Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Summary

«Harry Potter and the Cursed Child» is a play written by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany. The story takes place 19 years after the events of the last book in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter now works at the Ministry of Magic and is raising three children. His youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, enrolls at Hogwarts and faces challenges related to his father's legacy. Albus and his friend Scorpius Malfoy decide to use a Time-Turner to correct past mistakes, but their actions lead to unpredictable and dangerous consequences. Ultimately, Harry, his friends, and their children must unite to fix the temporal distortions and prevent Voldemort's return.

Main Ideas

• Exploration of the theme of time and its consequences through the use of a Time-Turner.
• Relationships between parents and children, especially between Harry Potter and his son Albus.
• Issues of self-identity and acceptance, particularly in the context of legacy and expectations.
• Friendship and its trials, particularly between Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy.
• The struggle against dark forces and the return of Voldemort through his daughter Delphi.
• The idea that our choices define our destiny, not our origins.

Historical Context and Significance

«Harry Potter and the Cursed Child» is a continuation of the famous Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. The book is a play co-authored with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, first staged in 2016. Its historical significance lies in continuing the story of one of the most popular literary works of modern times, exploring themes of legacy, friendship, and the battle with inner demons. Its cultural impact is evident in the renewed interest in the Harry Potter world and the expansion of the universe, attracting a new audience and strengthening ties with existing fans. The play also contributed to theatrical art, becoming one of the most successful productions on Broadway and the West End.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Harry Potter: In «Harry Potter and the Cursed Child», Harry is now an adult working at the Ministry of Magic and is the father of three children. He faces difficulties in his relationship with his son Albus, leading to tension and conflicts. Harry also continues to grapple with the consequences of his past and tries to balance work and family.
• Albus Severus Potter: Albus is Harry Potter's youngest son. He feels the pressure of his father's legacy and feels out of place at Hogwarts. Albus befriends Scorpius Malfoy, which many disapprove of. Throughout the book, Albus undergoes many trials that help him better understand himself and his relationship with his father.
• Scorpius Malfoy: The son of Draco Malfoy, Scorpius is a smart and kind boy who suffers from rumors about his origins. He becomes Albus Potter's best friend, and their friendship plays a key role in the plot. Scorpius also faces personal challenges and helps Albus in their shared adventures.
• Hermione Granger: Hermione is now the Minister for Magic. She remains intelligent and determined, playing an important role in combating new threats. Her relationships with Ron and their daughter Rose are also depicted in the book.
• Ron Weasley: Ron is married to Hermione and works at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. He remains a loyal friend to Harry and supports him in difficult times. Ron also demonstrates his dedication to family and friends.
• Draco Malfoy: Draco is now the father of Scorpius and a widower. He shows a more vulnerable side and strives to protect his son. Draco also collaborates with Harry and his friends to deal with new threats.

Style and Technique

«Harry Potter and the Cursed Child» is written in the form of a play, distinguishing it from the previous books in the series. The style is characterized by dialogues and stage directions that convey the actions and emotions of the characters. The language of the play is simple and accessible, making it easy to follow the plot. Literary techniques include the use of flashbacks and alternate timelines, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The story's structure is divided into acts and scenes, typical of dramatic works. A crucial element is the development of characters through their interactions and dialogues, as well as the use of magical elements that are an integral part of the Harry Potter world.

Interesting Facts

• The play takes place 19 years after the events of the last book in the series.
• The main characters are the children of Harry Potter and his friends, particularly Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy.
• The play was co-written with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany.
• «The Cursed Child» was originally staged as a theatrical production, not written as a novel.
• The play uses the concept of time travel, leading to alternate realities.
• Harry Potter works at the Ministry of Magic and has a complicated relationship with his son Albus.
• Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco Malfoy, turns out to be unexpectedly friendly and kind.
• The play won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2017.

Book Review

«Harry Potter and the Cursed Child» by J.K. Rowling received mixed reviews from critics and fans. On one hand, many appreciated the opportunity to revisit the world of Harry Potter and learn how the lives of beloved characters unfolded over the years. The play's script, written by Jack Thorne based on a story by Rowling, John Tiffany, and Thorne himself, was praised for its dynamism and drama. However, on the other hand, some critics and fans expressed disappointment with the plot, which they found less coherent and logical compared to the original books. There were also remarks about the characterization of some characters, which, according to readers, did not align with their portrayals in previous books. Overall, «Harry Potter and the Cursed Child» remains a contentious work that, despite criticism, continues to attract attention and interest from fans of the Harry Potter universe.