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  • Essay / Themes of courage in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

    The first scene being when they arrive at Hogwarts, the students must first be sorted into their houses by the sorting hat. Harry, who now knows about Voldermort and his role in Harry's life, is afraid of being sorted into Slytherin. The same house that Lord Voldermort himself was in. "There isn't a single witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin. You-know-who was one." (Insert quote) When it comes time to be sorted, Harry shows courage by choosing his own house. He asks the Sorting Hat to place him in any house except Slytherin. "Not Slytherin, huh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the path to greatness, without a doubt--right? Well, if you 'I'm sure, it's better to go with GRYFFINDOR!' (Insert quote) Harry demonstrated the courage to take matters into his own hands and eliminate the risk of being sorted into the wrong house. Unlike most people in the wizarding world, Harry is not afraid of Lord Voldermort. When the two finally come face to face in the film's climax, instead of running from the man who killed his family, Harry speaks to him clearly and passionately. When asked to join Voldermort, Harry firmly replies that he will never join him. (Insert quote) To this Voldermort responds "Bravery? Your parents had it too..." (Insert quote)