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How is Harry Potter a Hero

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Published: Mar 16, 2024

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1. overcoming adversity, 2. sacrifice and selflessness, 3. loyalty and friendship, 4. growth and redemption, 5. inspiring others.

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Hero’s Journey Example with Harry Potter

The Hero’s Journey is a popular writing framework that outlines a main character’s journey from zero to hero. Famous movies and stories have been shown to fit the narrative pattern of the Hero’s Journey. One of those titles is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Given the fame of the story and the series in general, and other stories following the framework, there is success in the Hero’s Journey. In this article, we’ll dissect the first of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novel series, and see how Rowling wrote the Hero’s Journey for Harry. 

Quick Recap: Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey can be best seen as a writing guide, formulated after success stories of heroic protagonists. First described by Joseph Campbell and then later revised by Christopher Vogler, the Hero’s Journey outlines the basic recipe for a main character’s adventures.

Campbell introduced 3 main acts, further broken down into 17 finer stages. Vogler, 50 years after Campbell’s version, published a refined version with only 12 stages. These are as follows:

Ordinary Adventure

Call to adventure, refusal of the call, meeting with the mentor, crossing the first threshold, tests, allies, enemies, approach to the inmost cave, reward (seizing the sword), the road back, resurrection, return with the elixir.

We’ll be using Vogler’s version in going through the novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

The Story Choice

We will be studying Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. The first of seven fantasy novels in the Harry Potter series, this novel enjoyed great success upon its release in 1997. So much, so that the entire series has been adapted into equally critically acclaimed films.

We didn’t choose a Harry Potter title for this study because it has all the stages of the Hero’s Journey. In fact, this book does not have all of the stages, with some a bit more subtle than others. 

However, showing a story with a missing piece or two of the framework would help you understand that the Hero’s Journey is not a rigid guide. It is simply a tool to help writers write the kind of story that their main character deserves. Plus, we deem that a popular book would be perfect for helping you understand the Hero’s Journey.

With that out of the way, let’s go into the discussion! 

The First Act – Departure

Similar to the Three-Act Structure , the first act, Departure, is a pretty short section of the novel. The Departure covers Chapters 1 to 6 of the book, starting from the introduction of Harry to his, well, departure from Privet Drive to Hogwarts.

The first chapter couldn’t have been more of a perfect fit for this stage, where the introduction of the Dursleys enforces that they are normal, thank you very much . However, the entire first chapter also introduces the “special” or magical world, with Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore, and Hagrid dropping off baby Harry.

The second chapter then comes back to show the ordinary life of the Dursleys with Harry. Harry is special, that much is clear to Petunia and Vernon. However, they’ve come to shrug him off as weird, then treat the “weird things” happening around Harry as a consequence of him being weird.

The call comes swiftly in the form of an oddly specific mail for Harry. Of course, the weird-averse Dursleys snatch this letter and hamper the succeeding mail from ever reaching their true recipient. 

More calls to adventure come through for Harry, to the point that the mails even come through the fireplace, plus the hundred letters sent to the hotel that the Dursleys and Harry moved to. Not even a rocky island accessible only by boat can stop the ultimate call for Harry…

The story is unique in the sense that the three consecutive stages — Call to Adventure, Refusal of the Call, and Meeting the Mentor — all condense into a single scene.

As Hagrid arrives at the dilapidated house, delivering the final invitation, the Dursleys vehemently try to stop Harry. In this case, Harry was not the one refusing the call, but rather the Dursleys. (Although one can say that Harry’s self-doubt about his capability is also a refusal.)

Hagrid’s introduction can be seen as Harry’s first meeting with the long line of mentors that he will gain throughout the story. Hagrid tells Harry of his true nature as a wizard, giving him the much-needed confidence boost to accept the Hogwarts invitation.

Later on, Harry will meet more mentors, most prominently Professor Dumbledore, but Hagrid kicks off this stage.

In this stage, the threshold is presented quite literally. Hagrid brings Harry to Diagon Alley through a magical wall in the Leaky Cauldron. Entering the Leaky Cauldron is part of the threshold, already showing contrasting differences between the special world and the ordinary world.

In the ordinary/Muggle world, Harry is but a normal boy with nothing to his name. However, in the magical world, Harry’s name is celebrated as the Boy Who Lived, as patrons in the pub hurriedly greet him.

Diagon Alley is where Harry first crosses the threshold, with the magical wall serving as the literal threshold. There, Harry experiences his first exposure to magic. It befits its role as an introduction to the magical world; a marketplace is common enough in the ordinary world, but its contents are magical.

Second Act: Initiation

Following a similar cadence with the Three-Act Structure again, the second act, Initiation, comprises the greater bulk of the story. In the novel, this act covers so much of the book; from Chapter 6 up until a part of Chapter 17, half a chapter shy of the end of the novel.

The culprit for the big composition of the second act lies in this stage, running for almost the entirety of the Second Act. Multiple minor trials, important allies that become life-long friends, and difficult enemies prop up in every chapter. Harry, despite being a neophyte at all this magic stuff, is tested at every corner.

The very first test that Harry encountered would be the Sorting Hat and his possible entry as a Slytherin student. Other prominent trials include the alluring temptations of the Mirror of Erised (which, fun fact, is spelled the reverse of desire), and his admission into the varsity Quidditch team while juggling the usual 12-year-old school problems.

In this novel, we are also introduced to the iconic trio that would be called the main characters of the series. We meet Ronald Weasley and his family of redhead wizards at Platform 9 ¾, while Hermione Granger, the genius Muggle-born witch, appears shortly during the train ride.

The first enemy that manifests in the novel would be Draco Malfoy, who Harry initially meets in Diagon Alley and his squad with Crabbe and Goyle. Harry also views Professor Snape as a villainous character, although in the end his name is cleared. In Chapter 15, where Harry and company venture out to the Forbidden Forest for detention, Voldemort is also confirmed to be alive, enforcing his role as the series’ main antagonist.

Chapter 16 makes full use of the allies that Harry made from the previous stage for the descent to the inmost cave or descent to the trapdoor underneath Fluffy. Neville even attempts to hinder their plan, yet is bound by Hermione’s spell.

The approach toward the final battle place is cleverly designed, as each trap in the dungeon requires specific talents, talents that the three protagonists excel at individually.

Hermione’s time with the books becomes well-spent after she realizes the proper spell to neutralize the Devil’s Snare. Harry’s Quidditch seeker skills come in handy as he catches a very specific flying key. Ron’s smugness at wizard chess is tested against a human-sized chessboard, where he even has to sacrifice himself. Lastly, Hermione’s intellect solves the logic puzzle with potions, but the final ordeal can only be faced by the main character himself.

Now proceeding to the last trial of the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry meets Professor Quirrell, previously a jumpy and nervous character, revealing his true nature. We get to meet a disembodied Voldemort, residing inside Quirrell’s body for support. Harry also sees the final trial, the Mirror of Erised.

Realizing that Harry can decode the secret of the Mirror, Professor Quirrell urges him to reveal it to him. However, when Harry lies, Quirrell (and by extension, Voldemort) attacks him. With a little bit of mum’s magic, Harry successfully defeats Professor Quirrell and Voldemort (by smothering said mum’s magic all over them).

This stage is effectively weaved in the Ordeal stage, where it was revealed to Harry by the Mirror of Erised that he has the Philosopher’s Stone. Later on, when Harry gains consciousness after the fight, Professor Dumbledore reveals to him the enchantment tied to the Stone and the Mirror: only those searching but not intending to use the Stone gets it.

Third Act: Return

The third act is very short in the novel; it comprises less than a chapter and does not even have one of the stages in this act. 

This stage is completely skipped, as the story jumps right into the hospital wing after the fight in the dungeon. 

Although Harry does not die and get reborn, the end of the Ordeal and his eventual awakening in the hospital wing can serve as a symbolic resurrection.

In this stage, Harry’s ‘Elixirs’ are physical and intangible. Harry (and the Gryffindor House) wins the House Cup and gains a photo album containing images of his parents.

Dumbledore also explains the protection that Harry’s mother granted to him upon her death. Finally, Harry gets the assurance that despite being the boy who lived in the cupboard under the stairs, he is destined for something far greater.

(A goofy bonus: Harry gets to mess around with the Dursleys, specifically Dudley, using magic.)

Harry’s Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey is an amazing framework to write stories of unknown characters pushing through the mud to gain heroic recognition. We can see that successful stories, like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , follow the general narrative pattern well, and we can attribute the beauty of such stories to this pattern.

Of course, if you also want to write a hero’s story with the Hero’s Journey, LivingWriter’s got you! With a fitting template to get you started on the Hero’s Journey and a slew of features for authors, LivingWriter has got everything you’ll need to write a fantastic hero’s journey.

Try LivingWriter now!

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Harry Potter and the Three Types of Heroes

by Joe Bunting | 57 comments

JK Rowling's journey with Harry Potter began, apparently, when Harry walked, fully formed onto her London bound train. She knew immediately she had been given a brilliant idea for a book. However, it still took her five years to brainstorm and write the rest. Which goes to show that while the hero might be the central character of the book, if you only have him or her, you don't have much.

Photo by Juliana Coutinho

In the Harry Potter saga there are really three different kinds of heroes. These heroic archetypes pop up all over Western Literature, and as soon as I identify them, I'm sure you can think of other examples in movies, television, literature, and maybe even in your own stories.

The three types of heroes are:

• The Classic Hero
• The Every Man Hero
• The Anti-Hero

Harry Potter: The Classic Hero

The problem is, he's so good it no longer surprises us when he wins. To keep us on our toes, Rowling throws plenty of failure his way (spoiler alert): the death of Sirius, the dissolution of his friendship with Dumbledore, and then Dumbledore's death. Since Harry is so capable, Rowling has to work hard to keep us questioning whether he can succeed after all. Otherwise, the story becomes predictable.

Great writers are always conscious of their character arcs. Protagonists need to change and grow. Otherwise, we lose interest in them. It can be difficult to show growth in the Classic Hero. They're so perfect already, how can they get better? That's why authors will often make orphans of their heroes (e.g. Superman, Batman, Harry Potter, every fantasy book ever written). This motivates the hero to fix the great evil in the world that wounded them so deeply. Of course, as they heal others, they find healing themselves.

