Can't stop thinking of plagarism

[Camden]

The book is interesting enough but one can't help but think how much of the description and witty dialogues are actually her doing or if it's repeated plagiarism from her days at fanfiction

[Mansi]

really?! well it is against the law......
i don't know i actually never thought of it like that......

[Veronica]

Is it really plagiarism if you're using your own stuff?...

[Stephanie]

You can tell that she was influenced by Harry Potter when reading the books, but I did not feel like I was reading Harry Potter.

The characters are hers. The dialogue is hers. The work is hers. Thus it is not plagiarized.

If she really did plagiarize, the book would not have been published as it is illegal and even the publisher would be in trouble for letting that activity through.

Authors are allowed to be influenced by other authors. It happens all the time.

It has been awhile since I read the book, but I recall recognizing more influence than just Rowling in these books.

She messed up, don't continue to hold that against her.

[Veronica]

I don't understand this.

I just read "City of Bones" and I had read somewhere that the plot wasn't very original so as I was reading, I kept looking for things that reminded me of other books that I have read and I couldn't really find anything. Maybe I'll notice more in the next books...

[Jazz]

I've only read City of Bones. People say all the times that the series was influenced by Harry Potter, but really I didn't see any influences between the two. City of Bones is completely different from Harry Potter in my opinion.

[Taylor]

I have read City of Bones and parts of the Harry Potter series and I don't see how they could be related. I mean really, everyone takes bits and pieces from movies, stories, photos, and other things. If we had to completely make up our own, we wouldn't be reading the books we read today.

[Veronica]

I did not like the Harry Potter series so I didn't pay close attention to it. I guess that's why I see no similarities...

[Sylvia]

Let me tell you I have read the entire Harry Potter Series and my brother has read each book in the Harry Potter series about four times each and we both say without a doubt that it is nowhere similar to The Mortal Instruments series....

[AlbertaJenn]

Pffft! In her fanfiction, she purposely quoted various books, TV shows, and moives. It was intentional, and her audience (the early fan fictioners) were totally aware of that. That does not make it plagarism, as she was not claiming someone else's work as her own, but was rather paying homage to those creators.

[Stephanie]

I should rephrase that the I saw the influence of Rowling on the series.

I felt it more in the way it was written than anything. Not the story or the plot, I do not feel she plagarized her novels. In the second book she does reference to Dumbeldore or something though, so that made me laugh a little.

Accusing a person of plagarism is pretty harsh. A person really should come up with some concrete evidence if they are going to accuse someone of it.

[Jay]

Dani wrote: "I've only read City of Bones. People say all the times that the series was influenced by Harry Potter, but really I didn't see any influences between the two. City of Bones is completely differen..."

I'll have to agree.

[J.D.]

I think it's just kind of weird for an author to start off writing millions of words writing about another authors creation, using their settings, characters, and events, then break out into their own. I think she takes such a lot of it with her. Muggles and Mundies is just one example that springs to mind...

[Georgie]

I think some influence from Rowling was there but I think I actually thought more of starwars really when I read the first book. 'I am your father'. But that element is in a ton of books so it didn't bother me.

I think the most similar thing is that both Clary and Harry grow up thinking they are normal when they are not but even then that sort of thing happens in fiction all the time.

The thing with Cassandra is that she uses a lot of tired troupes in her books, I think thats the only way you can really acuse her of being unoriginal but even then there isn't really anythying wrong with that. As loong as its a good story I don't mind if its not the most original thing ever. Besides, everyone knows its not really the plot we're reading it for but to find out what happens between Clary and jace :P

[M.]

I read both HP and MI and I didn't think they were similar. To be honest, I don't think MI is that great. The characters are kind of flat and the way the plot evolved looked more like a day time soap opera. Jace was the only character worth of anything, but a character alone cannot sustain an entire series. Infernal Devices is much better.

[Julie]

Hmmm.... not seeing the plagiarism, but many authors, musicians and artists are influenced by books around them that have inspired them. I do not see this as an act of plagiarism. I see as in many, many paranormal books that the main character is unaware of her potential, or what she is until later in the book, hello, isn't that how many main characters in paranormal become introduced into a life they new nothing about. If we call this plagiarism, wow, like a few posts earlier, anyone who ever read J.R.R. Tolkien would see similarities in many fantasy or paranormal books.

[Mandy]

The only similarity to Harry Potter lies in the fact that the plot is well thought through. The world Cassandra built is well-described, like it really exists, thus believable, just as Harry's world.
It's a good story, everything comes together the way it should.

And so what if she based some of her characters on her own fanfiction characters? It's hard enough to write a character, to think of how he might act and react. If those are the kinds of guys Cassandra likes to write, they'll pop up more often...

