Keeping It Simple You would be hard pressed to find anyone who does not live under a rock that has not at least heard of Harry Potter, if not read a book or seen a movie. The series has become a cultural phenomenon that has people of all ages as loyal fans worldwide. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was the first book in the series by J. K. Rowling that had to have some qualities to capture audiences. Sure, it is a book about magic and adventures, but there are plenty of books about magic in the fantasy genre that never will have the following that Harry Potter does, so what did Rowling do to make this a meaningful story? Rowling took mundane elements from everyday life and used them through allusion to create an unique and interesting world. It was through these simple objects such as the forest, broomsticks and mirrors that a deeper meaning could shine through. The Forbidden Forest is a forest near Hogwarts that is home to mythical creatures such as centaurs and unicorns. In this place, “secrets are kept and mysteries are unravelled.” …show more content…
Using mirrors as tools for magic comes from the Middle Ages when it was believed that wizards looked into mirrors to see the future. (Colbert 108) This does happen in later books, but in the first book, the use of the mirror is arguably much less mystical. Legend has it that whoever looks in the mirror will see their hearts’ deepest desire. It is known to drive the people who gaze into it insane. (Rowling 239) It is revealed that the mirror is a test of character for those who want to find the Stone because they would have to want the Stone more than anything else and not want to use it by Dumbledore. (Rowling 338) It is such a mundane item that the audience knows it is an allusion but does not see it as one. The audience instead only focuses on the use of the mirror, a means to find the Stone, and for Harry to see his