Discussion: How Do You Imagine Scenes From Books?

Have you ever had a super clear image of how something or someone looks in a book? I’m just now realising… how strange that is.

This might not make any sense. But the other day I challenged myself to rearrange some of the furniture in my mental layout of Hogwarts and I just hit a blank. There are four beds in a semi circle around a fire in Harry’s room and you can’t convince me (I can’t convince myself) otherwise. But other people will undeniably have a totally different image in their head. That’s baffling – and pretty cool.

It’s the same thing with characters. One of the biggest reasons that fans dislike book adaptations is because the actors don’t match with the characters in their head. But it’s the strangest thing to talk to fellow readers about what they think a character looks like and get totally different descriptions. All from the same words.

And I think that that’s pretty amazing! You can tell that a book has really strong imagery and character building when you can picture them in your mind. Rereading definitely helps reinforce your perception of a world – part of the reason why Hogwarts will never get an interior design renovation in my head. Do you think it would change with your age, on a reread? I wonder what other things influences how you perceive a world? Acquaintances; things you’re attracted to; maybe characteristics that you yourself have that you’d want the character to have (or avoid). I think the order you read the book and watch the adaptation would definitely play a part. What do you think? Have you ever totally changed your interpretation of a character or a world after watching it? ( I feel like you can never go back…). Let me know in the comments!