Concepts of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Running Head: Concepts of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone

Concepts of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone

Brandon S. Racheter

Tiffin University

Within the story of Harry Potter there are many concepts to be noted. This book is interesting and very different from any other book. These many concepts will tell you about some of these strange things that goes on.

Shortly after Harry was born a villain called Voldermont killed his parents. Somehow Harry did not die from Voldermont, but not only did he live, he almost killed this great dart magician. As the only survivor, a giant called Hagrid took him to his Aunt and Uncle Dursleys house and left them on the doorstep with a note. Ever since that day, he has been living in a blended family. That is a family whose members were once part of another.

Throughout this book there are some examples of discrimination between people. Since his Aunt Petunias sister was a muggle (wizard) her and her sister didn't get along at all because her sister got all of the attention from her parents. Then when Harry comes along both her, and her husband become very discriminate against Harry because they know he is one also.

When Harry was living with the Dursleys they were his agents of socialization. They influenced his self-concept. Harry never thought he was anyone famous because his Aunt and Uncle never gave him attention or barely even talked to him, for Harrys birthday they gave him a pair of his Uncles' used socks, they made him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs and the gave him their sons old used clothes.

Living with the Dursleys had to be one of the worst things he has ever had to go through. His Aunt and Uncle basically alienate him from everybody. He had a sense of not belonging. Like when the letters kept coming in from Hogwarts, they wouldn't let Harry read the letters. Also when it was his cousin, Dudlys birthday they tried to get rid of him for the day because they didn't like him. Harry ended up going with them that day and had one of the best days of his life because he actually got to go somewhere for once.

Muggles and mortals both have their own nonmaterial culture. That is both groups have their own way of thinking. Most mortals don't like muggles, like the Dursleys that is the reason they don't like Harry. Also most muggles don't like mortals either because mortals are selfish or if they had magic they would only use it for their own benefit.

By definition Harry had an ascribed status in his life. Ever since he was a little boy and lived through one of the best dark magicians' magic, he was known as the boy who lived. Everyone knew who he was. When he went to dragon alley with Hagrid, at school, everybody whispered about him as he passed in the hallways.

As soon as Harry passed through that gate of nine and three-quarters he entered a kind of total institution. A place where he was cut off from the society that he knows and would then be controlled by the officials, or a principal and teachers. This happens because he can't really go back home with out regretting it and when he gets there like always the principal and teachers basically control you anyway.

The looking-glass self happens when our self develops by internalizing others reactions from what we say or others say. A good example of this is when everyone is on the train riding to Hogwarts. Harry was talking to one of his friends and was talking about Voldermont. Every time he said that name, his friend told him that he shouldn't use that name and just say you know who. Harry learned this fast because every time he'd say it, his friend would either tell him or get a scared look on his face.

When Harry arrives he is a hero to almost everyone before he even knows who they are. Now he has to anticipate his future role as a great magician by learning aspects of it now. This is known as anticipatory socialization. He does this by trying really hard at his grades at Hogwarts and studies hard for the test to prove that he is and can be a great magician.

Resocialization had to be very hard for Harry to do. When he went from living with the Dursleys to being surrounded by the kinds of people he didn't even know existed. He had to learn all new norms and values of their society. He learned most of it from Hagrid when they first met. Hagrid told him just about everything there was to know about their society. Also he learned some more things when they went into dragon alley and he got to talk to a lot more people and learn their norms.

During Harry's life he plays many roles throughout. His behaviors, obligations, and privileges within his status all affect his role. Sometimes his behaviors lose points for him in the dormitory that he and others stay in. Through the time he stayed at Hogwarts he lost many points for gryffindor. His behaviors also won points for gryffindor though, when he did the right thing according to the principal, like saving his friend from the troll that got into the building.

While Harry attends Hogwarts his status changes from when he first arrives