International Journal Of Literature And Languages
64
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue07 2025
PAGE NO.
64-67
10.37547/ijll/Volume05Issue07-17
Metaphorical Expressions in the "Harry Potter and
Philosopher's Stone": An Analysis of Conceptual
Metaphors and Their Literary Functions
Abdukarimova Nodira
Master's graduate of Linguistics in Foreign philology faculty, National University of Uzbekistan
Bakhtiyorova Zarnigor
Master's graduate ofTeaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL), Webster university, Uzbekistan
Received:
25 May 2025;
Accepted:
21 June 2025;
Published:
23 July 2025
Abstract:
Metaphor plays a crucial role in communication by enriching language, making it more expressive and
impactful. It helps convey complex ideas in a way that is easier to understand and relate to, creating deeper
connections between concepts. In literature and creative writing, metaphors enhance imagery and emotional
depth, making texts more engaging and memorable. They also serve as a tool for shaping thought and perception,
influencing how people interpret and interact with the world around them. In this article the first book in the
Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is analysed according to the conceptual metaphors
it contains. Drawing on the framework of Critical Metaphor Analysis, the research aims to uncover the deeper
meanings behind these metaphors and to systematically identify their roles and functions within the novel.
Keywords:
Metaphor, novel, Harry Potter, conceptual metaphor, symbol, affective meaning, abstract feelings,
stylistic devices.
Introduction:
Defining metaphor is not easy, and
definitions vary according to theoretical perspectives.
It is proposed a provisional definition of metaphor as
“thinking, talking about, or experiencing one kind of
thing in terms of another”. Identifying me
taphors is
similarly difficult and theory-dependent. At the
extremes, most people will probably agree about the
identification of indisputably literal words on the one
hand, and the identification of original and creative
metaphors on the other. Between these extremes,
even experts often disagree about whether a word or
phrase is metaphorical. This reflects the fact that some
people may understand a phrase as metaphorical while
others do not. What is crucial when reading essays
about metaphor, both for the beginner and for the
seasoned expert, is to be clear about what is meant by
the term, metaphor and how the examples discussed
are identified and classified.
METHOD
The term metaphor is generally understood in various
ways, often as a word that replaces something else or
highlights a similarity between two things. It refers to
the expression of one idea through another, often
based on a hidden resemblance or comparison. For
instance, the Oxford English Dictionary (abridged)
defines metaphor as a form of transference and
resemblance: “A figure of speech in which a name or
descriptive term is applied to an object to which it is not
literally applicable but which bears a resemblance to
it.” Aristotle, on the other hand, viewed metaphor as a
form of implicit comparison or analogy. In his work
Poetics, dedicated to the study of poetry, he was the
first to discuss the concept of metaphor, defining it as
a figurative expression used in poetic language. He also
explained metaphor as “the use of a term that belongs
to one concept to describe another, based on a
resemblance between the two.” Later thinkers such as
Demetrius, Quintilian, and Cicero also provided similar
definitions in their writings. Additionally, in his work
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
Rhetoric, Aristotle expanded on the topic, offering
multiple interpretations of metaphor and outlining its
key characteristics and functions.
Metaphor is a crucial tool of human thought, allowing
people to create analogies and link ideas together. It is
also one of the fundamental ways language is used;
through metaphor, individuals can explain their ideas
or express emotions and feelings in an indirect yet
powerful way. By studying how metaphors are used,
we can gain a deeper understanding of human
emotions, attitudes, and concepts
—
not only on a
personal level but also within a broader social context.
DISCUSSION
Harry Potter is a seven-book fantasy series by J.K.
Rowling that tells the story of a young wizard’s struggle
against the dark forces led by Lord Voldemort, while he
grows up and studies at a magical school with his
friends. Beyond its narrative, Harry Potter offers more
than just a captivating reading experience
—
it reflects
deeper cultural and linguistic phenomena. Over time,
scholarly interest in Harry Potter has grown, leading to
a wide range of perspectives and interpretations both
inside and outside the text. However, one area that
remains largely unexplored is the use of conceptual
metaphors in the series. Most academic studies tend to
focus on the main character, overlooking a thorough
and systematic analysis of metaphorical language.
