Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone: Chapter 3 Summary.
The Letters From No One
In the third chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, titled “The Letters From No One,” Harry’s life begins to take an unexpected turn as he starts receiving mysterious letters.
The chapter begins with Harry’s punishment for the incident at the zoo. He is locked in his cupboard for a week and is only let out for meals. This continues the theme of Harry’s miserable treatment at the hands of the Dursleys.
The Letter
One day, Harry receives a letter addressed specifically to him: “Mr. H. Potter, The Cupboard under the Stairs, 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey.” This is surprising and confusing for Harry, as no one has ever written to him before.
Before Harry can read the letter, Uncle Vernon snatches it away and becomes very agitated. He shows the letter to Aunt Petunia, and they both realize that someone knows where Harry sleeps. In response, they move Harry to Dudley’s second bedroom to try and stop the letters.
Escaping the Letters
Despite their efforts, the letters keep coming, each addressed with increasing accuracy to Harry’s new location.
The letters arrive through various means, such as the cracks in doors, through the chimney, and even by hand. Uncle Vernon becomes increasingly frantic, attempting to block all letter slots and burn the letters, but his efforts are in vain as more and more letters find their way into the house.
Driven to desperation, Vernon decides to take the family away to avoid the letters. They drive to various locations, staying in a hotel, and then moving to a remote house on a rock in the sea, hoping the letters will stop. They arrive at the house amidst a fierce storm, and the conditions inside are cold and uncomfortable.
The chapter concludes with Harry counting down to his eleventh birthday, feeling lonely and isolated. Just as the clock strikes midnight, signaling Harry’s birthday, there is a loud knock on the door. This moment hints at the arrival of someone significant and foreshadows the imminent changes in Harry’s life.
