Multiple Intelligences Theory of Harry Potter
59
deceit, and those wizards able to communicate with them are rare. If we accept a
partial definition of “giftedness” as a uniqueness or scarcity of a particular talent
in a given population, then Harry Potter’s ability to speak Parseltongue (snake
language) is certainly a gift. The scarcity of the gift is well-documented; the only
other wizards able to speak Parseltongue are the evil Lord Voldemort and his an
cestor Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft:
“You’re a Parselmouth. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I’m a what?” said Harry.
“A Parselmouth]” said Ron. “You can talk to snakes!”
.. .’’So? said Harry. “I bet loads of people here can do it.”
“Oh, no they can’t,’’ said Ron. “It’s not a very common gift.”
(Chamber 195-196)
This passage illustrates a common thread among the representations of Harry’s
intelligences, particularly the linguistic and bodily/kinesthetic. Even though Harry’s
conversations with snakes have understandably startled and impressed bystand
ers—even wizard bystanders—he seems wholly unaware of the uniqueness of his
abilities. What others consider gifts are to him only natural and rather unremark
able abilities. In addition, neither fluency in Parseltongue nor prowess on the
Quiddich field has been taught to Harry; his innate abilities in these realms are
clearly superior to those of other Hogwarts students.
The interplay of Harry’s intelligences is best illustrated in his initial encounter
with Hogwarts Sorting Hat, the old, dilapidated—and sentient—wizard’s hat that
divines students’ emotional and intellectual makeup, thus determining which house
the student will occupy.
“Hmmm,” said a small voice in his ear. “Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty
of courage, I see. Not a bad mind, either. There’s talent, oh, my goodness,
yes—and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that’s interesting.. ..So where
shall I put you?” Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, “Not
Slytherin, not Slytherin.” “Not Slytherin, eh?” said the small voice. “Are
you sure? You could be great, you know, it’s all here in your head, and
Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that—no?
Well, if you’re sure—better be GRYFHNDOR!” (Sorcerer 121)
That the Sorting Hat considers Harry’s placement in the appropriate house
“very difficult” is significant. Although the Hat frequently pauses before placing
individual wizards and witches in a particular Hogwarts house, its telepathic dis
cussion with Harry is much more prolonged than with any other first-year student.