Religion and Symbolism in Harry Potter

This assignment analyzes the presence of religious themes and symbols in J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'. It examines how celebrations like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter are depicted in the book, alongside discussions on the concepts of good and evil. The analysis also explores symbolism, comparing Harry Potter's journey to that of Jesus Christ and examining the representation of immortality through the Sorcerer's Stone.

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Religion in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
In the modern era, Harry Potter novels are undoubtedly one of the best children
narratives. Although labelled as children books, the Harry Potter novels discuss themes of
vital relevance to people of all ages. Apart from the disturbing occult culture that Rowling
outlines in Harry Potter books, modern society religion is also equally presented. However, it
is interesting how much of the discussions about the novel majors on its occult nature. In
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone” Rowling describes religion through the use of
various celebrations and symbolism particularly those present in Christianity. The use of
celebrations and symbols present in Christianity throughout the book is attributed its setting.
Rowling set the book in England society which values Christianity as its main religion.
Despite widely criticized for its occult nature, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
explicitly incorporates religion in its structure through the use of beliefs and religious
celebrations.
The book contains explicit references to religion. These references are illustrated by
the major religious celebrations mentioned throughout the book. With book set in a Christian
dominated England community, the major religious celebrations and holidays mentioned in
the book are associated with Christianity. Interestingly, these events are celebrated both in the
normal society or what the book terms as the Muggle world and occult world. Christmas is

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one of the religious holidays that is celebrated in the book. In Christianity, Christmas is the
day that the believers commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. On this day, people share with
family and friends and celebrate by feasting. In the book, students at the Hogwarts School
were released to go home for the Christmas holiday (Rowling 155). Moreover, for students
like Harry Potter who opted to remain in school for the Christmas held celebrations and
exchanged gifts.
The Halloween feast is another religious celebration depicted in the book. The
Halloween is a religious festival popular to the western Christians. The festival is dedicated
to remembering those who died in matters of faith like the saints and martyrs. The Hogwarts
School also celebrated the Halloween festival, and the students were treated to feasting and
celebrations (Rowling 136). Furthermore, the book cites the celebration the of Easter holiday.
The Easter festival is one the oldest practices in Christianity which marks the celebration of
the resurrection of Christ.
Moreover, the book also gives interesting views about good and evil. The book points
out that these two forces are present in every society. However, it insists that individuals have
the free will to choose between good and evil. In the book, Good and evil are illustrated in
differing shapes and are not restricted to magic or the human world. Notably, the Rowling
use the actions and decisions of her characters to illustrate the decisions between good and
evil. For instance, those who use magic to harm others like Lord Voldemort are described as
belonging to the dark side. However, Rowling is quick to point out that it is difficult to tell if
an individual is good or evil based on their actions in public. In fact, the book posits that good
and evil are complex concepts which are hard to discern. As illustrated in the conversation
between Harry and Quirrell, the concept of good and evil are socially constructed and defer
with individuals (Rowling 234). However, judging from how the characters react to actions

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of Lord Voldemort, Quirrell and Harry, and the final destruction of the Sorcerer’s stone, it is
apparent that there explicit actions that qualify as being evil or good.
Despite the book being set in an occult world, it has a clear stand on death and
immortality. Notably, the book posits that death is mandatory to all humans regardless of
their status unless they seek immortality from supernatural sources. In the book, the
sorcerer’s stone is the source of conflict because it is believed to make people immortal. For
instance, Flamel and his wife are said to have lived more than 600 years by using the stone.
However, when the stone is destroyed, Dumbledore states that Flamel and his wife will have
to die. In the book, Lord Voldemort killed Harry’ parents despite possessing magical powers.
In this respect, the book illustrates that all humans are mortal. However, it also directs that
there is life after death. The immortality of the soul is represented by the appearance of the
spirits of those who had died like Harry’s parents. Moreover, Dumbledore argues that death
leads to the next world of the immortals.
Religious symbolism is expressed throughout the story. Firstly, Harry Potter mirrors
the life of Jesus Christ. Both Jesus and Harry Potter survived being killed by their powerful
enemies while they were infants. Harry Porter was ready to sacrifice his life to save the magic
world from the evils of Lord Voldemort. Likewise, Jesus offered his life to save humanity
from sins. The use of the Sorcerer’s stone is also a religious symbolism. The stone’s ability to
give make humans immortality represents the saving ability of Jesus. In his ministry, Jesus
taught that he is the source of eternal life. Finally, the ability of Lord Voldemort to possess
Quirrell and other humans symbolizes how the devil enters humanity. In religion, it is
believed that the devil has the power to possess and control human actions. For instance, in
the Bible, it is stated that the devil possessed Judas making him betray Christ.

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In conclusion, the book discusses religion through the use of festivals, holidays, and
symbolism. Religious festivals and symbols like Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and
transfiguration are present throughout the book. Additionally, it raises the moral discussion
on the difference between good and evil. In this respect, despite the book focusing more on
the magic world, it also entails themes which are relevant to religious matters.

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Works Cited
Rowling, J K. Harry Potter, and the Sorcerer's Stone. Scholastic Inc, 1998.