Thursday, August 28, 2008
First Day of Class Reflection.
Although we talked about the realistic and unrealistic qualities of different characters in the media, I think there is a common idea connecting what is considered 'real' and 'unreal' to us. These characters are 'archeotypes' that have been socially constructed throughout centuries in order to understand how the world works and the different relationships people have with the world around them and with one another. For instance, Harry Potter would be considered an unrealistic character because he possess magical or supernatural powers. But I also consider Harry Potter as a realistic character because he portrays many of the personal struggles one may go through in life. People who watch the movies or read the books may be able to notice how hard it is for someone, such as Harry, to have his/her parents dead, to have to go through harrasment because of his past and who he is by his peers, his aunt's family, and even his enemies in the wizardly world. Therefore, Harry Potter show many of the struggles that a young person can go through in his/her life as an orphan or as part of growing up and going to school (i.e. peer pressure, harassment, etc). Thus, even if characters may be considered unrealistic, one can also find realistic qualities in those characters. This can also explain why unrealistic characters are chosen to be showed in the media and what message(s), purpose, and/or influence do these characters play in society.
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11 comments:
I agree with what you are saying, and I also think that the humanity of fictional characters contributes to their popularity. Harry Potter has practically inspired a cult following, with people of all ages reading the series and (occasionally) even dressing up as members of the various Hogwarts houses. Would Harry be nearly as popular if he wasn't the kind of gawky social misfit that we can all relate to, and sympathize with? Would we be so interested in his life if we didn't, on some level, want to escape to a magical world where, with the flick of a wand and the right incantation, we could do anything?
I agree with you both on the terms that Harry Potter definitely has humanity in him, which makes him relatable and actually very admirable as a human being (never giving in despite death and pressure surrounding him).
But I also think we must be careful to differentiate between realistic characters and a readers desire to "escape" to the world of fiction. I dont think that neccesarily both must always be apart (because Harry Potter DID have human qualities) but just because I want to escape to Hogwarts, doesnt really mean its realistic. I just think there should be a little distinction with that, that's all.
I think Fior has made a very interesting observation about fictional characters and fiction in general. Every novel, as unrealistic as it may be, contains real aspects of life. We are drawn to unrealistic characters perhaps because of their magical and superhuman fantasies that occur in a real world. Authors can use the unrealistic elements to add excitement and endless possibilities for their characters to overcome their struggles, even realistic struggles. Although I agree that Harry Potter and other unrealistic characters can portray similar day to day struggles humans go through, I think that real characters – specifically nonfiction, are easier to learn from and make connections to.
Yes, that is true Svetlana. We need to be careful in not making Harry Potter a realistic character just because we can connect some of his struggles to real life. But I also think that, as Esther pointed out, even though nonfictional characters are sometimes easier to make connections to, fictional characters also serve the same function. I was attracted to Harry Potter because I felt it kind of takes me away from the everyday life pains and struggles in my life. And doesn't mean that I ignore what's happening, but takes my mind of it.
I agree with everyonemthat it is important to have realistic aspects of humanity within unrealistic situations such as Harry Potter. Besides from helping find some commonality with the character, I think it would be tugging to much on the reader's willing suspension of disbelief. It is enough for us to accept the magical world's existence, but if we also had a main character who didn't have any realistic nature or character development would we have the patience to really outlast all that make-believe?
I agree with Michelle. Even the most fictional stories and characters need something real so we can connect to them. Most would soon become fed up with all of the make believe because we wouldn't be able to feel any real connection. The fantastic is often wonderful and something we need to get away from the mundane, but it is also important to have some realism in the stories or characters.
You guys all bring up some really key distinctions--it's a great first exchange of ideas for the blog. I think all fictional works contain an interplay between realistic and what might be called fantasy or romantic elements (romantic in the sense of "like an adventure story" not a love affair.) It is hard to imagine any fiction one would actually want to read that was exactly like reality, in part because reality doesn't take the form of a plot. In my opinion, all effective fiction makes appeals to to our common humanity, as several of you said. Escapism is a separate but closely related question. I think an argument can be made that all fiction, all art, is escapist--although I'm not sure I'd be the one who made it. We do tend to distinguish between highly fantastic works, say "Speed Racer" or even "Pretty Woman," that seem designed to help us forget about reality for two hours, and works like say "The Wire" that strike us confronting real social and human problems in highly engaged, intelligent, critical way. I don't feel a need to say one is better than the other--I need escapist works sometimes, but I think that escapism also implies a certain danger--we all know someone (maybe ourselves) who has trouble facing reality and seems to cling to fantasies. (And we may also know someone who could afford to let a little fantasy and dreaming into their lives also.)
Fiction or reality, that is the question? Are we so fixated on cleberities, and a dream that only seems to be a nightmare. Where a society is appeased to look the other way. Ones soul purpose in life...or should I say "America" is to be entertained.
I totally agree with you. I believe what defines "realistic" or "unrealistic" character is "empathy", how we connect us to the character. If we find certain humanic elements from a character that we go through as human beings, we'll be more generous about his/her fictional world such as super powers. The more aspects we have in common with the character, the greater chances we have to be connected with the character. Once we find empathy from a character, the whole fictional worlds of the story can be even more realistic than the REAL life of our own.
I agree with what everyone is saying. The reason we watch movies and television is because we sometimes want to be a part of the life these characters live. I watch soap operas and nighttime dramas because I love gossip and even though its not real I am still drawn to it because it contains aspects of real life issues everyone has to deal with. Anyone can relate to the drama that occurs to these unreal characters. Why do so many people love Finding Nemo- a movie about talking fish. Do fish actually talk? Obviously not. The realistic aspect is about a father/son relationship which many can relate to. These films are portrayed in a way which makes the individual want to watch and read books about both realistic and unrealistic events/people.
I agree with many of you, and also believe that there should be a balance in fictional characters. There should be realistic aspects to the character and his/her environment to allow that relatable factor between them and their audience. At the same time, having certain unrealistic characteristics allow the readers and/or movie goers to escape from that same relatable factor.
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