Friendship and Loyalty in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Graduation Project

Jul 11, 2026

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This graduation project investigates how friendship and loyalty in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone shape the novel’s narrative structure and moral framework. Grounded in critical perspectives on children’s literature, the study argues that Rowling reframes the “solitary hero” through collective action, emotional bonds, trust, cooperation, and mutual support. Loyalty is treated as an ethical principle separating integrity from corruption, highlighted through betrayal and self-interest. The research links these themes to courage and identity as socially constructed traits, emphasizing relational ethics and moral agency. Findings show relational values—friendship, loyalty, and love—surpassing magic or ambition in guiding the resolution and supporting moral awareness for young readers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatDOCX

Pages26

Reading Time40 min

Abstract

Chapter One

Introduction

Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research University of Basrah College of Education for Humanities Department of English Friendship and Loyalty in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling A Graduation Project Submitted to The Council of the College of Education for Humanities, University of Basrah, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor’s By Fatima Saeed Ahmed Supervised By: Asst. Lect. Maha Abdulhussein Rahim 2026. A.D 1447. A. H {وَعَلَّمَكَ مَا لَمْ تَكُن تَعْلَمُ وَكَانَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكَ عَظِيمً} (صدق الله العلي العظيم) النساء: [113] In the name of Allah, The Most, Gracious, The Most Merciful “And Allah has revealed to you the Book and wisdom and has taught you that which you did not know. And ever has the favor of Allah upon you been great.” God Almighty has spoken the truth (Sura: Al-Nisa, Aya: 113) The current research paper is dedicated To the soul of my deceased father, and I ask God to make him one of the people of Paradise. I also devote this to my family and friends who provide my motivation and confidence in my abilities. Lastly, I would like to offer this research to my teachers and professors who assisted and provided much valuable information to the finalization of this research. Additionally, I dedicate this work to my beloved family for their constant encouragement, moral support and belief in me. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to thank and fully appreciate my supervisor, Asst. Lect. Maha Abdulhussein Rahim, and her very precious guidance, constant support, and academic supervision during the process of writing and completing this research. Her critical feedback, informative suggestions and constant motivations significantly worked towards enhancing the excellence of this research. Her effort, patience and educational skills contributed a great deal into steering this research to the path of success. I also owe the academic staff of the department a favourable learning experience along with their rich knowledge, tips and support toward my academic life. The teaching and mentoring practice I experienced has influenced my academic growth. I would like to give special credit to my family who supported me, understood, and encouraged me in my studies indefinitely. Their morality and faith in me have always acted as a strength and motivational factor. Lastly, I would wish to express gratitude to all the people involved in the actual or indirect manner in the completion of this study. Any help, guidance or support that is provided on this journey is highly welcome. Abstract This study examines the themes of friendship and loyalty in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, highlighting their central role in shaping both the narrative structure and the moral framework of the novel. Drawing on critical perspectives in children’s literature, the research explores how Rowling moves beyond the conventional portrayal of the solitary hero by emphasizing collective action, emotional bonds, and ethical responsibility. Through close textual analysis, the study demonstrates that friendship, as represented through the relationship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione, functions as a dynamic moral force grounded in trust, cooperation, and mutual support. Furthermore, loyalty is analyzed as a guiding ethical principle that distinguishes moral integrity from corruption, particularly in its contrast with betrayal and self-interest embodied by antagonistic characters. The research also investigates how these themes contribute to the development of courage and identity, presenting them as socially constructed rather than individually determined traits. In doing so, the novel reflects broader trends in contemporary children’s literature that prioritize relational ethics and moral agency. The findings suggest that Rowling’s work promotes a moral vision i

FAQs

What core themes does the study focus on in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?

The study centers on friendship and loyalty and explains how they function as major drivers of the novel’s narrative and moral framework.

How does the research interpret friendship in the novel?

Friendship is analyzed through the relationships among Harry, Ron, and Hermione, functioning as a moral force grounded in trust, cooperation, and mutual support.

How is loyalty used as an ethical principle in the research?

Loyalty is treated as a guiding ethical principle that distinguishes moral integrity from corruption, especially by contrasting it with betrayal and self-interest embodied by antagonistic characters.

Jul 11, 2026

Upload by Violet