Sorting, Longing, Seeing and Saving: An Analysis of Magical Devices in Harry Potter Books One and Three

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Sorting, Longing, Seeing and Saving:

An Analysis of Magical Devices in Harry Potter Books One and Three

        Within the Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling creates an entirely new world, and within that world are significant magical devices that become crucial to character development, the individual novels, and the storyline as a whole. In the first volume, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the two most significant magical devices are clearly the Hogwarts Sorting Hat and the Mirror of Erised. Both of these not only help further the plot, but play hugely important roles in Harry’s growth from boy to teenager. Similarly, in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Marauder’s Map is introduced, as well as Harry’s Patronus. Though not quite a physical object, the Patronus ultimately proves to be a magical device unto itself, and becomes the most significant agent.

        Upon Harry’s first arrival to Hogwarts, he awaits sorting into one of the four Hogwarts Houses. The decision is made by the school’s Sorting Hat, an ancient hat owned by Godric Gryffindor himself, enchanted by the four Hogwarts founders to choose those most worthy of their respective houses. The Sorting Hat’s song describes the school’s four houses and the character qualities associates with each:

                                …There's nothing hidden in your head

                                The Sorting Hat can't see,

                                So try me on and I will tell you

                                Where you ought to be.

                                You might belong in Gryffindor,

                                Where dwell the brave at heart,

                                Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

                                Set Gryffindors apart;

                                You might belong in ,

                                Where they are just and loyal,

Join now!

                                Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

                                And unafraid of toil;

                                Or yet in wise old ,

                                if you've a ready mind,

                                Where those of wit and learning, 

                                Will always find their kind;

                                Or perhaps in Slytherin

                                You'll make your real friends,

                                Those cunning folks use any means

                                To achieve their ends. (PS,88)

The significance of this hat is clear right from the start, as the decision it makes subsequently determines a student’s Hogwarts family, in a sense. We learn later just how much pride each house has, and of the rivalries existing between them; creating a major plot point for ...

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