Muggles' Guide to Harry Potter/Books/Philosopher's Stone/Chapter 4
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Chapter 4 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: The Keeper of the Keys
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[edit] Synopsis
BOOM! The knockings continue outside the door. Vernon comes running in with a rifle as the door is smashed in. A huge man with a bearded face enters. He twists Uncle Vernon's gun like a pretzel, sits down and wishes Harry happy birthday, and gives him a squished cake. The giant man makes himself at home, starts a fire and makes tea and sausages. He introduces himself as Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Hagrid is dismayed to find the Dursleys have told Harry nothing of his past or of his parents, and furious that they told Harry that his parents died in a car crash. Hagrid explains that Harry is a wizard, a very famous wizard. He gives Harry his letter, now addressed to him at the shack. The letter explains that Harry has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Hagrid sends an owl to Professor Dumbledore saying he found Harry and will be taking him to get his school supplies. Petunia begins ranting and Harry learns that she and Uncle Vernon have lied to him about his past. Hagrid tells Harry about a very dark wizard, by the name of Voldemort (though Hagrid seems to have enormous difficulty saying the name, apparently out of fear), who ten years ago (when Harry was only one year old) tracked down and killed Harry's parents, James and Lily Potter. He tried to kill Harry too, but failed, and that is how Harry got the scar on his forehead. Harry asks Hagrid what happened to Voldemort and Hagrid tells him that no one is sure, but something happened to him (on the Hallowe'en night he tried to kill Harry) that drove him into hiding.
Harry questions whether he is really a wizard, but Hagrid asks whether he had ever made things happen when he was angry or scared. Harry remembers things he had done, most recently the boa constrictor, and smiles. Uncle Vernon cuts in and says Harry isn't going to a magic school. He then insults Albus Dumbledore, calling him a crackpot. This sends Hagrid into a fit of rage and he causes a pig's tail to grow out of Dudley's back side. The Dursleys scramble into the other room, terribly afraid of Hagrid. Hagrid asks Harry not to mention the magic he performed to anyone at Hogwarts, as he isn't supposed to do magic anymore. Harry asks why not, and Hagrid explains that he had been expelled from Hogwarts during his third year. Harry questions him further, but Hagrid changes the subject saying it's late and they have lots of things to do the next day. At that they go to sleep, Hagrid on the couch, Harry under Hagrid's huge coat on the floor.
[edit] Analysis
In this chapter, we learn a bit more of what happened the night Lord Voldemort came to Godric's Hollow. We also get a feeling for the dread that most wizards have for Voldemort, or even his name.
The Dursley's behaviour here is a classic example of the human tendency for ignorance and fear to go hand in hand. In a vicious circle, their ignorance about magic makes them afraid of it, and their fear prevents them from developing a better understanding. In contrast, Harry's willingness to accept his magical nature when the evidence is shown to him, clearly indicates his open-minded intelligence.
One of the central themes to these books is the danger of prejudice and divisiveness, and this chapter, particularly Petunia's tirade, gives a picture of the prejudiced view from the Muggle side of the Muggle/Magic divide.
[edit] Questions
[edit] Review
- What does this chapter tell us about Aunt Petunia's character?
- Why do Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon hide Harry's secret?
- Do they tell him what his secret is? Why or why not?
[edit] Further Study
- Can you think of a reason, aside from ignorance and fear, for Petunia's apparent hatred of her sister Lily?
[edit] Greater Picture
This chapter briefly mentions Hagrid's expulsion from Hogwarts, which will be important to the plot of the next book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Hagrid's fear of saying Voldemort's name will be echoed through almost all of the series, with people referring to Voldemort as "you-know-who" and variants on that theme. This dread, though constant, will be greatly reinforced in the seventh book, where we will learn that Voldemort has, in fact, placed a taboo on his name, such that anyone who speaks it will be immediately detected and subject to reprisals. We will find that the taboo is specifically aimed at those who would fight him, as they are the only ones who dare speak his name. While this is never mentioned, it is entirely likely that a similar taboo was in place in Voldemort's initial time in power, and it would be this taboo which had engendered a fear of speaking the name among the Wizarding populace.
In this chapter, by learning his true nature, Harry has taken the first step on the path of his eventual destiny. He will continue on this path throughout the entire series, with occasional setbacks.