Neville Longbottom: The Every Man Hero

The Every Man Hero doesn't have any exemplary qualities on his own. He or she is not particularly intelligent, athletic, or brave. They are normal like the rest of us. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Of course, that's exactly what makes these Every Man (or Woman) Heroes so amazing. They become our representatives to the land of heroic deeds. They do the things we always wonder if we could do if we were put in extraordinary circumstances. They are us, and who wouldn't want to watch themselves be the hero? That's why everyone cheered louder in the theater when Neville cut the head off that scary snake than they did when Harry finally finally killed Voldemort. They were really cheering for themselves.

Severus Snape: The Anti-Hero

The real question at the heart of Harry Potter is, Can love win? And it's answered in Snape, the second cruelest person in the world, next to Voldemort, who is somehow transformed by love.

Snape, like all Anti-Heroes, represents what society detests: cruelty, cowardice, self-interest, and dishonesty. He is the opposite of the hero, a villain , and yet somehow he's a villain on the good guys' side. Because of this, anti-heroes are almost always our favorite character. Han Solo, Ryan Gosling's character in Crazy, Stupid Love , and Huck Finn and Holden Caulfield in literature are all examples of Anti-Heroes. We like them because they have the widest character arc, the most room to grow, and because sometimes it's just fun to root for the bad guy.

Characterization 101

This lesson is part of our tutorial, Characterization 101: How to Create Memorable Characters . If you want to create characters that stick in your readers’ minds for years, you should think about signing up.

Today, let's practice breaking down heroes into these three categories.

• Make a list of your favorite heroes.
• Determine what type they are: classic, every man, or anti?
• What qualities (or lack of qualities) make them that type?

Post your results in the comments so you can help all of us better understand these archetypes.

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

57 Comments

Ooh, that’s a fun exercise! I have so many favorites it’s hard to choose. Recently I was thinking about the Masterpiece Theater show Downton Abbey. I was pondering it’s amazing success and why so many people, including myself, love it. I think the wonderful use of the every man hero and anti-hero may be the reason. The show has a handful of every man hero’s; Lord Grantham, Matthew, William, but certainly the best is John Bates. (There are also a handful of women that fit that category.) Not one of them is stunningly handsome, actually the anti-hero Thomas is probably the most handsome.

Yet they each have their own appeal. Bates inspires devotion because he’s what every woman hopes a man can be. Though once an alcoholic and deeply affected (or is it effected) by war, he has overcome. He caries himself with a rugged honor, simple nobility, loyalty and gentleness that comes off as truly manly. Having gone to prison for his guilty wife, whether a wise choice or not, we believe he’s a man who will always protect and live justly. I think viewers tune in every week to see if he will “get” his female counterpart, the gentle, sweet Anna.

There are also some great anti hero’s in the series. Thomas is the most dastardly and I’m ashamed to say I don’t want him to be redeemed. There’s also O’Brien, Edith and Mary. Mary is my favorite and I think the one we most hope will find love. Mary has been selfish, cynical, and careless. She believes herself to be “lost” which motivates compassion from the viewer. As we know her better we begin to see ourselves and realize her regret. I enjoy watching her awaken to unexpected possibilities and allowing herself to hope. She’s also beautiful and elegant, which helps!

What a fun exercise! I think I need to go evaluate the characters in my book, assign them their proper roles, and develop their stories accordingly.

Great breakdown, Beck. I love what you said about not wanting the anti-hero to be “redeemed.” We love to hate (or even hate to love) villainous heroes, don’t we?

The question that keeps coming to me, though, is every character necessarily a hero? What’s the difference between a hero and a regular character? And even, is the protagonist of a story by definition a hero? My gut tells me that in more realistic stories like Downtown Abby, hero is not the right word to use. Whereas in more abstracted, fantastical stories like HP, Star Wars, etc., the protagonist is more like the knight in shining armor we expect. It’s interesting to think about that distinction. What’s your opinion?

Good point, actually I started wondering about that later. In my novel I’m not sure that I have a pure hero at all and I guess that’s okay.

I agree about Downton Abbey as well. The characters aren’t necessarily heroes or anti heroes just people living life, and some of the characters it’s hard to know if they would really fall squarely into either camp. I do think the story is so sweeping and large that in one sense each sub-story has an every man hero and an anti hero in it. Perhaps I’m not understanding the use of hero correctly though. In my opinion Bates is a true every man hero; he has risen above his circumstances, he changes the whole tone of the house, he confronts the bully and takes an emotional bullet for people he cares about. That’s just my two cents worth.

I think it’s a great topic. Already it’s helped me evaluate my characters and ask myself if I need or want a hero in my story.

Good thoughts here, Beck. Fuel for a future post, perhaps!

I think of Thomas more as a villain than any kind of hero. Hopefully he’ll change. He is very handsome. I love that show, got it from Netflix and watched the first season all night.

Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird) is classic. Or maybe that’s just the girl in me thinking that he’s perfect. He’s a great father, lawyer, marksman, etc. but so unassuming that his heroics are underplayed. Love him!

Hester Prynn (The Scarlet Letter) and John Proctor (The Crucible) as anti-heroes. They were both guilty of grievous sin, yet turned their lives around and became advocates of truth. One was honored for her changes, the other died to keep his honor–recognized only by those who knew him best (and the audience, of course). Oh…. and Captain Jack Sparrow. Duh.

Dr. Stockmann (An Enemy of the People) as everyman hero? He has no particular super powers except that he has great integrity and is smart enough to detect danger, but it is that very perseverance in his quest to protect and inform that wins the hero status for me.

Hmmm…. Except for the pirate, I note that my heroes are all from classic lit…. I wonder what that means about modern writing and the kinds of heroes I don’t seem to find there….

I realize that my own heroes (in my books) are probably classics because they are gifted, etc., but they have to overcome their own weaknesses to do the real heroic things. I do have one coming up who was the villain and is coming around, a la Snape.

Great article. Good food for thought. And yes, I cheered for Neville–and for Molly Weasley when she took out Bellatrix. She’s another Everyman.

I thought of Atticus right away as well, he’s a favorite! Interesting thoughts about classic and modern day heroes.

Oh, I love Atticus Finch. Perfect example.

Jack Sparrow is definitely an anti-hero. John Proctor, though? I’m not sure. He’s not mean enough at the start of the play. However, maybe I just saw a production where he was too nice.

Haven’t read An Enemy of the People. Is it good?

Molly is definitely an everyman.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard: The Classic Hero Everything he does is perfect. Everything he says is perfect. He always picks the right option, to the amazement of all parties involved. His weakness is that he denies himself the ability to have real, meaningful, lasting relationships with women and never gets the girl.

Geordi La Forge: The Everyman Hero He’s got a physical disability, and he’s really geeky. REALLY geeky. Has a hard time with the ladies because he talks to a computer all day. And yet he seems to come up with brilliant plans to save the universe because of it.

Commander Riker (#1): The Anti-Hero He’s a womanizer. He won’t commit to a relationship with Deana, even though she’s right on the same ship with him. He’s brash, offensive, cocky and egotistical. But then he has this streak of loyalty and duty that is very heroic and admirable.

…and a little bonus for you – Data would definitely be The Fool!

I agree with Picard. I almost like that he never gets the girl because he seems so unattainable and god-like. I have to say I wouldn’t have originally seen Riker as the anti-hero though. I liked him without thinking that maybe I shouldn’t. Hmmm.

Jean-Luc. Oh yes. Great call. He never gets the girl, so he’s the complete opposite of the previous more anti-hero captain, Captain Kirk.

You’re all about Star Trek, aren’t you? Love it! I think Geordi is more of a sidekick than a hero, but he definitely has his heroic moments.

Data? Great call. He’s the fool, for sure.

I just finished writing this and was thinking that heroes have become more realistic in modern lit and so the lines between the different types and even the lines between hero and villain have blurred. If I think of the word hero I can think of ones like Jane and Heathcliff, but if I try to think of a favorite book like Gillead, Freedom and The financial lives of the poets, I get heroes that can’t be pigeonholed.

John Ames in Gillead by Marilynne Robinson is my favorite hero. He is kind of a combo of classic hero and everyman. He is kind, intellectual, introspective, and truthful, but sort of introverted and too sensitive to be interpersonally brave. He’s aware of his own faults and excuses the bad behavior of others. The book is a letter that he is writing about his life to his young son so the POV is his. His personality all comes from the voice that he uses and his thoughts on the various things he discusses. Very realistic so much so that I miss him now, and he isn’t even real. I read an interview with Marilynne Robinson recently and she said that she discussed things with John Ames.

Jane Eyre – classic – Loyal (most important), intelligent, kind, composed, industrious, attractive (not beautiful), an orphan who has been treated cruelly.

Heathcliff – surly, brash, wild, unruly, cruel at times, sullen. Again as in Jane Eyre, loyalty or steadfastness in love is what makes him a hero. He starts to change because of his love for Catherine, but then, he overhears her talking about marrying Isabel, and goes back to his “bad” self. At that point he actually becomes cruel. In the end he is seen as a ghost walking on the moor with Catherine (also a ghost by then).

Bernard in “The Waves by Virginia Woolf”, I guess he’s the everyman type hero. He’shero a regular guy no extreme qualities. This book is all stream of consciousness with six narrators and he is seen differently by all of the others, Neville, Jenny etc. He is always dependable though and we believe him when he talks. Maybe he should be called the main character rather than the hero.

I think there are heroes who blur the anti-hero and everyday hero together. In Freedom by Franzen, Walter and Ray (I think his name is Ray – the musician) and Patty all are pretty bad but change, to a little better. It is more realistic than the Bronte sisters books, and the characters are less predictable than the ones in “The Waves”

One of my favorite characters is Matt in “The financial lives of the poets” by Jess Walter. He is an everyman hero I think who keeps making bad decisions as his life. He thinks he has good morals but maybe he doesn’t I like that kind of hero and the ones by Franzen because they are comedic as well as tragic.

Great points, Marianne. The more realistic they get, the more difficult they are to fit into the archetype. By the way, I just started reading Gillead. It’s great!

You’re so well read, Marianne. I’m jealous of the books you’ve read. I wish I could speak to these, but haven’t read them.

I imagine you’ll have read as much as I have by the time your my age. I don’t read a lot on the web. I like this blog but I don’t read many other things. I love “Gillead”!!! If I were asked what was my very favorite novel, “Gillead” would be it. it was given to me after my father died and it lifted my spirits immeasurably. Marilynne Robinson is phenomenal. She’s only written three novels and I think Gillead is the best, but the others are good too. They are all different. “Home” is about the same people as “Gillead” but is told in the voice of Glory. My problem is that I like to read so much that I don’t write. i thought the other day that I’d just read a few short stories and then I’d write. After I finished five or six short stories hours later, i fell asleep. Well I’ll just have to give up on cleaning I guess. That will give me time to read and write.

