Multiple Intelligences Theory of Harry Potter
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among her classmates, and to express herself forcefully—making her quite un
popular at times with both fellow students and Hogwarts instructors, particularly
Professors Trelawny and Snape. She is far more comfortable with problems for
which she can find answers in a library book than she is, for example, with reading
a crystal ball, an activity far too imprecise for her ordered mind. Hermione per
sonifies the logical-m athem atical intelligence, described by G ardner as
“understanding] the underlying principles of some kind of a causal system, the
way a scientist or a logician does; or manipulate[ing] numbers, quantities, and
operations, the way a mathematician does” (Checkley 12).
Hermione’s logical intelligence is most clearly demonstrated through her con
tribution to solving the mystery of the Sorcerer’s Stone. The Sorcerer’s Stone gives
its possessor eternal life, and is hidden in a Hogwarts chamber at the end of what
is, in essence, a wizard’s obstacle course. Harry, Hermione, and Ron must com
bine their intelligences to keep Lord Voldemort from reaching the stone first by
solving a series of puzzles designed by Hogwarts professors. Each contributes
significantly to the effort, with Ron’s spatial abilities moving them through a diffi
cult living chess game, and H any’s “common sense” and fearlessness keeping
them focused. Hermione’s chief contribution to the effort involves solving an intri
cate logic problem, something that, as she notes, has nothing to do with magic and
everything to do with careful thought:
“B r illia n tsaid Hermione. “This isn’t magic—it’s logic—a puzzle. A lot
of the greatest wizards haven’t got an ounce of logic, they’d be stuck in
here forever.’’
“But so will we, won’t we?”
“Of course not,” said Hermione. “Everything we need is here on this pa
per.” {Sorcerer 285-286)
Hermione then studies the logic problem carefully, solving it confidently and
quickly, allowing Harry to proceed through the flames to retrieve the Sorcerer’s
Stone. If not for Hermione, Harry might not have spent “forever” in the maze, but
he certainly would have been significantly delayed. Hermione’s single-minded
dedication to whatever mental exercise is placed before her, particularly in this
instance, helps to solve every difficult problem in the Harry Potter series.
These abilities serve Hermione well in the sphere of influence she has con
structed for herself, but she ultimately realizes that Harry is the superior wizard.
She unquestionably exhibits a strong interpersonal intelligence, often working to
foster communication between Ron and Harry during their best-friend spats, yet
her intrapersonal intelligence is lacking. Perhaps because she is the witch daughter
of Muggle parents, Hermione is far more focused on her potential self—what she