3.Food as a source of change

Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone- the beginning of what we now know to be one of the best-selling series in the world. In this particular novel, we get to discover Harry’s life as a child as well as his discovery into finding out he has been accepted into Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. Rubeus Hagrid is the one to break the news to Harry that he is now a wizard. Through this particular part of the novel we are able to see how food is used to compare both Harry to the Dursleys, in particular Dudley. Firstly, Hagrid is said to have brought Harry a birthday cake which is described to be `a large, sticky chocolate cake with Happy Birthday Harry written on it in green icing` (40). The use of adjectives add exaggeration make it more desirable for the reader. As J.K Rowlings novels are partially aimed at a child audience, this would entice them into reading further as they find the cake appeasing. Another interpretation is that as Harry was an under fed child, the cake could be seen as a luxury to him. From the beginning of the novel we learn that Harry was an outsider to family and grew up being neglected. With this being said it becomes clear as to why the cake would seem appealing due to the fact that Harry has never been given something so luxurious in his life. Food is used in this moment to highlight the foreshadowing change that Harry is going to encounter from bad to good. Furthermore, symbolism is one way in which J.K Rowling uses to convey subtle comparisons between characters. Hagrid is said to have spotted an empty grate in the corner of the room which is said to contain a `shrivelled crisp packet in it and he snorted` (40) which could be an indication to Harry. As Harry was under fed this would have met that he would have been skinny. The shrivelled crisp packet could be a representation of Harry however it is worth noticing that Hagrid is said to have snorted. Hagrid’s comical gesture towards the crisp packet could either mean that he is in shock as he realises that Harry is not treated right by his family or the idea that he is able to conjure up food so easily.  As the narrative continues Hagrid is shown to have made sausages for Harry which again Harry’s reaction to food is shown to be pleasurable. `He passed the sausages to Harry, who was so hungry he had never tasted anything so wonderful` (40) supporting the idea that food indicates a turn of events in Harry’s life. I would argue that this is the turning point in Harry’s life has the food acts as a symbol of change. He is now able to be fed meaning he is experiencing a better lifestyle.

Not only is food used to show a good change in Harry’s life but it also shows a change in authority particular with his cousin Dudley. Harry and Dudley’s relationship with one another is very one sided. Dudley is said to have more authority over Harry as Harry receives Dudley’s hand me downs whereas Dudley is spoiled rotten by his parents. However, in this moment in the novel there is a role reversal as now Dudley is portrayed to be inferior to Harry. As mentioned before, Harry is said to have eaten sausages which he finds delicious. As the scene continues Hagrid casts a spell on Dudley causing him to have a pig’s tail. `Harry saw a curly pig’s tail poking through a hole in his trousers` (48). I would argue that Harry can be perceived as a predator due to the fact that he was consuming sausages and now as a result Dudley has been de humanised to an animal, the same animal in which Harry was eating a few moments earlier. This would suggest that food does not only show a change in events but also a change in role reversal. This role reversal would portray Harry to be more superior thus supporting the idea that he is experiencing a sudden change in his life. Through the use of food, we are able to identify Harry’s first steps into maturity as he is able to take control over his family and live a life where he is able to be treated equally. Furthermore, J.K Rowling uses foods which we are able to recognise meaning as readers we are still being included in this journey of self-discovery. Although to some these foods may be our everyday foods and we think nothing much of it to Harry however these are the key items which initiate the beginning of his new life. Without these foods being incorporated into the text I would argue that Harry would still be trapped under the Dursleys rule.  

Bibliography

1.     Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone, Great Britain: Bloomsbury Publishing, 1997.