Wow, well then I’ll have to read faster! I got distracted by the Hunger Games trilogy.

Yes, giving up cleaning is a sensible solution 😉

Classic Henry V. He’s the perfect heroic Christian–and boring. That’s why I’ll teach any Shakespeare but that one.

Everyman/woman Tess ( of d’Urberville fame), Jenny (An Education), Katniss (Hunger Games) Wrong time, wrong place, wrong guy. Victimized because of their sex, they deal with their situaitons.

Todd Anderson (Outsourced, the movie), Bryan Mills (Taken) They were minding their own business when everything fell apart. They had no choice but to act–to risk a career or a life to resolve the situation.

Anti-hero Phil (Groundhog Day), The Girl (with the Dragon Tattoo) Rough, anti-social people who come around.

Oh yes. Henry V is perfect. But I do love that play. I’m actually a sucker for the boring heroes.

I wouldn’t put Katiniss in the everywoman class. First of all, she’s half an orphan, which tips you off already. Second, she’s talented, intelligent, and at least, in the movie trailers, attractive. Plus, she’s humble (or at least unaware).

Great call on your anti-heroes. The Girl with the dragon tattoo is SUCH an anti-hero!

Jamie Fraser, in The Outlander. He is raised to be a laird of an estate, he can take on anyone who crosses him, he is smart, and he has good teeth (in the 1700s). And he’s good looking, especially in a kilt.

“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte is everywoman…okay everyman (I couldn’t help that). Jane isn’t beautiful or wealthy and must support herself in a man’s world without family (that she knows of). Jane has a backbone and strong moral convictions. She does not give in to principal, even if she is left destitute and homeless in upholding them.

Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone With the Wind” is the anti-hero. Self-centered, selfish, out for herself and damn everyone else.

I haven’t seen / read The Outlander. What is it? I’d wikipedia it but it’s down today 🙂

Very true. Jane is a great example of an everywoman.

Also haven’t read Gone With the Wind. Is that terrible?

Diana Gabaldon is the author of The Outlander (it’s a series, actually). All of her novels are massive. Her short stories are novel length.

The movie of “Gone with the Wind” follows the book. One of those rare cases. It’s a very good book, and you should read it. I understand that it’s the only book that Margaret Mitchell ever wrote. I guess everyone has a story to tell, and that was hers.

I recently finished Scottish Prisoner, so I was thinking about this one as well. What do you think – Jamie as the “classic” hero and Lord John more as the “every man” hero? (and I do not mean that as any sort of play on words!) And how bout this…Frank as the “anti hero?”

Was it good? I can’t wait to read it.

I hadn’t thought about Frank as an anti-hero, but I think you might be right. He was cold and stand-offish, even before Claire left. He was wrapped up in his genealogy. He had his needs taken care of, and came to a point where he didn’t care if Claire knew or not. But Brianna gave him the ability to forgive.

I’ll have to think about Lord John.

I thought it was a beautifully written book. I think you will enjoy it!

Re. Frank – did you read the short “Leaf on All Hallows” (or something like that)? There is a glimpse of him there that makes me suspect he is undeserving of our scorn and will end up being the true hero of the story, like Snape.

However it ends, I’m guessing we’ll need the box of kleenex handy!

Jane is my favorite everywoman hero! The fact that she comes from such a humble place, but yet still captures the heart of a powerful man who could pick from many others…gets me every time! 🙂

Classic Hero: Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) Everyman’s Hero: Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings) Anti-Hero: Eustace Scrubb (Voyage of the Dawn Treader) Another great anti hero I like: Haymitch Abernathy (Hunger Games)

Great examples, Tal. You so smart.

Haymitch – good one!

Alright, here’s one for you. Is Joey in War Horse a Classic or Every Man/(Horse!) hero? I’m inclined to say “Classic,” though I am conflicted because he tells an “Every Man” sort of story.

Haven’t seen / read it. But interesting idea to classify a non-speaking animal in these terms. In general, I think animals play the role of the fool, but you might be right about Joey.

The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini: Eragon = The Classic Hero Roran = The Every Man’s Hero Murtagh = The Anti-Hero

I’ve only read Eragon, but he’s definitely the classic hero. An orphan no less!

The Classic Hero: Sherlock Holmes. The Every Man’s Hero: Lestibournes from the Mistborn trilogy. The Anti-Hero: Tyrion Lannister from A song of ice and fire fantasy epic. (one of the best characters ever).

Great article. Thanks! 🙂

Thanks JB. Speaking of Sherlock, have you seen the latest BBC version of him? Very anti-hero.

No, I haven’t watched an episode of that series yet. Thanks for telling me about it!

Confession: I don’t like Snape of Holden Caulfield. And I always wanted Neville to do better. I guess this means I’m a fan of traditional heroes and a bit harsh on the other two. Katie

You don’t like Snape? Not even at the end of the last movie?

I don’t watch movies; I read books. I only read the last book once so maybe another try would help. Katie

Look at you, you little lit snob. Only reading books. Impressive.

It was the rule in my house as a child: if a book was made into a movie, we had to read the book before we saw the movie. I tend to not appreciate the movies like I do the book, so I don’t usually watch them. Katie

That’s a pretty good rule, I think. I try to do that too. I’m reading through Hunger Games right now, for example.

Neville is one of my favorite heroes.

Agreed. He’s amazing.

LOVE your post! 😀 I’m an avid writer/reader myself and hope to be a successful author when I grow up! 😀 My favorite hero is Hermione (probably an every man hero). 😀

Thanks! I hope you’re a successful author as well.

I’m a big fan of Hermione, too, but she’s too smart and pretty to be an everyman hero. She’s classic, in my opinion.

Hero – All the “Star Trek” series Captains – Male & Female; Sam Spade Every Man Hero – George Smiley, Quoyle (Shipping News) Anti-Hero – Dr. Gregory House, Raskolnikov (Crime & Punishment)

Hi! I’m actually writing a essay on heroes for my Brit Lit class. Specifically about the role of women as heroes in Brit Lit.

For your classic hero I kind of think Eowyn (lord of the rings), because she was lovely, strong, and even though as a women they tried to shove her on a shelf she was a pivotal character in taking out the Nazgul.

For your every-man (woman) hero that’s a little harder for Brit Lit but maybe Lady Chatterley? (D.H. Lawrence) somewhat explicit but in her own way she was a hero because she was confined by her status and by the expectations of the time to love her crippled husband. Breaking free from that she “triumphed” and ran away from those bondages. She wasn’t very brave, or clever but she did have the daring, and may I say audacity to do as she pleased with herself.

and my personal favorite the anti-hero: It would have to be Irene Adler! At least that is the only female character I can think of in Brit Lit who at all fits the description. Any thoughts?

Hi Tova. What a fun essay, and you use some fantastic examples. I think Lady Chatterly may be an anti-hero, considering she breaks societies conventions of what an everyman (or woman) usually is. She’s certainly heroic, but does so in a way that conflicts with society—thus anti.

I haven’t read the story featuring Irene, but if she’s anything like the character they put on the BBC version recently, then yes, definitely Anti.

A good everyman might be Jane Eyre or even Fanny Price from Austen’s Mansfield Park, don’t you think? Also, isn’t there a female heroine in Spenser’s Fairie Queen? That would be a great classic hero.

Anyway, best of luck with your essay!

My first post.

Classic Heroes – RA Salvatore’s Drizzt

Everyday Heroes – Bilbo (The Hobbit). “When do we go home? I miss home”. At least towards the beginning of the book, Bilbo is very down to earth.

Anti-Heroes – Riddick, Gollum (Lord of the Rings). Gollum is quite a deviation away from a anti-hero, but the fact that his obsession for the ring is, ironically, what destroys it. He is a failing anti-hero that succeeds my a stroke of fate (as opposed to a choice).

Classic – Bigwig(Watership Down), Sam Winchester(He’s my favorite in Supernatural… Lackluster series), The Tenth Doctor (Doctor Who) Everyman – Bluebell/Hyzenthlay(Watership Down), Hiccup(How to Train Your Dragon) Anti – Sherlock Holmes(BBC), Snape

I feel like I should have more and was tempted to add Loki for the first movie of Thor on Anti-hero. He was a bit off-kilter as far as a side goes – especially in the second movie where Hiddleston played up the “Prince of Deceit” archetype that MADE Loki a character. Lined right up with the mythology.

Or Discord, (promptly named) in My Little Pony; Friendship is Magic.

For Lord of the Rings

Classic Hero: Aragorn – the classic medieval, epic hero

Everyday Hero – Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins – they’re everyday normal hobbit folk, yet they are in essence our heroes in the story

Anti-hero: Gollum – mixture of villain and hero; ends up saving the world by taking the ring with him and falling into the fires of Mount Doom

Avatar The Last Airbender (and I know this isn’t literature but it is an amazing story) :

Aang: Classic Hero- you know, destined to save the world and keep the balance between the four nations

Sokka: Everyman’s Hero- the non-gifted “meat & sarcasm fellow” who gets caught up in the plot without being predestined to be a part of it.

Zuko: Anti-Hero- The “evil” fire nation prince on a quest to regain his lost honor, whose choices eventually turn him from a villain to one of the best characters in the entire series.

This was the first example I could think of 🙂

It probably says something that pretty much every favorite I have is an anti hero or an anti villain. But here we go.

Classic: Drizzt. Gandalf. Dumbledore. Honestly, they’re the only ones I can think of that I really like. Does Spiderman count? I feel like he might be in the middle, but he’s not Everyday…I don’t think.

Everyday: No idea. I guess Bilbo, like James? Do Tonks and Remus kinda count? At all? I hope?

Anti: Oh, now I know some. Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle (Hey, they’re headed down this road. Maybe a bit grey between hero and villain, but they’re close enough now…) Wolverine, Han Solo, Batman, Artemis and Jarlaxle, Ghost Rider, Severus Snape, Artemis and Jarlaxle…and did I say Artemis and Jarlaxle yet? I can’t leave that awesome assassin and dark elf mercenary duo out!

I really like the idea of Ryan Gosling in Crazy Stupid Love as an anti-hero. Can you give me some reasons why though? Because he doesn’t particularly look like an anti-hero?

Classic Hero:Paul Atrides in Dune. Everyday Heroine: Dorothy in the Land of Oz stories. Anti-Hero: the monster in Frankenstein.