1 “Little tyke”,- chortled Mr.
Dursley as he left the house.(P.2)
4
Mrs. Dursley was thin and blonde and
had nearly twice the usual amount of
neck, which came in very useful as she
spent so much of her time craning over
garden
fences,
spying
on
the
neighbors.(P.1)
2 Then a pain like he'd never felt
before pierced his head; it was as
though
his
scar
were
on
fire.(p.205)
5
When Mr. and Mrs. Dursley woke up on
the dull, gray Tuesday our story starts,
there was nothing about the cloudy sky
outside to suggest that strange and
mysterious things would soon be
happening all over the country.(P.1)
3 It was as though an iron fist had
clenched
suddenly
around
Harry's heart.(p.207)
6
When Mr. and Mrs. Dursley woke up on
the dull, gray Tuesday our story starts,
there was nothing about the cloudy sky
outside to suggest that strange and
mysterious things would soon be
happening all over the country. (P.1)
1.“Little tyke”,
- chortled Mr. Dursley as he left the
house. (P.2)
This passage contains two key metaphorical elements:
“Little tyke” –
Typically used affectionately to refer to a
mischievous or energetic child, in Mr. Dursley’s
context, the phrase may also carry a tone of
indifference or dismissiveness. He’s likely referring to
his son Dudley
—
spoiled and ill-mannered
—
yet Mr.
Dursley sees his behavior as endearing rather than
problematic. This subtly highlights the Dursleys’
excessive indulgence and their inability to recognize
their child’s flaws.
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
“Chortled” –
A blend of “chuckle” and
“snort,” this
word suggests smug, self-satisfied laughter. It reveals
Mr. Dursley’s contentment with his simple, uneventful
life. His choice of words also implies his complete
obliviousness to the extraordinary events that are
about to unfold. Together, these expressions paint Mr.
Dursley as someone perfectly satisfied with his dull,
predictable existence
—
unaware that his world is about
to be turned upside down.
2. It must have been a trick of the light. (P.2)
The phrase “a trick of the light” carries mor
e than just
its literal meaning. It subtly suggests illusion and
denial
—the idea that what is seen isn’t real, but merely
a deceptive play of light. In the context of the novel, Mr.
Dursley uses this phrase to rationalize something
unusual, likely connected to magic. It reflects his deep
denial of the magical world and his need to explain
away anything that doesn’t fit into his structured,
ordinary life. On a deeper level, the phrase can be seen
as foreshadowing. It hints at the coexistence of the
magical and non-magical worlds, implying that magic is
all around, yet invisible to those unaware of it
—
like the
Muggles. It sets the stage for the unfolding of the
magical realm, suggesting that things may not always
be as they seem.
Symbolically, the phrase also evokes the contrast
between light and darkness. Light often represents
truth, awareness, and knowledge, while darkness
symbolizes ignorance or illusion. Here, Mr. Dursley is
metaphorically “in the dark”—
either unaware of or
unwilling to acknowledge the truth about magic, even
when it’s right in front of him.
3.Then a pain like he'd never felt before pierced his
head; it was as though his scar were on fire. (p.205)
In fact, the verb “pierce” refers to a sharp, stabbing
pain and compares it to a physical injury caused by a
weapon. This imagery helps convey the pain more
vividly and intensely. The phrase “never felt before”
emphasizes that the pain is unprecedented in its
severity.
The following metaphor likens the pain to burning,
which is typically associated with unbearable torment.
In literature, fire often symbolizes suffering,
destruction, or transformation, which adds deeper
meaning to the experience of pain. Here, the intense
physical pain
—
expressed through metaphor
—
allows
the reader to clearly imagine
the character’s suffering.
Additionally, the sensation of burning might suggest an
emotional or supernatural connection, indicating that
the scar is linked to some mysterious or dangerous
force.
