GENRE FEATURES OF HARRY POTTER SEPTOLOGY: FROM FAIRY TALE TO GOTHIC LITERATURE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the definition and characteristics of the main aspects of the narrative genre about Harry Potter. Our attention is focused on the problem of genres evolution of the artistic texts in the modern literature. Their main differences in artistic works are characterized. The specifics of new genre forms development in modern fantasy literature are studied. It has been established that the genre analysis of J.K. Rowling's work is possible only by taking into account all the typical characteristics of various genres and sub-genres. It is proven that, thanks to the evolution of the literary genre, a new trend appeared in modern literature of XXI century and a new category of «hybridized genre" emerged, to which the mentioned work of literature belongs. This hybrid genre determines the "multiplication of subgenres" and it is inherent in works of literature for young adults. The article found that the narrative about Harry Potter has elements of at least 10 genres: a myth, a fairy tale, a novel, a detective story, a school novel (boarding story – as a subgenre), the so-called "black novel" (gothic novel), a novel for young adult, utopias and anti-utopias (alternate story), fantasy, as well as elements of adventure and horror literature. Thanks to this, J.K. Rowling's septology creates a kind of patchwork of genres, caused by the evolution of the main character – the wizard Harry, who, during the events described in all seven books, turns from a child into an adult, both physically and morally. This way, the target age audience of readers expands: in the beginning (the first and second parts of septology – "Harry Potter and Philosopher's Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets") – these are books for children and teenagers, then (the third, fourth and fifth third parts – "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix") – for the so-called "Young Adults", and finally (the last two parts – "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows") – for adults. The reader grows in parallel with the creation (writing) of the narrative (which actually has happened for the first time in modern fantasy literature, and happened with the narrative about Harry Potter).