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The Harry Potter Books: Analyzing The Hero’s Journey Narrative

Get ready to dive into the magical world of the Harry Potter books! In this article, we will take a closer look at the captivating narrative structure of the series and analyze how it follows the Hero’s Journey. From the moment Harry receives his acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, to his epic battles against the dark forces of Voldemort, each book takes readers on an exhilarating adventure filled with twists, turns, and a whole lot of magic. So, grab your broomstick and join me as we unravel the secrets behind the hero’s journey in the enchanting world of Harry Potter.

When it comes to storytelling, J.K. Rowling has masterfully crafted a narrative that captivates readers of all ages. The Hero’s Journey, a concept popularized by Joseph Campbell, is a common narrative structure found in many epic tales throughout history. It follows the path of a hero as they embark on a transformative quest, facing challenges, discovering their true potential, and ultimately emerging victorious. In the Harry Potter books, this narrative structure is skillfully woven into the fabric of the story, creating a gripping and immersive reading experience. So, let’s grab our wands and delve into the magical realm of Harry Potter to uncover the intricacies of the hero’s journey narrative.

Table of Contents

The Harry Potter Books: Analyzing the Hero’s Journey Narrative

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, has captivated readers of all ages with its magical world and compelling characters. One of the reasons for its immense popularity is the hero’s journey narrative that underlies the story. In this article, we will delve into the hero’s journey narrative in the Harry Potter books and analyze its impact on the overall storytelling.

The Call to Adventure: Harry’s Introduction to the Wizarding World

The hero’s journey begins with the call to adventure, where the protagonist is introduced to a world beyond their ordinary existence. In the case of Harry Potter, this occurs when he receives his acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This pivotal moment sets Harry on a path that will forever change his life.

From the moment Harry steps onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, he enters a world filled with magic, wonder, and danger. He is thrust into a society that he never knew existed, where he learns about his true heritage and the powers he possesses. This introduction to the wizarding world serves as the catalyst for his extraordinary journey.

The Mentor: Dumbledore’s Guidance and Wisdom

Every hero needs a mentor to guide them through their journey, and Harry finds this mentor in Albus Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore plays a crucial role in Harry’s development, providing him with guidance, support, and valuable life lessons.

As Harry navigates the challenges and obstacles that come his way, Dumbledore is always there to offer advice and encouragement. He helps Harry understand the significance of his role as the Chosen One and teaches him the importance of love, friendship, and sacrifice. Dumbledore’s presence in Harry’s life is instrumental in shaping him into the hero he becomes.

The Trials and Tribulations: Overcoming Challenges

No hero’s journey is complete without trials and tribulations that test the protagonist’s strength and resolve. In the Harry Potter books, Harry faces numerous challenges, both physical and emotional, that push him to his limits.

From battling deadly creatures to facing off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, Harry must confront his deepest fears and find the courage to overcome them. These trials not only shape his character but also highlight the themes of bravery, resilience, and the power of good triumphing over evil.

The Ultimate Sacrifice: Harry’s Selflessness

In the final stages of the hero’s journey, the protagonist is often called upon to make a great sacrifice for the greater good. Harry exemplifies this selflessness when he willingly gives his life to protect his friends and defeat Voldemort.

This ultimate sacrifice showcases Harry’s unwavering loyalty and love for those he cares about. It also demonstrates the transformative power of selflessness and the importance of making choices that prioritize the well-being of others. Harry’s willingness to lay down his life for the greater good is a defining moment in his hero’s journey.

The Return: Harry’s Newfound Wisdom and Growth

After completing the hero’s journey, the protagonist returns to their ordinary life but forever changed by their experiences. For Harry, this return occurs after the Battle of Hogwarts, where he emerges victorious and brings an end to Voldemort’s reign of terror.

Despite the immense loss and grief he experiences, Harry emerges from his journey with newfound wisdom and maturity. He learns the value of love, friendship, and the power of unity. The hero’s journey has not only transformed Harry but also the entire wizarding world.

In conclusion, the Harry Potter books beautifully weave the hero’s journey narrative throughout the story, taking readers on a captivating adventure filled with magic, friendship, and self-discovery. From Harry’s call to adventure to his ultimate sacrifice, each stage of the hero’s journey contributes to the rich and compelling storytelling that has made the series a beloved classic. The Harry Potter books remind us of the power of resilience, love, and the ability to overcome even the darkest of challenges.

Key Takeaways: The Harry Potter Books – Analyzing the Hero’s Journey Narrative

• Harry Potter’s journey follows the classic hero’s journey narrative structure.
• He starts as an ordinary boy, but discovers he is a wizard and enters the magical world.
• Harry faces challenges, overcomes obstacles, and grows stronger throughout the series.
• He is guided by mentors like Dumbledore and faces a powerful antagonist, Lord Voldemort.
• The Harry Potter books teach us about friendship, bravery, and the power of love.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how does the hero’s journey narrative structure apply to the harry potter books.

The hero’s journey is a narrative structure that follows the journey of a hero as they face challenges, grow, and ultimately transform. The Harry Potter books, written by J.K. Rowling, beautifully embody this narrative structure. Harry Potter, the protagonist, begins as a young orphan living with his neglectful relatives. As he discovers his magical abilities and enters the wizarding world, he is called to embark on a journey to defeat the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort.

Throughout the series, Harry faces various trials and tribulations, encountering allies, enemies, and mentors along the way. He undergoes personal growth, learns valuable lessons, and ultimately fulfills his destiny as the chosen one. The hero’s journey structure can be seen in the challenges Harry faces, the stages of his development, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

2. What are some key stages of the hero’s journey narrative in the Harry Potter books?

The hero’s journey narrative in the Harry Potter books can be divided into several key stages. The first stage is the “Call to Adventure,” where Harry receives his invitation to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This sets him on the path of his magical journey. The next stage is the “Threshold Crossing,” where Harry enters the wizarding world and leaves behind his ordinary life.

As the series progresses, Harry goes through stages such as “Tests, Allies, and Enemies,” where he faces various challenges, forms alliances, and encounters enemies. He also experiences the “Ordeal,” a moment of intense conflict or crisis that tests his strength and resolve. Finally, there is the “Return and Transformation,” where Harry returns to Hogwarts to face the ultimate battle against Voldemort and undergoes a transformation that solidifies his role as the hero.

3. How does the hero’s journey narrative impact character development in the Harry Potter books?

The hero’s journey narrative structure greatly impacts character development in the Harry Potter books. As the characters go through the various stages of the hero’s journey, they undergo personal growth, face their fears, and learn important life lessons.

For example, Harry Potter starts off as a timid and unsure young boy, but through his journey, he gains confidence, learns to trust his instincts, and discovers his true identity as the chosen one. Other characters, such as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, also experience their own growth and transformation as they face challenges and contribute to Harry’s journey.

4. How does the hero’s journey narrative create suspense and tension in the Harry Potter books?

The hero’s journey narrative in the Harry Potter books creates suspense and tension by presenting the protagonist, Harry Potter, with formidable challenges and obstacles. Each stage of the hero’s journey brings new dangers and uncertainties, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

As Harry faces tests, encounters enemies, and confronts his fears, the stakes are raised, and the tension builds. The reader becomes invested in Harry’s journey and eagerly follows along to see how he will overcome each obstacle and progress towards his ultimate goal of defeating Voldemort.

5. How does the hero’s journey narrative in the Harry Potter books resonate with readers?

The hero’s journey narrative in the Harry Potter books resonates with readers because it taps into universal themes and emotions. The journey of the hero, with its ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks, mirrors the challenges and growth that individuals experience in their own lives.

Readers can relate to the struggles and successes of Harry Potter and the other characters, finding inspiration in their resilience, bravery, and determination. The hero’s journey narrative provides a framework for understanding personal growth and transformation, making it a compelling and relatable story for readers of all ages.

The Life of Harry Potter: The Hero’s Journey Explained (Video Essay / Theory Video)

Final Summary: Unleashing the Magic of the Hero’s Journey

As we delve into the enchanting world of Harry Potter, it becomes clear that J.K. Rowling’s masterful storytelling follows the timeless structure of the hero’s journey. From the humble beginnings of a young wizard at Privet Drive to the epic battles fought at Hogwarts, Harry’s path mirrors that of countless legendary heroes throughout literature. By analyzing the hero’s journey narrative in the Harry Potter books, we gain a deeper understanding of the universal themes and archetypes that captivate readers of all ages.

Throughout the series, Harry embarks on a transformative adventure, facing trials, meeting allies, and ultimately confronting the forces of darkness. Just like the hero’s journey framework suggests, Harry’s journey follows a cyclical pattern of departure, initiation, and return. From the moment he receives his acceptance letter to Hogwarts, to his encounters with mentors like Dumbledore and his final confrontation with Voldemort, each step of his journey shapes him into the true hero he was destined to become.

What makes the hero’s journey narrative in the Harry Potter books so compelling is its ability to resonate with readers on a profound level. We see ourselves in Harry’s struggles, his triumphs, and his growth. Rowling’s meticulous attention to detail and her ability to craft relatable characters breathe life into the hero’s journey, making it a timeless tale that continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers around the world.

So, grab your wand, don your robes, and immerse yourself once again in the magical world of Harry Potter. As you journey alongside the Boy Who Lived, you’ll discover that the hero’s journey is not just a narrative structure, but a reflection of the human experience itself. Through the power of storytelling, Rowling has bestowed upon us a gift that will continue to inspire and transport us to a realm where magic and heroism reign supreme.

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93 Harry Potter Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best harry potter topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 simple & easy harry potter essay titles, 👍 good essay topics on harry potter, ❓ harry potter essay questions.

