In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry finds a new identity
at Hogwarts, transitioning from an orphan boy living under the stairs into a
famous wizard prodigy in a few short months. For the first eleven years of his
life, the Dursley’s abuse Harry. The novel explains that Harry sleeps in “the
cupboard under the stairs” (19) and is “Dudley’s favorite punching bag” (20).
Additionally, Harry has no friends at school because “nobody like[s] to
disagree with Dudley’s gang” (30). Harry lives in social and emotional isolation
at the hands of the Dursley’s because they view his as an inconvenience. To
them, Harry is a nuisance who does not deserve love, respect, or friendship,
which roots his identity in inaptitude and unworthiness. Once Harry discovers
that he is a wizard, Harry strips away the Dursley’s labels and finds his identity
in his parent’s legacy. Harry is much more than an orphan; he is the boy who
lived. Harry unearths his new status when Hagrid explains that Harry is famous
in the wizard world (50). This fame equates to being known, wanted, and envied
because when the sorting hat places Harry in Gryffindor, the house cheers, “We
got Potter! We got Potter!” (122). Harry becomes the person who is chosen first
for a team, rather than the one who is cast aside. Additionally, Harry better
relates to his parents in his newfound identity as a wizard. In the novel,
Professor McGonagall tells Harry, “Your father would have been so proud. . .He
was an excellent Quidditch player himself” (152). Here, Harry is not only
competent, but excellent, living up to the reputation his parents set before
him. Harry’s identity as a wizard completely changes his life because for the
first time, he has family, friends, and purpose.
While Harry creates a new identity as a
wizard, he establishes and shapes his individuality in this role. Throughout
the novel, Harry chooses integrity and sacrifice over fame and pride. For
instance, Harry insists that he and Ron inform Hermione of the troll rather
than leaving her to fend for herself (173). Harry and Hermione are not friends
yet, but Harry considers her safety and wellness above his own. Harry refuses
to leave her behind, which marks him as a wizard of principle. Additionally,
Harry holds the betterment of the wizard community above his own life. In the
novel, Harry subjects himself to intense pain in order to prevent Quirrell from
completing a curse and giving Voldemort the sorcerer’s stone (294-295). Harry
is prepared to die in order to prevent Voldemort from gaining power, even
though he has only been a wizard for less than a year. He does not waver in his
convictions and stands firm in his beliefs in the face of evil. Harry’s early experiences
at Hogwarts mold him into a strong, courageous wizard, preparing him for the
battle to come.
The way the Dursleys treat Harry brings up an interesting point, as at the beginning of the novel, when Professor McGonagall expresses her concern at Harry being left with his aunt and uncle, Dumbledore explains, “It would be enough to turn any boy’s head. Famous before he can walk and talk! Famous for something he won’t remember! Can’t you see how much better off he’ll be, growing up away from all that until he’s ready to take it?” (13) And we do see instances later in the book of how his rather unfortunate upbringing has affected him positively. One example where Harry’s upbringing undoubtedly influenced his actions was when he shares with Ron on the train. Harry offers Ron a pasty, and though Ron has nothing of worth to share, Harry insists he has one. When Ron feels bad about not being able to afford an owl, Harry puts Ron at ease by telling him about “having to wear Dudley’s old clothes and never getting proper birthday presents” (100), which makes Ron feel better. If Harry had been raised with fame and fortune, it is not hard to imagine his character being very different.
ReplyDeleteThis character plays a very large role in Harry being a good wizard. By rejecting Slytherin, even though some part of Harry belongs there, he avoids what he thinks is wrong, adding to his character and actively shaping himself as a wizard. Though Harry is not an outstanding wizard magic wise at this point, his character makes up for his skills. This is exemplified at the end of the novel when Hermione calls Harry a great wizard and he protests. Hermione responds, “Books! And cleverness! There are more important things—friendship and bravery and—oh Harry—be careful” (287)! This shows how valuable his character traits are to others and allows Rowling to emphasize her belief in these traits being important to be a good person.
From the moment Harry leaves his muggle world, he becomes a new person. The reader watches Harry’s identity transform many times in the novel. As stated in the novel, “’Bless my soul’ whispered the old bartender, “Harry Potter…what an honor’” (Rowling 69). There is a stark contrast between the muggle and wizarding world as soon as Harry enters the new, magical world. In the muggle world, Harry was ignored at school, abused at home, and he lived a sad life. However, in the wizarding world Harry is a celebrity, and he is showered with praise from the moment he enters this new world. His identity is completely changed in a matter of seconds. From this moment on, his identity transforms multiple times. As Harry goes to Hogwarts, not only does he find love and friendship, but he turns into an accomplished wizard and respected athlete. This is a huge change in a matter of months. In the muggle world, Harry had no friends and was not involved in any activities. However, throughout the novel, the reader can see changes in Harry’s identity. Someone who started out as a sad and orphaned boy turns into an overwhelmed celebrity and then once again transforms into an accomplished athlete and wizard.
ReplyDeleteI also think it was Harry’s past and upbringing that allowed him to be so successful. His yearning to find his parents allows Harry to set a goal and work towards it. Harry Potter’s fame never gets to his head, because he knows what it’s like to be on the other end. When Hagrid is introducing Harry to Diagon Alley, Hagrid says they are going to Gringotts bank and says, “D’yeh think yer parents didn’t leave yeh anything?” (63). Harry is then informed of the fortune his parents left for him yet his humble roots of having nothing just a day ago allow him to focus on other things and pursue his own individuality, goals, and values that you mention. He remains true to himself by offering Ron the pastry and not joining Draco Malfoy and his group. When Harry first meets Malfoy, Malfoy says to him, “You’ll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there” to which Harry ignores him (108). Malfoy’s air of superiority is comparable to Dudley’s and Harry knows he wants nothing to do with it. This is also Harry’s response when he tells the Sorting Hat he doesn’t want to be a Slytherin because he doesn’t agree with their values. Harry’s past taught him about what people he can trust and made him be loyal to those that truly matter and is demonstrated through his main friendships in the book.
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