Harry Potter research paper?

Question

I have a research paper due in Dec. for my English class & the professor assigned Harry Potter & The Sorcerers Stone. We HAVE to write about the Harry Potter's character - either his personality's or his abilities, only using the 1st book as our resource. I was thinking about writing this from a psychological stand point but am having difficulty thinking of ideas . . . any suggestions?

Answer 1

Well, I don't know much about psychology. But, I'm a HP fan, so, I'll help you however I can!

Don't hesitate to mail me for further queries, if you need help :) [[e-mail]]

The obvious thing is to read the book (which I'm sure you've done), as many times as possible. With each reading, newer qualities and finer nuances of Harry's character will reveal themselves to you.

To begin with, look at what the Sorting Hat says about him. Throughout the book, there are several instances you can pick, that give you an insight to Harry's personality, especially in the end, when he goes to save the Stone.

Let me review the book again and let you know if there are any specific instances I can cite to you.

Yeah, so - these instances when Harry gets his father's cloak, when Harry first looks into the Mirror of Erised, when he comes back from the Forbidden Forest and is trying to get Ron and Hermione to understand what it'll be like if Voldemort comes back to life, when he and Ron decide to let Hermione know about the troll, etc.

Answer 2

I think you could write about his psychology, that how, even though he was subject to abuse for 11 years, it didn't affect him in the least, he was still as Humble and courageous!



There is a line that the sorting Hat says that sorta describes Harry for me, it says, "...and there is a first to prove yourself..."



You could write that because Harry didn't receive attention while growing up, he might be a bit of an attention seeker, and his way of showing this would be by acting out by breaking the rules



On the other hand you could say that Harry is so insecure as a boy because of the lack of love that by doing something right and showing courage and determination he wants to prove himself as the star that he is, and seeks approval from his elders as well as his peers!



He regards Dumbledore, both as his saving grace and as a paternal figure, so he finds it necessary to be loyal to Dumbledore because he took him out of the hell of Privit Drive, he also feels that he has to prove to others why he is famous, he has to be accepted by everyone, and would go to any length to get the approval and acceptance, even if it means breaking all the rules!



You could also write that Harry laughs off Dudleys threats to humiliate him, and doesn't take them seriously or tries to avoid them; however, when Malfoy challenges him or insults his fellow classmates (Neville for the remembrall) he feels the need to stand up for himself and his friends, he feels the need to prove Malfoy wrong, he feels at home giving and receiving threats at Hogwarts! He seems naturally inclined towards fighting Malfoy, even though he doesn't even know why he (harry) hates him (Draco)



BTW how cool is it that you get to write about Harry Potter! lol!!!

Answer 3

I think writing about his personality would be more interesting



for example..harry raised by his aunt and uncle is given nothing..they share nothing with him, make him live under the stairs..yet when he comes into money he immediatly SHARES. Like he did with Ron on the train

Answer 4

I think reading the book again and putting flags/post its/labels at pages where his personality is reflected might help you organize a bit.

Answer 5

Mythology. How JKR makes use of creatures from greek mythology in her books. the adjustments between those she made up and those in genuine mythology (i.e. centaurs vs. Dementors)

Answer 6

i don't know if the book is different than the movie. Bt the movie simplifies his personality and makes it obvious.