• Harry Potter Books and Movies The lead character is the hero Harry Potter, a famous wizard whose adventures are the central focus of the book and the movie.
• Harry Potter vs. Hari Puttar: Battle of Intellectual Property It should be emphasized that the necessity to protect the intellectual property fully depends on the aims and requirements of the intellectual property owner, and the entire policy of the company on the matters of […]
• The Themes of Hope and Trauma in “Harry Potter” The inciting incident of the series is a giant man breaking down the door and telling Harry about his horrible legacy.
• Heroes at Hogwarts: The Journey of the Hero in the Harry Potter Series That the Harry Potter books are written in a fashion robust enough to allow for close reading, for example, in the context of the monomyth of the hero, or in light of philosophical concepts, is […]
• J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and Its Popularity It is because of the uniform content and constantly relevant themes of the children’s stories that have allowed it to endure the test of time.
• The Harry Potter Series Thus, in his article “Cryptozoology and the Paranormal in Harry Potter: Truth and Belief at the Borders of Consensus”, Peter Dendle discusses the role of the paranormal in the books.
• Concept of Home in “The Odyssey” and “Harry Potter” In the end, it could be said that both of these books show that home is a haven and safe place to return to.
• Harry Potter Stories and Impact on Pop Culture Harry Potter shows how prejudices, conflict, and social hierarchies work in the community and the role of the moral concepts in struggling with difficulties.
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 15″depicting the last series of the movie to be produced and also the first day of its first release to the theaters.
• Fantasy Works: “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and “Harry Potter” Generally, I would like to state that the plot of the novel is to be considered in relation to socialization issues.
• The Harry Potter Phenomenon Analysis Since these groups sowed the seeds of the Potter phenomenon, the connectors and, later, the mavens were crucial to the publication of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
• The “Harry Potter” Novels by Joanne Rowling A virtuoso command of the English language and an understanding of how to portray teenagers plausibly from their psychology allowed the author to reach the hearts of millions of children worldwide.
• The Book “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling He incessantly faces one problem after another in the course of his life Petunia and Vernon consider Harry’s magic a threat and decide not to tell him about his magical powers.
• Influence of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games The study is useful because it illustrates the importance of Harry Potter books within popular culture through the lens of improving young readers’ literacy.
• Literary Values of Harry Potter Novels by Rowling However, the world of wizards or wizardry that Harry lives in is secretive and is unknown to the non-magical people or the Muggles.
• “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Conan Doyle, and “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling Also, the argument regarding the effectiveness of the two images is well-supported by the fact that through the use of varied approaches, the trivial one by Watson, and the sophisticated one by Holmes, the readers […]
• Rowling’s “Harry Potter” Books in Connection to Mythology The essential element of the book is the creation of the mythical element of a magical world and the classical theme of a tension between two abstract concepts good and evil.
• Enslavement in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by J. K. Rowling Dobby embodies the new era of house-elves, those who have a sense of self-respect and demands that his rights be recognized by those who wish to have him in their service.
• “Harry Potter” Movie and Novel: Plot Changes The changes of the plot throughout the movie in comparison with the original novel are disturbing watchers since the times of cinema appearing and performance of the derivative movies.
• Harry Potter Movies in Concentric Circles Model The center of the model is the most important notion which influences a great number of other issues and leads to the appearance of new layers which could be compared with the ripples on the […]
• “Harry Potter Casts a Spell for Tolerance” by A. M. Paul The author of the article explores the role of literature in the social and moral development of the adolescents and children.
• Comparison Between Hooters Translates in China and Harry Potter and Magical Realism Having stayed in china for a long period, Craig wanted to bring to focus the culture and the lifestyle of the Chinese.
• Gender Role in Harry Potter Books and Movies However, it is important that if the children and adolescents are going to be affected, it should stand out as a positive influence making gender one of the timeless societal problems that should be approached […]
• Media Interpretation of Harry Potter and Sexuality Apart from that, it should be pointed out that in the fifth film of the series Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, she urged Harry to use force against her.
• J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and the Decisions of the Hero
• The Role of Fate Versus Free Will in “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” by J. K. Rowling and “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
• The Importance of Friends in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” J. K. Rowling
• The Life Values Learned in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
• The Concept of Monomyth Theory in “The Golden Compass,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and “Finding Nemo”
• Journey of the Hero in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer´s Stone”
• The Opening Scenes of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
• Narratives of Adolescence Explored Through the “Harry Potter” Saga
• Lacanian Psychoanalytic Criticism in “Harry Potter”
• The Use of Mise-En-Scene and the Portrayal of Characters in the Movie “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
• The Geography of Censorship: Communities, Challengers, and “Harry Potter”
• The Major Internal and External Conflict of Harry Potter in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”
• The Global Success of “Harry Potter” Books
• The Equal Parts of Danger and Delight in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
• The Representation of the Grandfather Paradox in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” by J. K. Rowling
• The Four Major Points of Socialization in “Harry Potter”
• The Theme of Divination in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” by J. K. Rowling
• The Theme of Death in “Death Be Not Proud” by John Donne and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling
• The Success and Popularity of the “Harry Potter” Series
• “Lord of the Rings: Two Towers” vs. “Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban” Comparison
• Learning Through the Life in “Harry Potter and Sorcerer’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling
• Symbolism, Imagery, and Motif of “Harry Potter”
• The Similarities Between J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “The Deathly Hallows”
• Segregation and Prejudice in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”
• The Theme of Courage in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling
• Religious Ideas and Symbolism in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling
• Use of Mythology in “Harry Potter” Series by J. K. Rowling
• The Relationship Between “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and Economics
• Popular Perceptions and Political Economy in the Contrived World of “Harry Potter”
• Plot Flaws of the Movie “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”
• The Character of Severus Snape as a True Hero in the “Harry Potter” Series of J. K. Rowling
• Problems and Conflicts in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by J. K. Rowling
• Race in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by J. K. Rowling
• What Would the “Harry Potter” Characters Do With Their Fame Post-Wizarding War
• The Adventures in the “Harry Potter” Series by J. K. Rowling
• The Different Educational Philosophies Presented in the Movie “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
• Why “Harry Potter” Should Be Taught in School
• The Character of Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter” by J. K. Rowling
• The Key Concepts of Religion in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling
• Severus Snape as a Tragic Hero in the “Harry Potter” Series by J. K. Rowling
• The Criticism and Possibilities of the Use of J. K. Rowling’s Novel Series “Harry Potter” in Classrooms
• Are “Harry Potter” and “Peter Pan” Movies Similar?
• Are “Harry Potter” Harmful for Children?
• Who Was the Antagonist in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”?
• How Many Chapters Are in Each of the “Harry Potter” Books?
• Does “Harry Potter” Follow the Hero’s Cycle?
• How Characterisation Creates the Theme of Good vs. Evil in the “Harry Potter” Series?
• How Are Gender Roles Represented Within “Harry Potter”?
• What Makes a “Harry Potter” Hero?
• How Successful Was the Marketing Campaign of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”?
• How the “Harry Potter” Phenomenon Changed American Culture?
• Why “Harry Potter” Should Be Taught in School?
• How the Nonprofit Organization “Harry Potter Alliance” Uses Story to Fulfill Their Mission?
• What “Harry Potter” Character Is the Most Underappreciated?
• What Makes “Harry Potter” So Popular and Well Known?
• What Stays Behind the Success of “Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire”?
• How “Harry Potter” Changed the World?
• What Would the “Harry Potter” Characters Do With Their Fame Post-wizarding War?
• Why Do Children Read “Harry Potter” Books?
• Why Should the “Harry Potter” Series Not Be Banned?
• How “Harry Potter” Can Impact Children?
• Why “Harry Potter” When Voldemort Could Use Legilimency at Will?
• What Are the 12 “Harry Potter” Movies?
• How Successful Was the Marketing Campaign for the Movie “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”?
• What’s the Darkest “Harry Potter” Movie?
• Why Did “Harry Potter” Turn Dark?
• What Is the World Famous Phenomenon of “Harry Potter”?
• What Are the Several Major Points of Socialization in “Harry Potter”?
• Gender Stereotypes Essay Titles
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Themes and Analysis

Harry potter and the philosopher’s stone, by j.k. rowling.

J.K. Rowling explores some essential themes within Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. An analysis of this book sheds light on how well structured and carefully planned most of the plot points of this book are.

Article written by Mohandas Alva

M.A. Degree in English Literature from Manipal University, India.

‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ‘  is a children’s book, but it has a lot of essential life lessons for readers of all ages . The world-building for this novel hooks the readers into staying engaged , and the third-person narration adds to the detailed storytelling ability of the book. Several themes that are crucial to a child’s development are tackled in this book. Themes like love, friendship, and life lessons to tell apart absolute good and evil form a major part of the wide roster of themes that reside in this book.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone  Themes

Love and family.

One of the ‘standout’ themes of ‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, ‘ and by extension, the whole book series, is love. The very premise of Harry Potter surviving the killing curse of Lord Voldemort is based on the protection offered by Harry’s mother, Lily. By sacrificing herself to protect her son, she builds a strong magical shield around Harry, and Voldemort is destroyed by his very own curse as it rebounds.

Love is a recurring theme in the entire novel, and it dictates the dynamic of the plot. For instance, the lack of love from Harry’s foster family and his hatred towards them is in clear contrast to his desire to see his parents in the Mirror of Erised , which is fueled by love.

Although similar in many respects to love, friendship has a more nuanced role in ‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. ‘ Starting with Hagrid, who is Harry’s first friend in the book, Harry goes on to make several friends, including Ron and Hermione. Furthermore, the idea of making friends is also of major importance in ‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. ‘ 

When Harry meets Draco Malfoy for the first time in Madam Malkin’s shop, Harry has already formed an opinion of Draco, and during their second meeting, Harry rejects Draco’s hand at the friendship and remains loyal to the humble and kind-natured Ron. Harry says, “I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks.” which illustrates his confidence in making clear choices very early in this world he recently discovered. 

Another major theme in ‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ‘ is sacrifice. Harry Potter’s mother, Lily Potter, sacrifices her life to save him. Although Ron is partially responsible for Hermione being locked in with a mountain troll , Harry and Ron sacrifice their safety by choosing to save her from the troll and run towards danger knowingly. Hermione sacrifices her place in Hogwarts by saving both Harry and Ron from possible expulsion from Hogwarts and risking her own expulsion.

Finally, Ron sacrifices himself in the game of Wizard chess to facilitate safe passage for Harry and Hermione to protect the Philosopher’s Stone. While this being a children’s book allows for most of them to be unhurt despite sacrifice, all these choices to sacrifice themselves, made by the characters, involve accepting the possibility of death.

Courage and Bravery

An essential theme of ‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, ‘ bravery plays a major role throughout the narrative. For example, Neville Longbottom is scared and nervous in most parts of the book. He gets bullied severely, especially by Malfoy and his friends, Crabbe and Goyle. However, taking Ron’s word of ‘having to stand up for himself’, Neville gathers enough courage to fight Malfoy during the Quidditch match. He goes on to even stand up against his very friends, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, when they are on the verge of breaking school rules.

Bravery is also portrayed by Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they persevere amidst challenges and keep their goal to prevent the stealing of the Philosopher’s Stone always.

