporary writers like Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou, Rowling has been inspired by a wide range of storytellers in her career.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest influences on Rowling’s writing, from her early days as a struggling student to her current status as one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. We’ll also see how she has taken these influences and made them her own, creating a style and voice that is uniquely hers. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding not only of Rowling’s work but also of the literary tradition that she comes from.
J.K. Rowling’s Early Writing Influences
J.K. Rowling was born in England in 1965 and grew up reading British children’s classics like “The Famous Five” series by Enid Blyton and The “Narnia” books by C.S. Lewis. She has said that these books, along with others like J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings“, were a big influence on her early writing.
As a teenager, Rowling became more interested in contemporary fiction, and she cites authors like Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood as being influential in her work on the “Harry Potter” series. She has also said that the works of Jane Austen have been a big influence on her writing, specifically “Pride and Prejudice”.
The Classics: Shakespeare, Brontës & Dickens
The three most formative authors in J.K. Rowling’s life are William Shakespeare, the Brontë sisters, and Charles Dickens. She said that she first fell in love with reading and writing during her school days when she had to read and study the works of these great authors.
Shakespeare, in particular, had a profound influence on Rowling’s writing. She has said that his works are “eternally fresh” and that she re-reads them often for pleasure and inspiration. She has also cited him as one of the main influences behind the creation of the character of Severus Snape, one of the most complex and tragic characters in her Harry Potter series.
The Brontë sisters were another formative influence on Rowling’s writing. She has said that their novels Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights were two of her favorite books growing up and that she identified strongly with their heroine, Jane Eyre. Like the Brontë sisters, Rowling is a gifted storyteller with a knack for creating complex, multi-layered characters.
Last but not least, Dickens was another writer who left a lasting impression on Rowling. She has said that his novel Great Expectations was one of her favorites growing up and that its themes of poverty and social injustice resonated deeply with her own experiences growing up in an inner city area of England.
Modern Fiction Writers
J.K. Rowling’s work heavily influences modern fiction writers. Her writing style is unique and her ability to capture the imagination of her readers is unrivaled. She has inspired a new generation of writers who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fiction.
Few writers can match her skill and imagination, and fewer still have had such a profound impact on the world of literature.
Harry Potter Books: What Makes Them Special?
The Harry Potter books are some of the most beloved stories of all time. They’re full of magic, adventure, and suspense. But what makes them truly special is their ability to transport readers to a completely different world.
J.K. Rowling’s writing is remarkable in its detail and imagination. She has created a richly detailed universe with its history, customs, and rules. This level of detail makes the Harry Potter books feel like real places that readers can visit and explore.
In addition, the characters in the Harry Potter books are incredibly lifelike and relatable. Rowling has created a cast of complex and interesting characters that readers can’t help but fall in love with. Even the villains are sympathetic and three-dimensional.
It’s this combination of an immersive world and believable characters that makes the Harry Potter books so special. They’re not just entertaining stories – they’re an escape into a fully realized world that feels just as real as our own.
Conclusion
We have seen how the works of classic authors like Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare, as well as contemporary writers such as Neil Gaiman, have shaped J.K. Rowling’s writing and her magnum opus Harry Potter series.
This serves to show that no matter the era or genre, storytellers will continue to be inspired by one another and build on existing works of art to create something entirely new over time. It is this ability for stories to transcend time and space that gives us comfort in knowing our personal favorites will never die—they live on in brave new stories written by future authors!
