The Sorcerer's Stone vs. The Philosopher's Stone
Differences and Thoughts!
Reading a chapter a night to my four kids and the anticipation of future Harry Potter media inspired this article.
First I would like to address the elephant in the room with Harry Potter topics. Too many people have poured their time and resources into bringing this world to life to ignore or boycott the universe as a whole. Due to the ironic statements the author has made about trans people. Ironic? You may wonder why I used that choice of word. Let’s break it down like this I find it funny that the lady who created a magical universe complete with polyjuice potion which can change anyone into anyone else regardless of gender has anything really to say about gender issues. Then again I wonder why it’s a real issue anyways… just be you, don’t get caught up on titles is more my philosophy. I have friends and family that span the entire ever growing diverse pronouns. I prefer to value people by their actions and contributions in this world rather than whatever pronoun is associated with them.
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Oh, the magical world of Harry Potter! The books have captured our hearts, and the movies have brought the wizarding world to life. But let's be honest, there are some hilarious differences between the first Harry Potter movie and the book. So, grab your wand and let's dive into the whimsical world of the Sorcerer's Stone (or the Philosopher's Stone, if you prefer)!
First things first, let's talk about the name game. In America, it's the Sorcerer's Stone, while across the pond, it's the Philosopher's Stone. As a die-hard Full Metal Alchemist fan, I must say, the Philosopher's Stone sounds way cooler. But hey, to each their own magical artifact preference!
Now, adapting a book into a movie is like trying to transfigure a teacup into a toad. It's not easy, and changes are inevitable. Budgetary constraints, directorial choices, and the limitations of visual media mean that the movies can't be an exact replica of the books. But fear not, my fellow Potterheads, for the differences are what make it all the more amusing.
Let's start with the Dursleys. The movie did a decent job of introducing them, but the book really took it to a whole new level. We got a glimpse into Vernon Dursley's painfully ordinary life at Grunnings and Aunt Petunia's knack for ignoring Dudley's antics. It was a reminder that these Muggles were as different from Harry and the magical community as can be.
Next stop: Diagon Alley! While the movie captured the magic, the book added some extra pizzazz. In the Leaky Cauldron, for example, Quirrell avoids Harry's handshake in the movie, but in the book, they shake hands. Later on in the final chapter of the book, Quirrell explains his unfortunate encounter/possession situation with Voldemort. Thus clearing up why Harry shook his hand earlier in the book yet his touch destroyed him later.
And who can forget Draco Malfoy? In the movie, he makes his snooty debut on the hogwarts express, but the book took it a step further and they meet in Diagon Alley. After getting his school supplies, Harry spends another month with the Dursleys before heading off to Hogwarts in the book. It's the perfect opportunity to peruse those new textbooks and build up the excitement. I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to spend more time with the Dursleys? (Cue sarcastic eye roll)
Now, let's talk about the eccentricities of Dumbledore. In the book, he goes off on a tangent during the sorting ceremony feast, uttering the unforgettable words: "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment!" It's a moment that defines his quirky personality. But in the movie, they toned it down a bit. Maybe they were afraid of overwhelming the audience with too much oddity. Oh well, we'll always have the book to remind us of Dumbledore's delightful peculiarities.
Ah, Fluffy, the three-headed dog, and the forbidden corridor. In the movie, Harry, Ron, and Hermione stumble upon Fluffy quite by accident. But in the book, their adventure is a bit more proactive. Hermione tries to prevent them from attending Draco's midnight duel, and the trio ends up trapped in the forbidden corridor while trying to escape Filch. Talk about a wild night! And let's not forget Peeves, the mischievous poltergeist who adds an extra dose of chaos in the book. Oh, Peeves, you troublemaker, why did they leave you out of the movies? You deserved your time in the spotlight! As does the ghost professor who died and just kept showing up to teach history in the books but is practically left out in movies.
Quidditch, broomsticks, and all things magical sports! In the movie, Harry unveils his Nimbus 2000 at the Gryffindor table, making everyone's jaws drop. But in the book, he receives a stern note warning him not to open the broomstick package at breakfast. The anticipation builds as Harry and Ron patiently wait to admire the broomstick in private. And let's not forget Draco catching them with the broom and threatening to tattle. Oh, Draco, always the charmer! Harry turns the table on Draco and thanks him for getting him the broom in front of Professor Flitwick. Since he wouldn’t have it without him challenging Harry that first flying lesson. Wood also trains Harry with golf balls at dusk for his first lesson and doesn’t even use the snitch in the book. It also showcases how the muggle born kids love for football/soccer translates over to quidditch. Giving a view that Hogwarts may be a place that the wizarding and muggle world interact to a point. The Movies almost remove muggle related items unless Mr. Weasley is studying them.
And speaking of differences, the ghosts of Hogwarts. Nearly Headless Nick and the Bloody Baron are a far cry from their book counterparts in the movies. Instead of the autonomous entities with distinct personalities, they're treated more like sideshow attractions. But hey, at least they made it into the movies, unlike Peeves. Peeves, the ultimate prankster, who adds an extra layer of mischief in the books. Peeves, we salute you!
The forbidden forest scene was shortened and simplified in the movies too. The groups were different and changed in the forest in the book.
Finally, the climax and aftermath. In the movie, Hagrid gives Harry the picture book of his parents as he heads back to the train. But in the book, there's a heartfelt moment where Hagrid visits Harry in the hospital, blaming himself and shedding tears. He gives Harry the picture book and explains his efforts to reach out to their old classmates. It's a bittersweet moment that tugs at our heartstrings.
In the end, whether you're a die-hard book fan or a movie enthusiast, the differences between the Sorcerer's Stone and the Philosopher's Stone add a touch of whimsy to the magical world of Harry Potter. So, let's raise our wands and appreciate the unique twists and turns that make both versions special. After all, it's the magic that binds us all, whether on the page or on the silver screen. Accio laughter and endless enchantment!
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I prefer the Philosopher's stone to the Sorcerer's stone because, in myth, the Philosopher's stone was said to be able to turn lead into gold via alchemy. Alchemy required actual years of study as opposed to sorcery, which is an innate talent that can be polished and refined.
Most Americans don't study philosophy, choosing instead to perform active endeavors. It's a rare few that peer into the past and determine the future. Philosophy requires you to constantly think and consider the fact that you might be wrong.
That said, I vastly preferred the books to the movies. Lady Rowling has a way with descriptions that leave the mind boggled. Also, I believe the polyjuice potion did more than change a person's gender. In the books, it changed a person's whole body, mind, and soul, as evidenced by the failed first experiment when Hermione became a cat because she used the wrong hair.
If I were to use Arthurian legends to explain it, Merlin was a philosopher because he had studied the art and warned Arthur of the dangers of using said magic. At the same time, Morgana didn't care about the dangers and went for the brute force use of magic, losing her soul in the act.