Philosopher's Stone Thesis
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling, offers readers a glimpse into the life of a neglected eleven-year-old orphan; discovering his magical capabilities and coming to terms with his surreptitious life. Harry Potter, the boy who lived, is nothing short of extraordinary in most wizards’ eyes; however, throughout the novel Harry struggles to accept his notoriety. The narrative presented is both a quest, an action-packed journey retrieving the Philosopher’s stone and facing Voldemort, and a rite of passage narrative, in which Harry questions his place in the wizarding world while dealing with expectations set out for him. Rowling uses such narratives to present Harry as a humble, brave, and caring protagonist who overcomes great adversity with the choices he makes.
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The antithesis of having lived his whole life made to feel unwanted and undeserving, only to have a double life as the most famous boy-wizard, contributes to Harry’s struggle with identity.
Leaving his old life behind and attending Hogwarts allows Harry to begin his journey of self-discovery and form his ever-curious mind. Learning about his connection to Voldemort’s wand, Ollivander exclaims “we must expect great thing from you… after all He Who Must Not Be Named did great things…” (Philosopher’s Stone 65), insinuating one of many high expectations the wizarding world has for him. Harry later confesses to Hagrid his frustration, saying “everyone thinks I'm special . . . but I don't know anything about magic at all…I can't even remember what I'm famous for” (Sorcerer's Stone 86). Indeed, the friends he makes have already been exposed to magic, Ron having grown up with it and Hermione having read all there is to know. Yet, people think so highly of Harry and he is wanting to prove himself
worthy.
The wand and scar symbolize the connection he has with the Dark Lord; however, he does not take pride in that. Instead, Harry wants to show he is not malevolent like Voldemort, even not wanting to be affiliated with the same house. Telling the Sorting Hat “not Slytherin” (Philosopher’s Stone 91), Harry made the choice to decide his own fate. He wants the world to know he would rather be brave and daring than part of a group of “cunning folk who use any means, to achieve their ends” (Philosopher’s Stone 88). This choice is among many that will help him progress through the challenges of self-identity and aid him in finding the stone, eventually shaping the character he wants to present.
The antithesis of having lived his whole life made to feel unwanted and undeserving, only to have a double life as the most famous boy-wizard, contributes to Harry’s struggle with identity.
Leaving his old life behind and attending Hogwarts allows Harry to begin his journey of self-discovery and form his ever-curious mind. Learning about his connection to Voldemort’s wand, Ollivander exclaims “we must expect great thing from you… after all He Who Must Not Be Named did great things…” (Philosopher’s Stone 65), insinuating one of many high expectations the wizarding world has for him. Harry later confesses to Hagrid his frustration, saying “everyone thinks I'm special . . . but I don't know anything about magic at all…I can't even remember what I'm famous for” (Sorcerer's Stone 86). Indeed, the friends he makes have already been exposed to magic, Ron having grown up with it and Hermione having read all there is to know. Yet, people think so highly of Harry and he is wanting to prove himself
worthy.
The wand and scar symbolize the connection he has with the Dark Lord; however, he does not take pride in that. Instead, Harry wants to show he is not malevolent like Voldemort, even not wanting to be affiliated with the same house. Telling the Sorting Hat “not Slytherin” (Philosopher’s Stone 91), Harry made the choice to decide his own fate. He wants the world to know he would rather be brave and daring than part of a group of “cunning folk who use any means, to achieve their ends” (Philosopher’s Stone 88). This choice is among many that will help him progress through the challenges of self-identity and aid him in finding the stone, eventually shaping the character he wants to present.