Final Post

1. Would you recommend this book to another reader? Why/Why not? What kind of person would you recommend it to? What would you tell the person about the book?                                                           I would recommend this book to somebody else who enjoys reading. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first instalment in a 7 book series. I would recommend this to someone who has a longer attention span, doesn't mind spending time reading a long series, and is able to get invested in all the characters introduced. I would describe this book as a long journey full of fantasy adventures. 

1. Identify and list examples of figurative language - metaphors, similes, symbolism, and so on - and explain what they mean or signify and how they add to the literary merit of the book.

There is quite a bit of figurative language in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. "His feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins" (page. 14) and "Dumbledore's silver hair was the only thing in the whole hall that shone as brightly as ghosts" (page. 122) are both examples of a simile. "His face was almost completely hidden by a long shaggy mane of hair" (pg. 46) is an example of a metaphor. "The wand chooses the wizard. (page. 85) is an example of personification, and an example of an hyperbole is "mountains of roast and boiled potatoes" (page. 203). Figurative language adds to most stories. It's used to give readers something to imagine and an expression for writers. 

'Halfway' Post

What is the setting of the novel?

The setting of the novel begins in the muggle world, 4 Pivet Drive, Little Whinging, England, or more specifically, the Dursley's home. The Dursely's home may look like a nice and regular to place to live on the outside but on the inside Harry is forced to live in a "dark cupboard" (page 21) under the stairs. The second half of the story takes place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The scenery as they arrived at Hogwarts left a big impression on Harry. "Perched atop a high mountain on the other side [of a black lake], its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers." (page 119). The setting plays a vital role in this novel. If it had taken place anywhere else the story simply would not have made any sense. The story revolves around two worlds; the wizarding world and the muggle world. If those two wolds didn't exist, there would be no story to begin with. 




Choose a character who is starting to change and explain how the change is being made and what purpose it serves. Are the changes the character is making, plausible or realistic (could/would actually happen in real life)? Why/Why not?

Hermione Granger's character develops significantly as the novel progresses. In the beginning, she is portrayed as an annoying perfectionist, a goody-two-shoes, and a bookworm. She's first seen talking to Harry and Ron on the train ride to school.

Hermione develops into a likeable character and good friend. In chapter 10, Harry and Ron save Hermione from a troll. Afterwards, Hermione blatantly lies to the teacher to keep Harry and Ron from getting into trouble, and with that a new friendship is born. Hermione's decision to support her friends rather than obey the rules displays a change and growth within her character. 

"Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery and – oh Harry – be careful!" (page 308)

Introductory Post

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

by J.K Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone follows the story of a eleven year old boy named Harry Potter, whom lives with his estranged aunt and uncle. On his eleventh birthday, a mysterious man tracks Harry down with the news that he's a wizard. Harry abandons his regular life and follows Hagrid to his new life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

• Bloomsbury, London, 1997. ISBN 0-7475-3269-9

• Book Review: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/harry-potter-and-the-sorcerers-stone

• 332 pages

  I had seen the Harry Potter movie series when I was a kid. It was always my favourite movie growing up, but I had never given the books a chance, even after hearing countless times that they were far better than the movies. Last Christmas I recieved the entire Harry Potter book collection from my mom. Now that I own all the books, I decided it was a good idea to finally read the series.