Abstract (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone)

Concept of Love

In the first book of," Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," (26th June 1997), J.K. Rowling
creates a fabric of love through the intricate relationships of characters including Dumbledore,
Snape, Ron and Hermione, McGonagall, Neville, and Harry's mother. Love takes many forms,
including maternal devotion, unspoken affection, and selfless sacrifice. Love and friendship are
dominant themes in Harry Potter.

Albus Dumbledore, an icon of wisdom and empathy, displays a deep love for humanity, guiding and
safeguarding those in his charge with constant compassion. Severus Snape hides a deep-seated love
interconnected with regret and loyalty, his actions fueled by a profound affection for Harry's mother,
Lily Potter.

The multiple facades of love and friendship between the golden trio function as a kind of chosen
family, as they allow him to be loved, and perhaps more importantly help him to overcome
challenges in his life. In Lily Potter, sacrificial love lies as the ultimate strength against evil, a love
that overcomes death and influences her son’s fate as well as the fate of the entire wizarding world.
The concept of love and sacrifice is revealed in Christian theology, where Christ sacrifices himself
for the redemption of humanity and is equally portrayed through the sacrifice of Lily for Harry. The
novel shows how love wins over hatred and the novel celebrates the deep and transformative nature
of love in multiple forms.

Following the fairytale trope, Rowling shows how love creates the difference between Harry and
Voldemort at the end, and it is the ultimate reason that enables the good to conquer the evil.

Utsa Chatterjee, Sayan Mukherjee