I'm rereading (I don't even know how many times) and read it aloud to my six year old this time. Reading as a mom, I felt like the Dursleys seemed so much more awful than any other time I read it. It made it even more amazing how Harry was so normal and well adjusted. I wonder if they were nicer when he was smaller. I realize it's fiction and all, but if a kid was unloved from about age 1 on, he'd have some serious issues. Maybe it's his mother's protection.
I feel like Harry is kinda damaged, though.
How so? ETA I mean, yes, orphan, dramatic story, yer a wizard... But a kid living in a cupboard from 1 to 11? IRL, that's a seriously abused child.
I'm rereading (I don't even know how many times) and read it aloud to my six year old this time. Reading as a mom, I felt like the Dursleys seemed so much more awful than any other time I read it. It made it even more amazing how Harry was so normal and well adjusted. I wonder if they were nicer when he was smaller. I realize it's fiction and all, but if a kid was unloved from about age 1 on, he'd have some serious issues. Maybe it's his mother's protection.
I feel like Harry is kinda damaged, though.
I actually think this is one of the most remarkable things about him, that he isn't far more damaged!
I'm a vet (this is probably my 7th or 8th re-read of HP1) and I'm not going to answer all the discussion questions now, but I am going to answer 1b, because I did notice some foreshadowing in book 1 for book 5 this time around. (I suppose I noticed it before, but if I did I don't remember.)
I was also paying a lot more attention to the story line about Scabbers this time around, just knowing who he is. I can't help but be hyper aware of what's happening when he's around.
I'm on my phone, so I'm being lazy and not answering all of the questions. One thing that sticks out to me, as being a re-reader, is all of the foreshadowing. I don't know why I just assumed the final books appeared out of thin air, lol and oh, they just happened to fit together.
Is this your first series re-read then? You're in for a real treat! Rowling is absolutely brilliant in her ability to set things up for future books.
I was surprised again at how little Harry knows. How weird must it be to show up and everyone has heard of you and you barely even know why. And no one knows HOW you survived!
One ... complaint? It seems ridiculous (riddikulus?) that three first years can get past a series of obstacles set by professors of magic. This was really their best work? I guess a lot of the security was tied up in how hard it would be to break into Hogwarts and then to get past Fluffy, but still!
I'm always bugged that such a basic spell was able to unlock the door to get to Fluffy in the first place. I mean, c'mon, there are plenty of places in the books where that spell doesn't work, right? I can't think of specific examples, but I know there are a few in the later books.
Ok, one more... it really stood out to me this time how the Dursley's treat Harry. It's even more obvious in the second book, but some of the shit they do is seriously CPS worthy. I was just very aware of it this time around. Like, early on in the second book
they fucking lock him in his room with bars on the window and feed him tiny amounts of food through a cat flap. Fucked up!
. Anyway, it just bugs me what horrible people they are. I haven't really read it like that in the past. It's just been more of a fantasy kind of thing and every story line like this has some sort of abuse of the main character, so I guess it just seems normal. Why is that?
Post by aprilsails on Feb 16, 2015 11:54:48 GMT -5
I haven't read the whole series for a couple of years and I often skip the first book so it's good to take another look at it.
I think this is the first time that I noticed that the full title of the Mirror of Erised was actually a sentence. I think the symbolism is important, particularly in how Harry deals with events in the final book.
I did love that Hagrid made him a picture book of him family so soon afterwards. It's such a lovely gesture.
I can' t wait to continue reading the series. I am piggy backing the books against the Norwegian Harry Hole detective books and the Harry Potter books (at least the early ones) are such a nice light counterpoint.
Post by DefenseAgainstTheDarkArts22 on Feb 16, 2015 12:03:17 GMT -5
I wanted to read the discussion before I responded to the questions so I first wanted to comment on the discussion on why the Dursleys are depicted so horribly. On the reread(s), I am almost reading this as a homophobic family who found out their kid was gay. Can't let the neighbors know, want to beat it out of them, don't want them acting on it or talking about it at all, etc.