Although an obvious theme, magic is an essential theme and is crucial in the details that build the story world. The major fascination in this book comes from a wide array of magical nuances that would be helpful to have in the real world. Spells, enchantments, potions, magical beings, artifacts, and several other aspects that make the story of ‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ‘ a great read for children play an important role in building the imagination of the reader.

Spells like  Wingardium Leviosa , flying broomsticks, or Madam McGonagall’s transfiguration into a cat are all impossibilities in the real world but add to the fascinating attraction that makes this book a memorable one. It caters to the escapism and fantastical requirement of the reader, thereby creating a sort of ‘magic’ of its own.

Intelligence

Another minor yet important theme in ‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ‘ is intelligence. It is illustrated several times, starting with Hermione’s continuous application of her knowledge resourcefully with the spell Alohomora to open the door and her impressive application of logic amidst a stressful situation.

Ron’s intelligence in winning the game of Wizard Chess is another good illustration. Furthermore, the headmaster Dumbledore also plays a very clever role in showing Harry the mirror of Erised beforehand and using the subtle distinction between greed and need as a basis of his puzzle to retrieve the Philosopher’s stone.

Analysis of Key Moments in  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

• Harry Potter is safely brought to his Aunt’s House from the wreckage in Godric’s Hollow by Hagrid, and Dumbledore and Madam McGonagall place him on the doorstep.
• Harry Potter grows up to be eleven but is bullied by his cousin Dudley and ill-treated by his Aunt and Uncle.
• Harry encounters Hagrid, who conveys that Harry is a wizard and has been admitted to Hogwarts, to the dismay of his aunt and uncle.
• Harry buys all his things and visits Gringotts bank with Hagrid, who picks up a small package from there.
• Harry meets Ron and Hermione on the train to Hogwarts. Harry and Ron become friends.
• Harry, along with Ron and Hermione, is sorted into Gryffindor’s house.
• Harry learns how to fly and is selected as a seeker in his Quidditch house team.
• Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville encounter a huge three-headed dog in a corridor that is forbidden for students.
• Harry and Ron fight a mountain troll and save Hermione. They all become friends.
• Harry wins the Quidditch match by catching the snitch but is almost knocked off his broom during the match. Hermione and Ron suspect Professor Snape.
• Harry is presented with the invisibility cloak . He also encounters the Mirror of Erised.
• Harry, Ron, and Hermione find out about Nicholas Flamel and the Philosopher’s Stone.
• Hagrid tries to tame a dragon and is unsuccessful. He is forced to send it to Romania with Ron’s brother’s friends.
• Harry, Hermione, Neville and Malfoy are sent with Hagrid for detention in the Forbidden forest. Harry comes across a cloaked figure who turns out to be Lord Voldemort.
• Harry, Ron and Hermione decide to go to the Philosopher’s Stone and protect it from Professor Snape, who they suspect are behind it.
• They make it through all the obstacles, and Harry alone enters the last room, where he finds out Professor Quirrell was the culprit. Further, Lord Voldemort resides in Quirrell’s head and is controlling him. Harry fights them and is victorious.
• Harry tells Professor Dumbledore about everything that happened. Later in the school feast, Dumbledore awards extra points to Gryffindor for their heroic actions. Gryffindor wins the House Cup.

Writing Style and Tone

‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ‘ is written with simple language and is easy to follow especially as it is a children’s book. The writing style is primarily in the basic third person without any evident experimental styles.

The tone of the novel is sometimes funny and even engaging. J. K. Rowling evokes humorous situations within the text by alluding to certain characters of the book whom Harry dislikes. Examples include Aunt Petunia, who is written as a nosy neighbor, Uncle Vernon as a rude, rule-following, and boring man, and his cousin Dudley as a spoilt brat who is pampered beyond repair by his parents.  

Analysis of Key Symbols in  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Mirror of erised.

The Mirror of Erised is where Harry first sees the reflection of his parents and the rest of his family. It is revealed to show the deepest desires of the viewer. It works as an important literary tool in portraying Harry’s deep desire to be reunited with his parents, whom he never had the chance to know. It also does the same with Ron, who is revealed to want to be more successful than all his elder brothers, shedding light on his plight as a young sibling overshadowed by successful elder brothers.

The Philosopher’s Stone

Being an extremely valuable magical artifact, the Philosopher’s stone can create the Elixir of Life , which would make its drinker immortal. This symbolizes absolute power and demonstrates Lord Voldemort’s drive to attain dominion over others with this power. Furthermore, the fact that Harry could get it out of the Mirror of Erised illustrates his pure and incorruptible intentions and cements Dumbledore’s faith in him further.

What does the Sorcerer’s Stone symbolize?

The Sorcerer’s Stone, in its essence, symbolizes power in this book. However, it is an essential plot device and helps differentiate good from evil. Voldemort seeks the Sorcerer’s Stone for his selfish purpose of coming back to life as the tyrant he always was. On the other hand, Harry frantically attempts to prevent Voldemort from getting it, as he wants the collective good and peace of the magical world to remain.

What is the message of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ?

There are several messages in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. However, the most important message in Harry Potter is that love and friendship triumph over anything, no matter how fear-inducing the obstacles may be. Another message in this book is also that taking action in the face of adversity despite fear is the true sign of bravery.

What is written on top of the Mirror of Erised?

The engraving on the top of the Mirror of Erised reads, “Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.” When one reads this backward, the sentence becomes more apparent – “I show you not your face, but your heart’s desire.” This is the very purpose of the mirror, and the engraving works as a clever stylistic device to create mystery in the reader’s mind till it becomes apparent.

Harry Potter Quiz

Summon your wit and wisdom—our Harry Potter Trivia Quiz awaits you! Do you have the knowledge to claim the title of Master Witch or Wizard? Take the challenge now!

1) What is the name of the train that takes students to Hogwarts?

2) What does the incantation "Obliviate" do?

3) What is the name of the book Hermione gives to Harry before his first ever Quidditch match?

4) What was the last Horcrux to be destroyed?

5) What creature is Aragog?

6) What is the name of Harry Potter's pet owl?

7) What specific type of dragon does Harry face during the Triwizard Tournament?

8) Which creature can transform into a person's worst fear?

9) Which spell is used to open the Marauder's Map?

10) Which object is NOT one of the Deathly Hallows?

11) What is Dumbledore's full name?

12) In which Harry Potter book does Harry first speak Parseltongue?

13) In the "Order of the Phoenix," who is NOT a member of the original Order of the Phoenix shown in the old photograph that Moody shows Harry?

14) Who teaches Herbology at Hogwarts?

15) Who was the Peverell brother that owned the invisibility cloak?

16) What is the name of the goblin-made object that is supposed to bring its owner prosperity, but also brings them into conflict with goblins?

17) What is the effect of the Cheering Charm?

18) What is the name of the goblin who helps Harry, Ron, and Hermione break into Gringotts?

19) What is the core ingredient of the wand owned by Harry Potter?

20) What potion is known as "Liquid Luck"?

21) What does the Mirror of Erised show?

22) Who is the Half-Blood Prince?

23) What form does Hermione Granger's Patronus take?

24) What animal represents Hufflepuff house?

25) What are the dying words of Severus Snape in both the book and the film "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"?

26) Which character is killed by Bellatrix Lestrange in the Battle of Hogwarts?

27) Who originally owned the Elder Wand before Dumbledore won it?

28) Which potion did Hermione brew in her second year that allowed her, Ron, and Harry to assume the identities of Slytherins?

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About Mohandas Alva

Mohandas is very passionate about deciphering the nature of language and its role as a sole medium of storytelling in literature. His interests sometimes digress from literature to philosophy and the sciences but eventually, the art and craft of narrating a significant story never fail to thrill him.

About the Book

The Harry Potter section of Book Analysis analyzes and explorers the Harry Potter series. The characters, names, terminology, and all related indicia are trademarks of Warner Bros ©. The content on Book Analysis was created by Harry Potter fans, with the aim of providing a thorough in-depth analysis and commentary to complement and provide an additional perspective to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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Alfonso Cuarón Assigned His ‘Harry Potter’ Cast Homework: Write an Essay About Your Character

Samantha bergeson.

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Alfonso Cuarón knew he wanted franchise installment “ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ” to be different from the other “Potter” films. So the professor assigned his Hogwarts, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff students some homework.

The director wanted the 2004 “Harry Potter” feature to have a “noir” tone, which Cuarón believed would best present the coming-of-age moment for both the trio of characters played by Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson , and Rupert Grint , as well as for the film series itself.

“Chris [Columbus] would help them with intonation and get them excited; Alfonso was treating them as young adults: what are you feeling?” the franchise’s producer David Heyman recalled to Total Film for a 20th-anniversary retrospective interview. Related Stories Keeping It Simple and Flexible: Viggo Mortensen on Directing ‘The Dead Don’t Hurt’ ‘The Great Lillian Hall’ Review: Jessica Lange Is a Diva Battling Memory Loss as Broadway’s Lights Dim Around Her

Part of getting the core cast to grow up onscreen was to have each actor meditate on their respective characters’ motivations. Cuarón went so far as to assign each a writing task.

“Alfonso also had the three kids write essays about their characters,” Heyman said. “Dan wrote a page, Emma wrote 10 or 12, and Rupert didn’t give in anything. Just perfect.”

As Cuarón himself told Total Film, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” was a risky move for his own career.

“The first two ‘Potters’ deal with children’s experience,” Cuarón said. “Characters who are 11 and 12. Innocence. A purity even in the way they see the danger. We were dealing with the first sting of questioning everything, particularly who you are. Suddenly you are not part of the whole; there is a teenage separation.”

Cuarón added that working with Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint especially marked a turning point in the rising actors’ careers.

“They were becoming more aware of the craft of acting and they wanted to go to the next stage,” Cuarón said. “From the get-go we talked about how we wanted to ground everything, to make it about a normal human experience in this world. [We wanted to explore] the internal life of each one of these characters. They were incredibly intuitive about this, and very receptive.”

In fact, del Toro even helped convince Cuarón to agree to direct “The Prisoner of Azkaban.”

“I speak often with Guillermo [del Toro], and a couple of days after, I said, ‘You know, they offered me this “Harry Potter” film, but it’s really weird they offer me this,'” Cuarón told Total Film. “He said, ‘Wait, wait, wait, you said you haven’t read “Harry Potter”?’ I said, ‘I don’t think it’s for me.’ In very florid lexicon, in Spanish, he said, ‘You are an arrogant asshole.'”

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Dolores Umbridge's Secret Past Makes Her Role In Harry Potter Even More Despicable

Harry potter: why colin creevey was never seen again after chamber of secrets, harry potter uses the same clever villain trick in all but 1 of the books.

