Harry Potter Philosopher's Stone Belonging
Practice Extended Response – Exam prep
Question: “The need to belong marks us as human and it is such connections that lead to fulfilment.”
After studying Belonging, to what extent do you agree with this statement?
All humans have the undeniable desire to belong in one way or another. It is through connections with various people, groups, communities and places that fulfilment can be achieved in life. To belong means to have happiness and contentment that is found in a secure relationship and association with other people and places. How we, as human beings, perceive the world depends on personal experiences, contexts and barriers. It is through this ‘perception’ that we make connections with other people who share something in common …show more content…
In the movie ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ we see how easily barriers of not belonging can be unexpectedly destroyed and new connections and possibilities can be created. The film is about a boy called Harry Potter, the protagonist, who goes through a journey of not belonging in his original ‘world’ through to the complete contrast of being famous in another ‘magical world.’ Harry knows no better than the treatment he had always received with his family, “Up, get up! NOW... try not to burn anything!” Through the use of direct imperatives in a bitter tone, the responder is shown that there is no room for love or acceptance of any kind. Though, because Harry does not know any better, his perception on life is very narrow as all he can do is dream of a better life. The “power” that seems to be held by his old family is strongly juxtaposed to that of another character called Hagrid. When Harry is alone in the dark, making his lonesome birthday wish, there is a great “Bang” at the door and in comes the seemingly scary giant. When Uncle Vernon comes aiming a gun, Hagrid bends the tip of the gun and says, “Dry up Dursely you great prune.” Through the use of the metaphor of calling him a ‘great prune,’ the responder can see a strong shift in power from that of the family to the overwhelming power and acceptance now being presented from Hagrid. This shift in power is also portrayed through the combination of weather, music and camera angles which expose the underlying suspenseful tone. With the violent waves and storm outside, the dangerously suspenseful music along with the low camera angles, Hagrid is given an overriding sense of power which has been stripped from the Uncle. Hagrid represents Harry’s escape from this world he never belonged in and the new connection to a world full of endless possibilities.
Question: “The need to belong marks us as human and it is such connections that lead to fulfilment.”
After studying Belonging, to what extent do you agree with this statement?
All humans have the undeniable desire to belong in one way or another. It is through connections with various people, groups, communities and places that fulfilment can be achieved in life. To belong means to have happiness and contentment that is found in a secure relationship and association with other people and places. How we, as human beings, perceive the world depends on personal experiences, contexts and barriers. It is through this ‘perception’ that we make connections with other people who share something in common …show more content…
In the movie ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ we see how easily barriers of not belonging can be unexpectedly destroyed and new connections and possibilities can be created. The film is about a boy called Harry Potter, the protagonist, who goes through a journey of not belonging in his original ‘world’ through to the complete contrast of being famous in another ‘magical world.’ Harry knows no better than the treatment he had always received with his family, “Up, get up! NOW... try not to burn anything!” Through the use of direct imperatives in a bitter tone, the responder is shown that there is no room for love or acceptance of any kind. Though, because Harry does not know any better, his perception on life is very narrow as all he can do is dream of a better life. The “power” that seems to be held by his old family is strongly juxtaposed to that of another character called Hagrid. When Harry is alone in the dark, making his lonesome birthday wish, there is a great “Bang” at the door and in comes the seemingly scary giant. When Uncle Vernon comes aiming a gun, Hagrid bends the tip of the gun and says, “Dry up Dursely you great prune.” Through the use of the metaphor of calling him a ‘great prune,’ the responder can see a strong shift in power from that of the family to the overwhelming power and acceptance now being presented from Hagrid. This shift in power is also portrayed through the combination of weather, music and camera angles which expose the underlying suspenseful tone. With the violent waves and storm outside, the dangerously suspenseful music along with the low camera angles, Hagrid is given an overriding sense of power which has been stripped from the Uncle. Hagrid represents Harry’s escape from this world he never belonged in and the new connection to a world full of endless possibilities.