Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Study Guide

Biography of J.K. Rowling

Joanne Rowling, known by her pen name J.K. Rowling, was born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, England. She developed a passion for writing from a young age, often crafting stories to entertain her sister. Rowling attended the University of Exeter, where she studied French and the classics. After graduation, she worked in various jobs, including as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International.

The idea for the Harry Potter series came to Rowling during a delayed train journey from Manchester to London in 1990. Over the next several years, she meticulously planned the series while facing numerous personal challenges, including the death of her mother, the birth of her daughter, and a brief marriage that ended in divorce.

Rowling completed the manuscript for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (released as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the U.S.) in 1995. After facing multiple rejections, the book was finally accepted by Bloomsbury Publishing. Published in 1997, it became an immediate success, leading to a seven-book series, global fame, and numerous awards. Rowling's work has had a profound impact on modern literature and popular culture, making her one of the world's most influential authors.

Historical and Literary Context for "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was published in 1997, a period marked by significant changes in both the literary world and global society. The late 1990s saw the rise of the internet, which began transforming communication, information dissemination, and entertainment. In literature, there was a growing interest in young adult (YA) fiction, with authors like Philip Pullman and J.K. Rowling leading the way in revitalizing the genre.

The Harry Potter series is often credited with sparking a renewed interest in reading among young people. It arrived at a time when the publishing industry was experiencing a shift towards more diverse and imaginative storytelling in children's literature. Rowling's intricate world-building, complex characters, and themes of friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil resonated with readers of all ages.

From a literary perspective, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" drew on a rich tradition of British fantasy literature, echoing the works of authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and E. Nesbit. The novel's setting in a magical boarding school also paid homage to the classic British boarding school story, reinterpreting it for a contemporary audience.

The book's success can also be seen as part of a broader cultural moment that valued escapism and imagination at the turn of the millennium. It provided a sense of wonder and adventure that appealed to readers facing the uncertainties of a rapidly changing world. The series' subsequent adaptations into films, video games, and merchandise further cemented its place in popular culture, making Harry Potter a defining phenomenon of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

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