Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is that rare kind of a fantasy novel that is capable of ruining stereotypes. It is both a perfect source of entertainment and food for thought, at least for younger readers. It can surely be characterized as a family book, for it can interest people of different age groups.
One of the advantages of this story is reliability. Its characters are not flawless; they behave like real people, not those wonderful creatures who are often portrayed, especially male characters, as personalities without fear and beyond reproach. It is not a secret for any fantasy lover that the majority of authors likes using the stereotypical images of heroes, who are abnormally brave, selfless, noble and whatnot. It doesn’t mean that this representation has no right to exist, but protagonists, who have moments of hesitation or flaws, are more trust-worthy. For instance, Sophie, who is the one of the main characters of the novel, undergoes a wonderful transformation from a person full of self-doubts to a personality who is fully responsible for her own life and decisions she makes. She is not a helpless princess, who awaits her hero. The most interesting part that her hero needs her as much as she needs him. It’s an example of partnership between two different individuals based on mutual love and respect. They would survive without each other just fine, but they can achieve more together. This is a lesson children and even some adults should learn. What is more important, this story doesn’t state that a happily ever after doesn’t require any work from any of them. Howl and Sophie know that there are going to be misunderstanding and maybe even quarrels, but they do understand that it is a normal thing.
There is a wonderful theme of family in this story. The author shows, who many misunderstandings can happen if the characters avoid discussions. If only Sophie would tell Fanny that it was too much work for her, she would be happier and wouldn’t so easily believe in accusations Lettie and Martha throw at Fanny. They just assume the worst of each other and start holding grudges. As soon as they put themselves in each other’s shoes, they realize how ill-informed they are about some aspects of each other’s lives. Suddenly, there are no more an evil step-mother and careless younger sisters. Without any doubt, this story teaches younger readers not to make assumption. Howl’s Moving Castle is also about freedom of choice. It takes Sophie some time to realize that it doesn’t really matter whether you are the oldest sister or not to feel free to do as you wish. For instance, Lettie and Martha refuse to follow the path their mother has chosen for them, for they feel that it is going to make them unhappy in the end. It is important to ask yourself what you want to get from life, what is expected from and whether it is important to you.
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is the novel that shows how important it is to have an understanding heart in one's chest and a good head on one’s shoulders.
