A Journey into the Wizarding World: A Review of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"
J. K. Rowling’s debut novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, is the first book in the Harry Potter Series. It is a fantasy novel that introduces us to a magical world full of wonders and dangers. As a reader, I was amazed by the author’s imagination and creativity. The book has been a global phenomenon and one of the most-read and best-selling novels of all time.
My Thoughts on J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
I first read the first four books of the series in 2001, when they were the only ones available. After more than 20 years, I decided to revisit the book that started it all. Of course, I already knew the plot and I had seen the movies, but I still enjoyed reading it again. Rowling, the author, has a great sense of humor and she makes the reader laugh with the witty dialogues and the funny situations.
Rekindling the magic of Rowling's prose, I found myself immersed once again in the enchanting narrative that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
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The Tale Behind the Title: Philosopher's Stone vs. Sorcerer's Stone
While researching the book, I discovered that the original title was “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, but it was changed to “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” for the American edition. The reason for this change was that the American publisher thought that a fantasy book with the word “philosopher” in the title would not appeal to young readers. The author agreed to the change because it was her first book and she wanted to get published. However, she later regretted it and wished she had stood up for the original title.
The title may differ, but the essence of Rowling's enchanting tale remains unchanged, casting a spell of fascination over readers across the globe.
The Plot of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Harry Potter is an orphan boy who lives with his aunt and uncle. He has a miserable life, as he is treated poorly by his relatives and he has to sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. But everything changes when he turns eleven and he receives a letter from Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry. He learns that he is a wizard and that his parents were also wizards who were killed by the evil Lord Voldemort. Voldemort is the most powerful and feared dark wizard of all time, who tried to kill Harry when he was a baby. But somehow, Harry survived and Voldemort vanished, leaving Harry with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.
Harry’s survival is a mystery that no one can explain. He is famous in the wizarding world as “the boy who lived”. Going to Hogwarts is the start of a seven-year adventure for Harry Potter, where he will make friends, and enemies, and discover his destiny.
The Main Characters: Harry, Ron and Hermione
Rowling has created a protagonist who evokes the reader’s sympathy and empathy: Harry Potter. He is an orphan who has suffered a lot in his life, but he also has a brave and loyal heart. When he enters the wizarding world, he finds his true friends who will support him through thick and thin. The first one is Ronald Weasley.
Ronald Weasley is the youngest son in a large family of red-haired wizards. He has five older brothers and a younger sister. His family is not wealthy, but they are kind and generous. Ron and Harry have a lot in common, as they both grew up wearing second-hand clothes and feeling left out. They bond over their shared experiences and interests.
“Harry didn’t think there was anything wrong with not being able to afford an owl. After all, he’d never had any money in his life until a month ago, and he told Ron so, all about having to wear Dudley’s old clothes and never getting proper birthday presents. This seemed to cheer Ron up.” (p. 75)
The third member of their trio is Hermione Granger. She is a brilliant and studious girl who was born to Muggle parents. She is the first witch in her family and she is eager to learn everything about magic. She is a perfectionist who always follows the rules and excels in her classes. However, she also has a courageous and compassionate side, which shows when she joins Harry and Ron in their adventures and dangers.
These three characters form a strong friendship that will last for the rest of their lives. They complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses and they face many challenges together.
Other Important Characters of the Harry Potter Series
There are many other characters who play significant roles in the Harry Potter series. Some of them are:
- Albus Dumbledore: He is the headmaster of Hogwarts and the most powerful and respected wizard in the world. He is the only one who can stand up to Voldemort, the dark lord who killed Harry’s parents and tried to kill him. He is a wise and benevolent mentor to Harry and he knows many secrets about the past and the future.
- Rubeus Hagrid: He is the gamekeeper and the Care of Magical Creatures teacher at Hogwarts. He is a half-giant who loves all kinds of creatures, especially the dangerous ones. He is the first person who tells Harry that he is a wizard and he becomes a loyal friend and protector to him.
- Neville Longbottom: He is a clumsy and timid boy who is in the same year as Harry, Ron and Hermione. He is often bullied by his classmates and his teachers, especially Snape. He has a low self-esteem and he thinks he is not good at anything. However, he has a hidden potential that will be revealed in the later books. He is also one of the few people who can resist Voldemort’s influence.
- Minerva McGonagall: She is the Transfiguration teacher and the deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. She is a strict and stern woman who expects the best from her students. She is also a brave and loyal member of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret organization that fights against Voldemort and his followers.
Antagonists Amidst the Enchantment: Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape
Harry also makes some enemies as soon as he steps into the wizarding world. The most prominent ones are Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape.
Draco Malfoy is a spoiled and arrogant boy who comes from a rich and influential family of pure-blood wizards. He believes that he is superior to everyone else, especially those who are not pure-bloods, such as Muggle-borns and half-bloods. He is Harry’s rival and he often tries to humiliate and sabotage him. He is also a follower of Voldemort and he joins his side in the later books.
Severus Snape is the Potions teacher and the head of Slytherin house at Hogwarts. He is a cold and bitter man who hates Harry and treats him unfairly. He has a personal grudge against Harry’s father, who was his enemy when they were students at Hogwarts. He also has a dark and mysterious past that involves Voldemort and Dumbledore.
Rowling’s Imagination and Quidditch
One of the things that I admire about Rowling is her imagination and creativity. She has not only created a magical world with its own history, culture, and rules, but she has also invented many original and fascinating elements that enrich the story. One of them is Quidditch.
Quidditch is a sport that is played by wizards and witches on flying broomsticks. It involves four balls: a Quaffle, two Bludgers, and a Golden Snitch. There are seven players on each team: three Chasers, two Beaters, one Keeper, and one Seeker. The objective is to score more points than the other team by throwing the Quaffle through the hoops, while avoiding the Bludgers and catching the Snitch. The game ends when the Snitch is caught, which is worth 150 points.
Quidditch is a thrilling and exciting game that adds a lot of action and suspense to the story. Harry becomes the Seeker for his house team, Gryffindor, and he shows his natural talent and skill in flying. Quidditch also plays an important role in the plot, as it is often the scene of some crucial events and revelations.
About the Book:
- Author: J. K. Rowling
- Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- Published: Initially in the UK by Bloomsbury on June 26, 1997
- Pages: The first edition comprised 223 pages
- Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction
- Language: Originally written in English
Frequently Asked Questions about Harry Potter
Is it too late to read Harry Potter?
No, it is never too late to read Harry Potter. Harry Potter is a timeless and universal story that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are a child or an adult, you can enjoy the magic, the adventure, and the friendship that Harry Potter offers. You can also discover new aspects and meanings of the story every time you read it. Harry Potter is not just a book series, but a cultural phenomenon that has influenced millions of readers around the world. By reading Harry Potter, you can join a vibrant and passionate community of fans who share your love for the wizarding world.
Am I too old for Harry Potter?
No, you are not too old for Harry Potter. Harry Potter is not just a children’s book, but a literary masterpiece that explores complex and universal themes such as love, courage, identity, and morality. Harry Potter is a book that grows with you, as you can relate to different characters and situations depending on your age and experience. Harry Potter is also a book that can inspire you, challenge you, and entertain you, no matter how old you are. Harry Potter is a book that can make you feel young at heart, as you immerse yourself in a world of wonder and imagination.
