Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone Analysis

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Recommended: Symbolism of Harry Potter

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter encounters many new people and obstacles that help Harry development as a character. With these obstacles J.K Rowling provides our readers with imagery that engages our senses. Through the use of imagery Rowling plants symbols throughout the narrative that are crucial to the creation of the fantasy. The obstacles that Rowling uses to provide imagery are the Sorting Hat, the introduction of new characters, the Mirror of Erised, the trials needed to reach the Sorcerer’s Stone, and, finally, The Sorcerer’s Stone. The first example of imagery that Rowling provides is the Sorting Hat. Before we hear of the Sorting Hat, through Harry’s eyes, Rowling puts all of the “first years Rowling is providing us an image of a miniature maze, which creates a feeling of mystery and danger. This is because Rowling writes, “Two of us will help you, … One among seven will let you move ahead, Another will transport the drinker back…, Two among our numbers hold only nettle wine, Three of us are killers.” (Rowling, 285). These lines in the riddle serve to create a feeling of intrigue and complication. Rowling continues the riddle by providing us with imagery that creates a puzzle that we must solve in order to see the image. Rowling writes “… we give you these four clues: First, however slyly the poison tries to hide you will always find some on nettle wine’s left side; Second, different are those who stand at either end, But if you would move onward, neither is your friend; Third, as you see clearly, all are different size, Neither dwarf nor giant hides death in their insides; Fourth, the second left and the second on the right Are twins once you taste them, though different at first sight.” Rowling uses this imagery to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Through this we are able to find the corners and outside pieces to the puzzle. Then, fill in the center and reveal the image. Revealing which option will move Harry ahead, and Hermione back through the Rowling effectively creates the images for these crucial events in her fantasy. The imagery used allows the readers to feel as if they are there with Harry as he explores this new world. We, the readers, are able to be fully immersed into the fantasy world the Rowling has created. The feeling of being fully immersed and experiencing these feelings such as fear, anxiousness, excitement, and curiosity helps the read be completely engaged. Thus, creating a more enjoyable

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