Blog Post #1 Response: Expecting the Unexpected

Expectations are always present in the reader’s mind. However, they are also constantly changing. With each sentence, a new concept is formed of the information given, changing and adapting the reader’s expectations of where the story is headed. I first read (well, was read to) the Sorcerer’s Stone (SS) when I was in first grade, I still remember some of the expectations I had. I always expected Snape would turn out to be the one after the Stone. Every hint in the book was directed towards him so my expectations only got reinforced as the book went on. Snape hated Harry with a passion, he was muttering/not breaking eye contact while Harry was trying not fall off his bucking broomstick, and he got bitten by Fluffy. Everything pointed to him that I was so sure that he was the culprit, until, of course the last chapter. I remember I was blown away and did not see that coming at all. This blew my mind as even from the beginning I was sure the bad guy was Snape. However, this was much different from my expectations Chamber of Secrets (CoS).

In CoS, instead of “knowing” who the culprit is the whole time like in SS, the plot is followed more like a detective/mystery novel. The trio has no clue what is going on or who to even look toward at first, so neither did I as the reader. I first created an expectation that Draco Malfoy was the one behind it all; following Harry and thinking that it all makes sense. This was quickly discovered to be false and I was back to square one. I did not expect Tom Riddle at all to be bad, but of course I did not figure Hagrid to be either when he was arrested. That Ginny was used by Voldemort was also a complete surprise. 

Of course, expectations like these are very easy to fall into; as the reader believes what the author wants the reader to. Expectations can only come from information previously given and the author makes sure that some are held back. It is important for authors to do this, for it keeps the reader guessing which causes an increase of interest as the book goes on. The fact that the books have this element of surprise combined with the unique world that gives us an ability to escape, shows exactly why this series became the phenomenon it is.