A part that touches me every time I read this book is the part where Harry is standing in line to get the Sorting Hat placed on his head and he’s getting so nervous that the professors will have made a mistake and discover that he really isn’t a wizard. I’ve had childish, scary moments just like that where your brain immediately concocts every bad situation that could happen. It shows Harry’s humanity and humbleness (yes, I know that this changes as the series goes on, but when he’s a little kid, it’s really cute.
Also, why was Peeves the Poltergeist not included in the movie series? Yes, perhaps he did not add too much to the plot, but to me, he represented a mischievous side that challenges the kids at Hogwarts. For Harry, it could be a Dudley figure that pesters him and constantly tries to belittle him. Harry must overcome the challenge that Peeves presents so that he can come to terms with his own strength. Then again, there are numerous times throughout the novel where he can also show his strength, so I can see how Peeves may not be necessary.
The appearance of Quirrell in the story is something much more significant to those who have already read the story than those who have not. *spoilers* Those who have read it know that he’s got Voldemort attached to the back of his head like a giant leech and can look at the hints brought up in the story itself. Particularly interesting is the “don’t judge a book by its cover” themes I see in the novel. Quirrell is the bad guy all along, but he is portrayed as a weaker character, someone who wouldn’t be able to stand up for himself against the Dark Lord. He also wouldn’t be able to stand up against Snape, whom Harry suspects of being the sinister character.
Snape, on the other hand, is actually an ally, no matter how much his actions seem evil. Like when they are in the Quidditch match and Harry’s broom is hexed and he and his friends point the blame to Snape. In reality, Quirrel was the one jinxing the broom and Snape was muttering charms to safe Harry’s life. One must wonder at this point why it is that Snape doesn’t alert Dumbledore to Quirrel’s actions. Unless Snape didn’t know who was casting the curses and was just muttering the general counter-spell.
The troll incident at Halloween is an opportunity for Harry and Ron to show their heroic sides for the first time (the first real, recognized time, anyway). Now, I know that the teachers were busy evacuating the students, but one would think that they would have arrived just a few moments sooner. But plot-wise, it does allow the author to demonstrate their courage and Harry’s propensity to be a magic prodigy (sorta). Harry is a brave person and the incident can be considered a stepping stone for the rest of his career as a protector and a hero.
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