[Molly]

AlbertaJenn wrote: "Pffft! In her fanfiction, she purposely quoted various books, TV shows, and moives. It was intentional, and her audience (the early fan fictioners) were totally aware of that. That does not make it..."

It is plagiarism. She never credited the source of the quotes, she never said the work wasn't her, there for she took credit. Unless she tells you what quotes are from where and who originally wrote them, she is plagiarizing.

Entire passages from her fanfiction story the Draco Trilogy were yanked from books and slightly reworded without any kind of credit being given to the author. Several ideas were taken from those books as well, like the Nightmare grass, the underworld, etc. No credit was given to the original writer. At least not until someone called Clare out on it.

My biggest issue with her current series--other than the fact that it's basically the Draco Trilogy with new names--is that it takes bits and pieces from her fanfiction, which had plagiarized material in it, and copy pastes it into her book with minor changes. Plus, she's getting back into the habit or quote stealing.

[Yue]

Michelle wrote: "I read both HP and MI and I didn't think they were similar. To be honest, I don't think MI is that great. The characters are kind of flat and the way the plot evolved looked more like a day time so..."

Agreed. Only that instead of Jace I would say the most interesting character is Magnus, cause he is more original. Sure, Jace is funny but he is a little melodramatic most of the times.

And I don't see the similarity in the story, but in the characters. Jace is Malfoy, Clary is Ginny, Simon is Harry, Luke is Lupin... Not only in the way they look, but also in their behavior.

[Racheal]

Michelle wrote: "I read both HP and MI and I didn't think they were similar. To be honest, I don't think MI is that great. The characters are kind of flat and the way the plot evolved looked more like a day time so..."
I find the last part of the comment funny, because both MI and ID are the same thing. She just takes the love triangle of Clary, Jace, and Simon, and makes them Jem, Tessa, and Will. They characters are exactly the same, just different names.

[Hannah]

Racheal wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I read both HP and MI and I didn't think they were similar. To be honest, I don't think MI is that great. The characters are kind of flat and the way the plot evolved looked more l..."

Agreed

[Cara]

For clarification for a lot of you, turning fan fiction written about someone else's works in to an "original work" with no credit given where appropriate is still plagiarism. Because sources and credit was not given.

Also, she didn't even bother to change anything but Draco's eye color for Jace. Simon is still described to look like Harry, Clary to Ginny, etc.

[Tynnika]

Did she actually plagarise off Harry Potter or any other book in her novels? Because I had just finished reading that series and read City of Bones the day after and I didn't notice the similarities. And as people said above, it is literally impossible to create something competely unique. There are only so many personalities you can use.. Besides, most authors are influenced by others. Where else would they get so many good ideas? And this fanfiction thing.. It's fanfiction! Everyone who reads it should know by now that it IS based off other books. I have read so many fanfiction works with no disclaimer and they don't get such a hoo haa over it. Because it's only fanfiction! It isn't like she was getting paid for it. Fanfiction writing is just a little hobby many people have.

[Avani]

It's not plagiarism if you're taking your own previously written work. If she took some lines from her fanfiction, how is it considered plagiarism to use her own words?

Read this fantastic post regarding her supposed plagiarism:
http://witchisnotneutral.tumblr.com/p...

[Junia]

I am surprised but unsurprised at this. I’ve harboured an ugly hatred for the author after she had a go at me on Twitter in Latin (because she is too cowardly to use English) after I had mentioned I didn’t enjoy TMI at all, due to its endless similarities to TID (which I’d read first). Now, I’m pretty disgusted with her. I am SICK of authors who have no talent, weaselling their way into the publishing world. I find it abhorrent that they are being paid to write crap, which brainwashes the minds of thousands of young teens. In fact, I feel so strongly about this, that I hope to start a publishing house in the future that is really devoted to bringing back well-written, original stories which are often overshadowed by fads like Twilight and Fifty Shades of Grey. The world of writing and reading deserves more than despicable people without talent getting a hand in making money out of plagiarism and stereotypical characters. I am so disgusted with Clare after reading this! Thank you so much for putting the article up here. I will definitely discourage family and friends from picking up her soiled, ruinous money-making books (if I dare depict them as books and not abominations).

[Ashley]

Camden wrote: "The book is interesting enough but one can't help but think how much of the description and witty dialogues are actually her doing or if it's repeated plagiarism from her days at fanfiction"

I don't think that she had copied anyone. She is writing several novels and series and I think that if she was plagiarizing all of that she would have been caught by now.

[Eml]

http://www.journalfen.net/community/b...

I'd like to think she has changed, but here's the report of what happened with her fan fiction from someone involved...it's pretty long.

[Directioner_30]

I've read all the published TMI books and all the HP, and I don't see any similarities at all.

