Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, including magic, friendship and courage. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 60-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of J.K. Rowling
• Presentation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
• Summary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
• Character study
  • Harry Potter
  • Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley
  • Neville Longbottom
  • Hagrid
  • Albus Dumbledore
  • Professor Quirrell/Lord Voldemort
  • Severus Snape
• Analysis of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
  • Actantial models
  • Narrative structure
  • The fantasy genre
  • The novel’s themes
  • Worldwide success
  • Imaginative vocabulary
  • A memorable adaptation

About Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was first published in 1997, after being turned down by multiple publishers. It tells the story of a seemingly ordinary boy whose life is transformed when he learns that he has magical powers and begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes real friends for the first time in his life, learns all about the wizarding world and comes face to face with Lord Voldemort, the dark wizard who killed his parents when he was a baby.

Although the book was originally intended for children, it quickly became popular among teenagers and adults alike, and was made into a film shortly afterwards.

About J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling is a British writer who was born in 1965. She worked as a teacher after graduating from university, but later found herself unemployed and a single mother. This all changed with the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which made her a household name and earned her a multi-million pound fortune. Her Harry Potter books are one of the bestselling series of all time, having sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide. She has also written a number of other books connected to the world of Harry Potter, as well as another novel, The Casual Vacancy, and the Cormoran Strike series under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.