It also seems as a plot point to make it such a huge difference for his life. He is going from a crazy controlled environment into a flexible environment where he is in charge of his decisions. He has his own money to control, decides when to go to bed, etc.
Post by thebuddhagouda on Feb 16, 2015 12:07:27 GMT -5
I think the background with the Dursleys also helps set up Harry's deep desire for family and connections. He doesn't care about fame or money or any of those things. He just wants loved ones and friends around him, and that very much affects his actions later on in the other books.
1. Are you reading the series for the first time? Are you rereading?
I am rereading another time but had a weird original read. I was in a car accident the day before I left for vacation and couldn't do anything. The only book there was book 5 from Harry Potter so I jumped in the middle of the series.
2. What was your favorite part of the book?
I love the intro to the world. To construct an entire world so detailed is amazing to me.
4. What are the advantages to Harry not having known he is special before he starts school? Disadvantages?
I think not knowing he is special is great in a perfect world so he doesn't have huge expectations when he knows nothing about magic, the entire world, etc. On the other side, if he did have communication from the magical community and had some knowledge of what happened he wouldn't have felt so lost when he got there.
7. The Mirror of Erised (Desire) plays an important role in the Harry’s growing understanding of his internal conflict. The inscription around the top of the mirror translates: “I show not your face but your heart’s desire.” When Harry gazes into the mirror he sees his parents and other members of his family. Dumbledore, the headmaster of the school, cautions Harry, saying that the mirror “will give neither knowledge nor truth. Men have wasted away before it, entranced by what they have seen, or been driven mad, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible,” and he concludes by saying, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”. Harry longs for the connection to his family, something missing from his miserable childhood. How does he eventually make that connection to the past without losing sight of what is important in the present and essential to the future?
Do you think it is that he wants the connection with his family or just a connection with people? With his history coming from the Dursleys he hasn't had a great connection with anyone to begin with. He doesn't have anyone in muggle school, at home, friends, etc.
10. If the Sorting Hat were placed on your head, which house would you be?
I am not sure to be honest. I want to say Ravenclaw since I like to think I am pretty smart, but I am also lazy and tend to end up defending those that can't defend themselves.
Post by anastasia517 on Feb 16, 2015 12:25:10 GMT -5
So, answering some of the questions...
I am a re-reader. In fact, I have probably read the first book a dozen times or more. It is not a brand new realization, but I love how things for later in the series are set up as early as chapter 1 in Philosopher's Stone. I especially love the things relating to PoA and DH.
When I first read the books, I was sure I would be placed in Ravenclaw. Pottermore agrees, so I am sticking with that. It may be why I related so much to Hermione, especially the first go around when I was a quiet, smart 8-year-old girl. I was actually Hermione for Halloween one year. Of course I also love Dumbledore, for reasons seen here and reasons from later books. I have other favourites, but they have not been introduced yet.
One of my favourite moments of this book is at the end when Dumbledore is giving the Gryffindors all their house points to surpass Slytherin. He purposefully gives Ron, Hermione, and Harry just enough points to tie, but not surpass, Slytherin. Instead, knowing how much of a rough life and year Neville has had, Dumbledore makes sure that Neville is the reason Gryffindor wins the House Cup.
One of my favourite moments of this book is at the end when Dumbledore is giving the Gryffindors all their house points to surpass Slytherin. He purposefully gives Ron, Hermione, and Harry just enough points to tie, but not surpass, Slytherin. Instead, knowing how much of a rough life and year Neville has had, Dumbledore makes sure that Neville is the reason Gryffindor wins the House Cup.
Now, to go back and read other comments.
I love this part! I love that he pointed out how tough it is to stand up to friends and that was what pushed them over the top.