[Jennifer]

First her fan fiction and her books would sound alike because that is her style and voice... also if you look at all Aurthur you will notice quelation to other work! I INCLUDING harry potter and Tolkien. however the world might be secret like harry potter, IT is not the same world, and she took common beast and made them her own. and guess what, her vamps don't sparkle, Simon isn't the whinny vamp we are use to, He actually reminds me of a modern twist of Louis from Rice. So here is a challenge, FIND ME A BOOK that doesn't Parallels on another story.

[Eml]

It wasn't Harry Potter that was the issue. It was because she was taking quotes from published work, movies, or TV shows and not giving credit to the original creators. She said it was just a small game, but she took an entire chapter out of a book without even mentioning the name or author...It was a pretty big deal. However, I don't believe that has happened with TMI. If it has, I haven't noticed.

[Hemanathan]

Heinzypop wrote: "Let me tell you I have read the entire Harry Potter Series and my brother has read each book in the Harry Potter series about four times each and we both say without a doubt that it is nowhere simi..."

4 times isn't enough. You have to re-read quite a few times and i mean atleast 20.

[Kirstyn]

I haven't seen anything taken from any other actual works that weren't quotes(and she said who the quotes were by) so I don't see what you are getting at. Is their something specific that caught your eye?

[Sophie]

It is NOT plagiarism. The dictionary definition of plagiarism is:

-an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author's work as one's own, as by not crediting the original author

Here are my points -

1. People are saying that it is plagiarism due to other author similarities? How exactly, may I ask, did anyone think that Cassandra Clare copyrighted other works? There may be similarities, very small similarities, but unless she uses the actual name "Harry Potter" or "Hogwarts" or uses an entire sentence word for word, and from any other book for that matter, then I fail to see how it is plagiarism. Authors, artists and musicians are continuously being inspired and influenced by others works: some of the greatest works in history have been inspired by other people! I mean, once someone has an idea (eg. Magic, Angels, Mythical beings, etc), there are only so many stories that can be produced (Vampires, Werewolves, Demons, etc). And I know, all genres have millions of books from them, but there are always going to be some books that have similar plots, or similar characters, or similar wording. AND, the book has to be TM or copyrighted in order for the author to have a say in what is extracted from their story. Try find or read a book that is completely and utterly original, there will be very few - the reason Shakespeare is so famous, not only for his genius and style, but for the fact HE WAS ORIGINAL - and even now, people have been influenced by his works.

2.Molly said: It is plagiarism. She never credited the source of the quotes, she never said the work wasn't her, there for she took credit. Unless she tells you what quotes are from where and who originally wrote them, she is plagiarizing.
For your information, whenever she had quotes, she WROTE DOWN THE AUTHOR. In some cases she wrote down which book/play-write it came from too. There was no plagiarism on that note, because firstly, her editor and publisher would NEVER have let it through, especially when it was quoting someone incredibly famous, like Charles Dickens, Shakespeare and Tennyson. And secondly, if you bothered to look at them, it may not have had the internet source or all the details of that site/book (That would have simply taken up pages and pages), but she DID have the original author and in most cases the original works as well.

3. She has already written 7 books and counting - I do believe that to accomplish this many books would have been impossible if anyone had even thought that she was plagiarising. She has received praise from various credited and accomplished authors, and although all that praise is not always for originality, it is for her outstanding imagination, style and talent.

4. @Spanghews - It is a matter of opinion. I strongly oppose you on the notion that Cassandra Clare's writing is tainted and soiled, and while I agree with you on the importance of good writing and originality and the edging out of rather off-putting series/books, I believe that Clare's works are not one of these. I congratulate you on your courage to speak out and stand up for what you believe, and you have every right to your own opinions. :)

Someone find a loophole in this case.

[Kirby]

Sophie wrote: "It is NOT plagiarism. The dictionary definition of plagiarism is:

-an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the repres..."

the quotes that people are talking about were in her fan fiction- this link goes over it.

http://www.journalfen.net/community/b...

[Sophie]

Kirby wrote: "Sophie wrote: "It is NOT plagiarism. The dictionary definition of plagiarism is:

-an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization..."

Thankyou for providing that link. I understand now what some people are so upset about, and I have to say that some of it is drastically similar, down to the wording. What a sad occurrence. :(

[Kirstyn]

Yes she may have similar things from other works in things from her fanfiction, but she did not steal from real works in her books so she committed no crime since fanfiction is not for profit.

[Kirby]

Sophie wrote: "Thankyou for providing that link. I understand now what some people are so upset about, and I have to say that some of it is drastically similar, down to the wording. What a sad occurrence. :( "

ah, thanks for the thanks! :) but I actually just re-posted it from someone else. and it is very similar, and maybe the worst part is that most of the straight-up lifting was from two books that were out-of-print...that sorta makes it seem all the more intentional.

and I understand how it feels to learn something distressing about an author you like...I love michael crichton but recently found out he was really disrespectful to a reviewer once. sucks.

