Jacob Leppert
Period: 7
Question: 1
There are an interesting number of racial prejudices included in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. First and foremost entail the outright dislike of wizards and witches, as seen in the Dursleys. The Malfoys portray extreme prejudice towards “muggle borns”. The Goblins of Gringgots are portrayed for a short time, but they show indifference towards wizards and their lives. Lord Voldemort is not seen but for a single moment, and his prejudice is directed towards muggles, people who are indifferent towards them, as well as “muggle borns”.
Starting off, the Dursleys display racism towards Harry and “his lot”. They dislike wizards immensely. As well as anyone who isn’t what they deem “normal”. Their intolerance for other’s views and appearance. This is generally looked down upon in the majority of the world. However, The Dursleys hide behind a thick veil of deceit. They try to stamp out Harry’s magic by treating him like dirt his entire life. If anyone had known they would have been brought to trial.
The Malfoys dislike “muggle borns” with great ferocity. Also, Malfoy dislikes Harry for solely because of his name. In society, Malfoy would be frowned upon for his hatred and contempt of Harry. Although, Harry returns the hate, it would never be more than a dislike if Malfoy wasn’t so evil to him. Overall, the Malfoy is a coward and dislikes some people purely for the way they look.
The Goblins of Gringgotts are only displayed for a very short time. But the time that they are, they seem indifferent towards the wizarding world and it’s people. All they seem to be focused on is their riches, and it makes them seem greedy. When Harry gets his key, the goblin merely looks at him, and asks in a neutral tone “does Mr. Harry Potter have his key?”. The Goblins exclude themselves from all manner of socialization with the wizarding world. All they care about is their money and their bank.
Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters display racism in the form of dislike of everyone who sees things in a different light than they do. They hate “muggles borns” and wizards who don’t see things their way. They punish people using harsh methods. The Dark Lord believes that people who do not seek to make themselves more powerful at all costs are weak. He also thinks muggles should be eradicated.
There are many racism elements in HP: SS, they make the book more interesting and more realistic. Of course, they also help to increase your dislike of the villain’s by giving by giving them negative traits. This just increases your immersion in the story.
Question: 2
Harry gazed at Mirror for a long while, longing for connection with his family. Dumbledore helped tear him away from his fascination with his parents by reminding him that the past is done. We cannot change what has happened. We cannot change the fate of the people who have died. We can only remember them, and be encouraged by their sacrifice. As well as their desire for you to go on, while they died.
When Dumbledore explains this Harry suddenly see’s. He won’t make anything of himself by thinking of things that have passed. He must continue onwards and become successful. As his parents sacrificed themselves so he could be just that. Harry understood that looking at the mirror would only impede his progress as he dwelled on the past.
Question 3:
Professor Quirrel described much about Voldemort’s morality and values. In my opinion, Voldemort leads a twisted life, believing that nothing is good or evil. His morals are awful. In his belief that “power” is everything, his judgment fails. It doesn’t reflect the real world at all.
Voldemort’s view of morality is sad, that he knows nothing of kindness, and love. That he is so hateful saddens me. As it shows he has no morals. No concept of good and evil, as he very clearly states on page 291. I disagree with him completely. I believe that we are all equal, deserve love, and kindness. His view does not reflect our worlds reality at all. Few people (if any) view life as he does because most people consider it nonsense. Voldemort knows that most people do not accept his views, so he forces it upon them. (imperious curse, cruciatos, etc.).