Blog Post #1, The Element of Surprise

Expectations are tricky things. They change. It only makes sense that as you read the book and discover new things that your expectations may be altered. I don’t think that means that they aren’t ever fulfilled though. There are general expectations and there are more specific expectations. When I read a book I expect it to be a good story, especially if the summary was enough to pique my interest. Hopefully that general expectation is proved correct. Based on what happens in the story my expectations of what is going to happen will most likely change. That’s not necessarily a bad or unfulfilling thing though. I usually enjoy when I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen. If the author has done a good enough job with the writing and character development to keep me guessing then I’ll continue to be interested in the story. Rowling is excellent at this. She builds upon what she has written before and continues to surprise the reader, shattering their initial expectations.

In book one we are led to believe that Snape is the one trying to steal the stone but it ends up to not only be Quirrell but also Voldemort through Quirrell. In book two she makes us think that Harry could be the heir of Slytherin and maybe he isn’t all good. Then she pulls the rug out again by having it be Tom Riddle, Voldemort, through his old diary. Not only that but he used innocent little Ginny as a pawn. Because Rowling seems to take us one direction but then takes us another in the end, it keeps the element of surprise. Sure it means we don’t know exactly what is going to happen, but because of that the story is fresh and exciting. I know that I personally don’t feel disappointed when the more specific expectations turn out differently. My more general expectations of a good story, good writing, and strong characters are met, and to me those are the bigger things. Having my expectations change as more details are revealed in the story, or even shattered when the surprise is revealed, is something I’m ok with. When a story can still genuinely surprise me I think it’s successful.