[Amrita]

Racheal wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I read both HP and MI and I didn't think they were similar. To be honest, I don't think MI is that great. The characters are kind of flat and the way the plot evolved looked more l..."

I totally disagree that the love triangles are the same. Though I will state that there are obvious similarities between Will and Jace, they are in no way the same person. And under no circumstances whatsoever are Simon and Jem alike...

So Clare wrote a love triangle in both of her series, does that make them the same? No. In that mentality almost all love triangles are the same. And honestly when reading TMI, the love triangle conflict was no where near what it is in TID. Personally, I was always for Jace and in TID I still have no idea who I'm rooting for.

Though I can understand where you are coming from, I would have to stand and respectfully disagree.

Sorry for totally rambling :D

[Alice]

I think it's ridiculous that everyone is making such a big deal about minor similarities between Cassandra Clare's works and Harry Potter. The only reason people are being so nit-picky about her books is because they're becoming popular, and it's impossible for popular books to escape the wrath of the public.

If Cassandra Clare did plagiarize, then you could argue that J.K. Rowling plagiarized as well. Just look at the similarities between Dumbledore and Gandalf (from the Lord of the Rings), Harry Potter and Frodo Baggins, and Gollum and Dobby! Really, people, there have been countless published books out there that are derived from ideas of previous books, but that is NOT plagiarizing.

[Sy]

Ashley wrote: "Camden wrote: "The book is interesting enough but one can't help but think how much of the description and witty dialogues are actually her doing or if it's repeated plagiarism from her days at fan..."

CC was caught for plagiarism for her Harry Potter fanfiction

[Sy]

Cassandra Clare's characters are so similar. Meaning Jace and Will are both agonized, brooding, rude teenagers. Clary and Tessa cannot decide between Simon/Jem the kind, steady guy and Jace/Will- the badass guys.

But I gotta admit Magnus Bane is just unique. :D

[Amrita]

Sy wrote: "Cassandra Clare's characters are so similar. Meaning Jace and Will are both agonized, brooding, rude teenagers. Clary and Tessa cannot decide between Simon/Jem the kind, steady guy and Jace/Will- t..."

I don't believe Clary ever truly had to choose between Jace and Simon...she always truly wanted jace even when she thought she couldn't have him in CoA.

[Amrita]

Sy wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Camden wrote: "The book is interesting enough but one can't help but think how much of the description and witty dialogues are actually her doing or if it's repeated plagiarism from ..."

How exactly can you plagiarize something that is already yours and that you made up yourself?

[Sy]

Amrita wrote: "Sy wrote: "Cassandra Clare's characters are so similar. Meaning Jace and Will are both agonized, brooding, rude teenagers. Clary and Tessa cannot decide between Simon/Jem the kind, steady guy and J..."
true. Tessa was the one who truly was ripped into two.

[Sy]

Amrita wrote: "Sy wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Camden wrote: "The book is interesting enough but one can't help but think how much of the description and witty dialogues are actually her doing or if it's repeated plagi..."

I just think that the characters have the same "shade" but different "colour" in their character.

But C.C. did plagiarize in her fanfiction A LOT. Not in her official books though... I think.

[Sy]

If you make up theories about how the book would end, and use those ideas to make up different stories with different characters be plagiarism?

[Amrita]

Sy wrote: "Amrita wrote: "Sy wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Camden wrote: "The book is interesting enough but one can't help but think how much of the description and witty dialogues are actually her doing or if it's..."

I can see where ur coming from there and I agree...a very clever metaphor, too. ;)

[Amrita]

Sy wrote: "If you make up theories about how the book would end, and use those ideas to make up different stories with different characters be plagiarism?"

I don't believe so, because your theories are just that YOUR theories. The ideas were Clare's and she used them where she wanted to. As for similar ideas to HP...well even Shakespeare didn't make up his all of his storylines himself, many came from history and other stories...he was simply a master storyteller, which is what Clare is doing...reusing her ideas

[Harold]

Nah, I've actually found an example of plagiarism in one of her books. (City of Lost Souls) In it, Sebastian says "If I cannot move heaven, I will raise hell." This is actually a direct quote taken from The Aenid by Virgil. Given that this is the fifth book in the trilogy, it's a safe bet that at least parts of the other books are plagiarized.

[Nurlely]

Harold wrote: "Nah, I've actually found an example of plagiarism in one of her books. (City of Lost Souls) In it, Sebastian says "If I cannot move heaven, I will raise hell." This is actually a direct quote taken..."

Didn't Cassie say that? "This is from Virgil. 'Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.' If I cannot move Heaven, I will raise Hell."

How is it plagiarism?

Just curious... if some writer quote a verse from Bible, will it be called plagiarism? especially when that writer fails to say that it is taken from the Bible?