4.It was as though an iron fist had clenched suddenly
around Harry's heart. (p.207)
Iron symbolizes strength, hardness, and ruthlessness
—
an overwhelming power that offers no relief. The fist
represents authority, control, and aggression,
signifying domination or restraint through force.
Together, the image of an iron fist conveys a sense of
oppression, suffocation, or an inescapable grip.
The act of squeezing or crushing emphasizes both
physical and emotional pain, drawing attention to its
intensity. The phrase around Harry’s heart directly
connects the metaphor to emotion
—
suggesting
overwhelming anxiety, fear, or sorrow. This metaphor
heightens the emotional weight of the moment,
allowing the reader to vividly and clearly feel Harry’s
torment. It transforms abstract feelings
—
like fear,
worry, and grief
—
into a concrete, physical image,
deepening the impact of the scene.
5.Mrs. Dursley was thin and blonde and had nearly
twice the usual amount of neck, which came in very
useful as she spent so much of her time craning over
garden fences, spying on the neighbors. (P.1)
In this metaphor, Rowling likens Petunia Dursley to a
crane
—
a bird that is graceful, yet also possesses a
certain strength. Long-time readers of the series will
recognize this imagery again later, as her story with
Harry comes to a close: despite her strength and
resolve, there remains a touch of elegance in her
character. Her long neck is metaphorically tied to her
personality. The act of craning toward the garden
fences is not only physical
—
it symbolizes an excessive
curiosity about other peop
le’s lives. The fences
represent social boundaries, and she is constantly
trying to peer over them, prying into others’ affairs.
Overall, this metaphor humorously exaggerates Mrs.
Dursley’s nosy nature, while also reinforcing themes of
judgment, social con
formity, and the Dursleys’
obsession with appearances.
6.When Mr. and Mrs. Dursley woke up on the dull, gray
Tuesday our story starts, there was nothing about the
cloudy sky outside to suggest that strange and
mysterious things would soon be happening all over the
country. (P.1)
The metaphor “dull, gray Tuesday” in Harry Potter and
the Philosopher’s Stone serves several purposes. First,
it conveys a sense of monotony and routine,
highlighting the dull, uneventful life of the Dursleys.
Tuesday, being an unremarkable day of the week,
paired with words like “dull” and “gray,” emphasizes
their ordinary and predictable world. It also sets up a
contrast between the mundane and the magical,
making the arrival of extraordinary events feel more
dramatic. This simple phrase hints that magic lies just
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
67
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
beneath the surface of everyday life
—
even when
everything seems normal. Additionally, it sets the
mood and foreshadows what’s to come. The gloomy
weather creates a sense of uneasy calm, suggesting
that change is near. It
subtly signals that the Dursleys’
orderly world is about to be disrupted by Harry’s
arrival.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the analysis of metaphors in the Harry
Potter series reveals that they serve not only as artistic
devices but also play a crucial role in plot development
and in unveiling the inner emotional worlds of the
characters. The analysis shows that metaphors do more
than just draw readers into the narrative
—
they also
imbue events with deeper meaning. Metaphors in the
novel function not only as aesthetic tools but also as
emotional guides, helping readers experience the
magical world as something real and tangible. The
findings of this study demonstrate that the metaphors
in Harry Potter are rich in affective meaning, making
the text more impactful and meaningful. Future
analyses of this kind could be applied to other works of
fantasy literature, offering deeper insight into how
metaphors influence readers’ thoughts and emotions.
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London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 1997.
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University of Chicago Press, 1980. -
242 р.
Leech, G., Short, M. Style in Fiction: A Linguistic
Introduction to English Fictional Prose. 2nd ed. Harlow:
Pearson Education, 2007.-
416 р.
Newmark, P. A Textbook of Translation. - New York:
Prentice Hall, 1988.-292 p.
p. Baker, M. In Other Words: A Coursebook on
Translation. London: Routledge, 1992.-324
Crystal, D. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010.-
495 р.
Kövecses, Z. Metaphor: A Practical Introduction.
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