• AI-generated images turn Harry Potter characters into superheroes in the style of Marvel Comics.
• Harry Potter has expanded beyond feature films and books and found success.
• A Wizarding World comic could explore a story outside of Harry's saga, such as an Auror or the early life of characters like Lupin or Sirius.

Harry Potter 's main characters become Marvel-style superheroes in AI-generated comic book art. Based on the books by controversial author J.K. Rowling, the first Harry Potter movie was released in 2001, marking the first of eight films chronicling the journey of Daniel Radcliffe's Harry. The success of this original saga led to further franchise expansion, including the Fantastic Beasts trilogy and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child , a successful stage play.

Now, AI-generated images shared by AI Dreams on Instagram imagine the world of Harry Potter making the jump to the medium of comic books. Check out the images below:

The carousel of images reimagines characters like Dumbledore, Lupin, Malfoy, Moody, Cedric, and Hagrid as Marvel-style superheroes, with each adopting key traits from their Harry Potter portrayal. Remus Lupis, for example, a werewolf, is depicted as a wolf hero.

Would A Harry Potter Comic Work?

What a wizarding world comic book could explore.

While Harry Potter may have started off as a novel series, it has now branched far beyond that and become a majorly successful multimedia franchise. In addition to a stage play, the Wizarding World has now also been translated to the world of video games with the successful Hogwarts Legacy . There's no reason to believe that Harry Potter couldn't also make the jump to comic book form.

The best option for a comic series at this point might be to focus on a relatively unexplored aspect of the Wizarding World.

A Harry Potter comic book series would have several interesting storytelling avenues to go down. It could, for example, retell Harry's story as he faces off against Voldemort. This story is now quite familiar, however, and the upcoming Harry Potter TV show at Max is set to explore these events all over again in greater detail. The best option for a comic series at this point might be to focus on a relatively unexplored aspect of the Wizarding World.

The Harry Potter TV show is expected to release on Max in 2026.

A comic series could, for example, focus on the world of Aurors , who are essentially the law enforcement body in the world of magic. A comic could also take a supporting character from the larger Harry Potter cast and chronicle their life before the events of Harry's story, such as Sirius' or Lupin. Harry Potter has ultimately proven itself to be a franchise that can exist beyond just movies and books, and a comic book series would probably be a welcome addition to the Wizarding World.

Source: @the_ai_dreams / Instagram

Harry Potter

Harry Potter is a multimedia franchise about an orphaned boy who enrolls at Hogwarts School of Wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family, and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world. Adapted from the novels, Harry Potter is an eight-episode film saga that follows the journey of Harry Potter and his friends, Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley, as they navigate the tricky world of growing up, school life, and magic. Starting from year one and moving to their seventh year, the films chronicle the students' time at Hogwarts while unfurling a sinister plot that centers around the unsuspecting Harry. With the return of the dark wizard, Voldemort, the students and professors at Hogwarts will fight to carry on as the world around them may change forever. Harry Potter has expanded beyond the world of its films and novels with several video games, a spin-off film series titled Fantastic Beasts, and even attractions at Universal Studios.

Harry Potter: 10 Incredibly Questionable Storylines

Quick links, james potter was always portrayed as the good guy, snape's love for lilly doesn't make him a hero, the bloody baron was obsessed with the grey lady, aberforth's history with goats left fans with many questions, dumbledore's manipulation of harry is never fully addressed, allowing the dursleys' abuse and neglect of harry has no justification, there are some age gaps in relationships that many find questionable, making the only asian character betray harry upset many fans, ginny dating other guys to get harry's attention feels wrong, the enslavement of house-elves should've been a bigger issue.

It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. CBR supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love, and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find CBR's continuing coverage on Rowling here .

Harry Potter is one of the most popular and beloved fantasy sagas of all time. Its complex and detailed world-building turned a generation into avid readers and made them fall in love with its well-developed and relatable characters. The portrayal of friendships, power struggles, and the eternal fight between good and evil earned the saga a loyal fanbase. However, Harry Potter is not without its fair share of questionable storylines.

While Harry Potter received praise from fans and critics for its complex themes, some of the plots and character development in the saga left much to be desired. In some cases, fans realize years later that a relationship had a questionable age gap or that what was portrayed as love is, in reality, bordering on obsession. Many still find it hard to ignore Harry Potter 's most questionable storylines, from the treatment of house-elves to some characters' controversial backgrounds.

10 Darkest Harry Potter Reddit Theories, Ranked

James Potter's past is an important storyline in the Harry Potter saga, particularly in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In this installment, Harry takes Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape and accidentally gets a glimpse into Snape's mind. It's here that fans learn that James Potter constantly bullied Snape, something Harry had no idea about.

Harry sees Snape's memories where James teases and embarrasses Snape in public, picking up a fight only because he is bored. Yet James' controversial past is disregarded and never fully addressed. Harry is concerned after seeing Snape's memories, yet everyone tells him his father was a good guy. However, high school bullying is not something to dismiss, as it can leave long-lasting scars. Harry Potter portrays James Potter as a hero and refuses to acknowledge his past was worse than a simple "animosity" between classmates.

Most of Severus Snape's storyline and redemption arc relies on the fact that he never stopped loving Lily Potter. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , the biggest plot twist comes when Harry sees Snape's memories. He not only sees Snape's true intentions and the plans he made with Dumbledore but also Snape's memories with Lily, Harry's mother.

Harry finds out that Snape has always been in love with Lily and betrayed Voldemort after her death. However, this is far from romantic or the heroic act the saga wants fans to believe. Snape turned James and Harry to Voldemort without any remorse and only begged for Lily's life once he knew Voldemort's plan. Turning Severus Snape into a hero in the end is extremely questionable, as it ignores most of the terrible things he's done, including the abuse and mistreatment of Hogwarts students that happened after he joined Dumbledore's side.

The Bloody Baron is the ghost of Slytherin, one of the ghosts that reside at Hogwarts Castle. The Grey Lady is Ravenclaw's ghost. She's the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, one of Hogwarts's founders. While many know The Blood Baron is covered in blood, not many people know the blood belongs to Helena Ravenclaw, also known as The Grey Lady .

The Baron fell in love with Helena while they were students at Hogwarts, but Helena never returned his affections. After Helena ran away to Albania, the Baron tried to convince her to come back. But Helena refused him, and so the Baron killed her in a fit of rage before taking his own life out of guilt. Helena has to see the Baron daily, as they both reside at Hogwarts as ghosts. This is a very questionable storyline, as no one seems to care or worry that Helena has to live with her murderer forever.

10 Harsh Realities Of Being Albus Dumbledore

Aberforth Dumbledore is Albus Dumbledore's younger brother and the owner and bartender of Hogshead. And as Albus Dumbledore mentions in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Aberforth was prosecuted once for doing an inappropriate charm on a goat. However, there's not much detail about it after that. Albus and Aberforth had a complicated relationship from an early age, as Albus rose in prominence and started neglecting their family, particularly their younger sister, Ariana.

Due to the strained relationship between siblings, there's not much information about Aberforth. He plays a key role in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , as he helps Harry, Ron, and Hermione sneak into Hogwarts. However, Aberforth's connection with goats and his particular fondness for the animal isn't detailed any further, leaving many questions unanswered. His obsession with the animal can feel a little bit questionable; many have a hard time imagining what kind of inappropriate charm Aberforth could've used on a goat that led to Aberforth being prosecuted for it.

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , Harry sees some of Severus Snape's memories. There are several key revelations here. But the one that upset many fans is that Dumbledore manipulated Harry and hid important information from him, knowing Harry's fate. Snape even questions Dumbledore's motives, accusing Dumbledore of raising Harry " like a pig for slaughter ." And while Dumbledore had his theories that Harry would survive in the end, he couldn't have been entirely sure.

Harry Potter was only 17 during the Battle of Hogwarts. This feels like an extremely young age for a boy to sacrifice himself for the "greater good." Yet Dumbledore is still portrayed as the "good guy" in the saga, Harry's mentor and protector. And while it's true that many characters in the Harry Potter world are complex and gray, the saga goes out of its way to dismiss Dumbledore's manipulation of Harry. Harry even names his son after Dumbledore, something many find questionable as other characters sacrifice even more to truly protect Harry.

Dumbledore explains to Harry that he must live with the Dursleys until he's 17, as Lily's protection lives through her sister, Petunia. This explains one of the main questions several Harry Potter fans had: why must Harry live with the Dursleys? And while Dumbledore's explanation felt adequate and understandable, it doesn't explain why he still allowed the Dursleys' mistreatment of Harry for so many years. Harry suffered malnourishment and physical and psychological abuse constantly, particularly in his formative years before turning 11.

Even if Harry had to stay at his aunt and uncle's house for protection, Dumbledore should've made sure Harry was at least well-fed and properly taken care of. The years of abuse Harry suffered must've left scars that are harder to heal than any curse. It's hard to believe there were no other options where Harry could've grown up safe and away from the Dursleys' abuse. Many fans still question Dumbledore's decision to leave a baby in the care of Vernon and Petunia, knowing the abuse Harry would go through .

10 Times Hermione Granger Was The Smartest Character In Harry Potter

Hermione is a smart and independent witch and, in many ways, extremely mature for her age. However, that doesn't mean her relationship with Viktor Krum isn't a little questionable for many. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Hermione and Krum date during the Triwizard Tournament for a while. Hermione was 15 during this time, while Krum was already 18 and an international Quidditch star.

Another questionable age gap in Harry Potter is the relationship between Bill and Fleur. When they met for the first time, Bill was already 24, while Fleur was only 17. During their wedding, Bill was 26 and Fleur 19. While 17 is the age when one becomes an adult in the Wizarding World, it still feels a little questionable for a 17-year-old to date a 24-year-old. Fleur was also extremely young when she married Bill, something that is not truly addressed or mentioned.

This is a questionable storyline that only happens in the movie adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix . Cho Chang is the only prominent Asian character in Harry Potter and one of the few POC characters in the entire saga. Her relationship with Harry makes Cho an important character in this installment. However, the movie makes some changes and turns Cho Chang into a traitor . This created some controversy among fans and even made the actress receive unnecessary hateful comments from some viewers.

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Harry agrees to teach a group of students some basic defensive charms. Their new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Dolores Umbridge, refuses to let students learn and practice these defensive charms, which leads to the creation of Dumbledore's Army. In the movie adaptation, it's Cho Chang who tells Umbridge about Dumbledore's Army. In the book, however, one of Cho's friends, Marietta, is the one who betrays the group. Many questioned the change in the movie adaptation, particularly as Cho, the only prominent Asian character, was already depicted in a bad light from the beginning.

Ginny Weasley fell in love with Harry Potter early in the story and was always shy and awkward around him. However, this changes around Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , where Ginny starts dating other Hogwarts students. She also starts being more outspoken around Harry, leaving her awkward phase behind. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , Ginny admits she never gave up on Harry. Instead, Ginny reveals she relaxed around Harry and went out with other people with hopes that Harry would notice her then.

While Harry and Ginny's relationship is sweet and important for many, others feel Ginny's crush on Harry bordered on obsession. The revelation that she only went out with other people to get Harry's attention is a little questionable. Many believe their relationship could've happened organically either way. However, Ginny's means to get Harry to notice her raised more than one eyebrow.

10 Smartest Magical Creatures In Harry Potter, Ranked

Once Hermione learns about how house-elves are treated in the Wizarding World, she does whatever she can to free them from enslavement. Sadly, no one else seems to care. Hermione's efforts to free house-elves are almost played as a joke in the books, and there's barely any mention of it in the movies. The Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare, aka SPEW, isn't part of the adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire .

It makes sense that some things have to be taken out of the books when adapting them to the big screen. However, this is part of a bigger issue within the Harry Potter magical world. The treatment of magical beings in general is quite questionable, from house-elves to Gringotts' goblins. Wizards abuse their power and treat them as lesser beings, going so far as to have house-elves as slaves. The Harry Potter books even portray house-elves as happy with their enslavement, with many treating Dobby as a pariah when he decides to ask for payment.

Harry Potter

The Harry Potter franchise follows the adventure of a young boy introduced a whole new world of magic, mayhem and darkness. Traversing the obstacles in his path, young Harry's rise to heroics pits him against Lord Voldemort, one of the most dangerous wizards in the world and all his minions.

Created by J.K. Rowling

First Film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Latest Film Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2

Upcoming TV Shows Harry Potter

Cast Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman

Spin-offs (Movies) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Where to watch HBO Max

7 ways to take your book-reading experience to the next level

Critic Michael Dirda looks at the special editions, conferences and exhibitions that offer another window into the books and authors you love.

When I was younger, all that mattered to me about a book was the text. So long as I could read “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” or “Journey to the Center of the Earth” I was one happy boy. But as the years went by, I became more interested in the different ways people honored and studied favorite books and authors. Bibliographies, special editions, dust-jacket art and interior illustrations, societies and conventions celebrating an author or genre, specialized newsletters and magazines — all these can add context and pleasure to one’s reading life. Consider some of the following.

Literary conferences

Many literary societies host annual conferences, which often include events or talks that are free and open to the public. It’s one way of attracting new members. Recently, for example, I found myself driving to Fredericksburg, Va., having been invited to the annual meeting of the Horatio Alger Society (not to be confused with the conservative Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans).

While I knew that Alger (1832-1899) wrote rags-to-riches stories about hard-working shoeshine boys and telegram messengers, of which “Ragged Dick” may be the most famous, that was the extent of my acquaintance with his dime novels. So, before the convention, I read “The Young Book Agent,” about the teenage son of a middle-class family fallen on hard times who takes a job selling books door to door. Needless to say, multiple adventures ensue, but in the end the family fortunes are restored, and when we last glimpse Frank Hardy he is off to start college at Princeton. An utterly conventional story, of course, but I found it surprisingly readable and oddly restful. However, as I learned at the conference, the book was actually written after Alger’s death, possibly from an outline, by Edward Stratemeyer, who would go on to create the Rover Boys and oversee the vast publishing empire that issued the endless adventures of Tom Swift, the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew.

I enjoyed spending time with this coterie of interesting, knowledgeable people, who were eager to share their enthusiasm for Alger and similar writers like Harry Castlemon and Ralph Henry Barbour. I came home with such highly recommended Alger titles as “Jed, The Poorhouse Boy,” “Walter Sherwood’s Probation” and “Risen From the Ranks: Or, Harry Walton’s Success” (in Alger’s “Luck and Pluck” series). I also picked up “The Movie Boys in Earthquake Land” by Victor Appleton (a house name of the Stratemeyer syndicate). Who could resist such a title?

Cons and collections

Fan conventions are the lifeblood of science fiction, so it’s no surprise that the latest installment of “The Visual History of Science Fiction Fandom” is huge — nearly 500 pages devoted to a scrapbook-history of the third World Science Fiction Convention, held in Denver in 1941. (The foundational New York and Chicago Worldcons were covered in earlier volumes of this series.) Edited and written by David Ritter, Daniel Ritter, Sam McDonald and John L. Coker III, the resulting mix of nostalgia and scholarship doesn’t just memorialize, it re-creates the buildup, the infighting and the experience of attending what came to be called Denvention. Packed with photographs, cartoons, lists, correspondence, extracts from fanzines, and sections on the Futurians, Ray Bradbury and Arthur C. Clarke, this is a must-have for any student of sf’s golden age.

Dust jackets

How do you feel about dust jackets, sometimes called dust wrappers or book covers? For most of their history, the British Library and the Library of Congress have stripped off the jackets from the books on their shelves. In “The Book Blinders: Annals of Vandalism at the British Library,” John Clute reveals, through his study of 115 illustrated examples, how much information is lost because of this shortsighted practice. As this eminent collector and scholar of fantastic literature writes, “Every dust-jacket is a ceremony of passage between world without and text within.”

We know, for example, that H.G. Wells’s 1895 book, “The Time Machine,” once bore a dust jacket that would have revealed how the novel was presented to the public before science fiction even had a name. But no dust jacket of that first edition survives. Bertrand Russell’s “Icarus: Or the Future of Science” (1924) was written as a counter-blast to J.B.S. Haldane’s “Daedalus: Or Science and the Future” (1924), but only the dust jacket reveals this important fact. When in 1937 Gollancz published Edgar Snow’s “Red Star Over China” — it’s about the communist rebellion in the 1930s — a photograph of the then little-known Mao Zedong dominated the front cover. That picture drives home the immediacy and newsworthiness of Snow’s book. Without that cover, it’s just another book.

Some of the mini-essays in “The Book Blinders” scrutinize dust jackets with the intensity that William Empson devoted to poems in “Seven Types of Ambiguity” — the cover of which Clute analyzes — while others situate a jacket in the cultural moment when the book first appeared. In either case, Clute’s richly layered prose — freewheeling, punchy, recondite and often lyrical — mingles explication with elegy, semiotic assessment with jeremiad. Whatever works he investigates, whether Georges Simenon’s “The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By” or Sigmund Freud’s “Moses and Monotheism,” you come away seeing afresh.

Manuscript facsimiles

On June 29, 1896, at the Authors’ Club in London, the creator of Sherlock Holmes delivered a speech outlining his views about storytelling. Collectors Glen and Cathy Miranker acquired Arthur Conan Doyle’s original, eight-page manuscript at an auction in 2004 and have now produced a lovely facsimile edition of the handwritten sheets, along with a facing-page transcription and contextual essays by noted Doylean scholars Peggy Macfarlane Purdue, Andrew Lycett, Michael Meer and Daniel Stashower.

In “This Work of Storytelling,” Conan Doyle praises the writers he learned from — chiefly novelist Walter Scott and historian Thomas Babington Macaulay — and briefly discusses the Sherlock Holmes stories, which had apparently concluded with the great detective’s deadly meeting with Professor Moriarty in “The Final Problem.” “I have been much blamed for doing that gentleman to death but I hold it was but justifiable homicide in self-defense since if I had not killed him he would certainly have killed me. For a man who has no particular natural astuteness to spend his days in inventing problems & building up chains of inductive reasoning is a trying occupation.” Happily for readers, a few years later Conan Doyle would return to that “trying occupation” and produce many more cases for the sleuth of Baker Street.

Exhibitions

On another trip, this time to New York, I made the rounds of the museums, particularly those hosting exhibitions with a literary focus. The Morgan Library displayed writings and watercolors by Beatrix Potter , with a natural emphasis on “Peter Rabbit” (through June 9); the Society of Illustrators exhibited art from the Vinson Collection , depicting Tarzan, John Carter, Dejah Thoris and other characters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs (through July 27); and the Grolier Club surveyed the history of dictionaries in “Hardly Harmless Drudgery: Landmarks in English Lexicography,” curated by Bryan A. Garner and Jack Lynch (through July 27).

But the Metropolitan Museum of Art mounted my favorite shows: a monumental pictorial survey of the Harlem Renaissance and “ The Art of the Literary Poster .” Go see the former by all means, but don’t overlook the latter. Bright colors, bold typography, hints of Aubrey Beardsley, handsome men and women in period costume riding bicycles and reading books — these late-19th-century posters designed to advertise American books and magazines so entranced me that I bought Allison Rudnick’s accompanying catalogue and am looking forward to learning more about such artists as Will H. Bradley, Louis John Rhead and Edward Penfield.

Special illustrated editions

For many readers, Edgar Rice Burroughs’s most accomplished novels are the “Land That Time Forgot” sequence and the “Moon Maid” trilogy. The latter has just been published in a deluxe collector’s edition by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. Its three parts, which highlight incarnations of the same hero over a period of nearly 500 years, are exciting in different ways: “The Moon Maid” is a planetary romance similar to Burroughs’s “A Princess of Mars”; “The Moon Men” focuses on a rebellion against the lunar Kalkars, who have conquered the Earth; and “The Red Hawk” might almost be a western, set in an American Southwest where the weapons are swords, lances and bows. Lavishly illustrated with illustrations by contemporary artists, the set is housed in a handsome box. Besides being esthetically pleasing, this edition also restores cuts made when the Argosy All-Story Magazine texts were first assembled into a one-volume 1926 hardcover.

Author interviews

In “Being Michael Swanwick,” this eminent and eminently personable science fiction and fantasy writer (“Gravity’s Angels,” “The Iron Dragon’s Daughter,” much flash fiction) looks back on his career in a 300-page conversation with fellow sf author Alvaro Zinos-Amaro. In it, Swanwick praises the work of many older writers, reveals that “Galactic Pot-Healer” is his favorite Philip K. Dick novel (because of its humor) and keeps things consistently lively with his candor and wit: “David Hartwell [a noted editor] once wrote that the purpose of awards was to encourage people who couldn’t make a living at it to keep writing science fiction anyway.”