But... 1. Are you reading the series for the first time? Are you rereading? I am re-reading for the umpteenth time. But this time, I'm trying to really pay attention. The only thing that really stands out to me is how close the movie is to the book - right down to the exact dialogue. Very impressed with that.
2. What was your favorite part of the book? When Harry goes shopping in Diagon Alley. It just seems so magical. His whole world changed at this point.
3. Why do you think J.K. Rowling depicts the Dursleys as being so terrible? I think the Dursleys are supposed to represent the struggle many people have to appear to be more special than they really are - by showing off with material possessions or by their perceived status in society. By giving value and meaning to things that really aren't that important and then not really appreciating any of these things that they have anyway. Contrasted with Harry who seemingly has nothing and is no one, but proves to be a very special person. So basically - she is trying to show that things are not always what they seem and also to appreciate all that you have in life.
4. What are the advantages to Harry not having known he is special before he starts school? He doesn't grow up thinking that he's really important. He is more humble and possibly will work with others as opposed to being the star.
5. What is your first impression of Hogwarts School? Amazing and magical and very very old.
6. What qualities did Hermione bring to the group? Hermione brings intelligence and logic. All three are very loyal and work together to solve problems.
7. I have no answer for 7 right now.
8. Quirrell tells Harry that “There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.” I agree that there is power and those who want to seek it and those who don't. Not everyone wants power or what it takes to get it. But truthfully, behind most evil is the desire for power - either over individuals or groups of people.
9. Who was your favorite character in the book? In this book - Hagrid. He always means well... I admire his passion for all creatures.
10. Which house would you be? Pottermore put me in Slytherin. I changed some answers and...still Slytherin...
8. Quirrell tells Harry that “There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.” I agree that there is power and those who want to seek it and those who don't. Not everyone wants power or what it takes to get it. But truthfully, behind most evil is the desire for power - either over individuals or groups of people.
This is a very complex question, and I agree with you.
I think that the evilness stems from intentions, and why people want to gain power. Also, the means they will go through to achieve that power.
Quirrell, and Voldemort, are willing to do anything for to gain power, manipulation, deceit, murder. The believe that weakness comes from compassion, friendship, kindness, and love.
I think we need to re-visit this quote for the 7th book discussion!
Oh, this is verrry mildly spoilery for later books, but I don't like that Harry and Hermione and Neville lose 50 points each and the entire school hates them. In book 2, Hermione earns 30 points (10 at a time) in about 5 minutes in one class. But here losing 50 is social suicide?
The point inflation in the books is pretty amusing.
Oh, this is verrry mildly spoilery for later books, but I don't like that Harry and Hermione and Neville lose 50 points each and the entire school hates them. In book 2, Hermione earns 30 points (10 at a time) in about 5 minutes in one class. But here losing 50 is social suicide?
The point inflation in the books is pretty amusing.
Answer a question right - 15 points. Stand up to the dark lord - eh, 50 I guess.
How so? ETA I mean, yes, orphan, dramatic story, yer a wizard... But a kid living in a cupboard from 1 to 11? IRL, that's a seriously abused child.
aurora I dunno. I'm mostly talking out of my ass here, and can't think of good examples. Little things like not expecting presents ever ... It's surprising how non-damaged he is, but he's not really normal either.
Huh, I just noticed that quoting a spoiler quote unhides the spoiler, so I just edited out that bit.
Anyway, I absolutely agree he's not normal, but it becomes clear pretty early in book 1 that he's able to form genuine friendships with people, which is exactly what I would think would be damaged by being so emotionally abused in his early life.
Another thing I kept thinking during reading... It's a serious shame that they didn't include Peeves in the movies. I know they had to edit for time's sake, but Peeves is hilarious and would have gotten some good laughs.
Answer a question right - 15 points. Stand up to the dark lord - eh, 50 I guess.
Have you guys read the Kingkiller chronicles? I felt the same about money in those books - one day he's despairing of ever earning a single talent and then all of a sudden he needs 50 talents by the next week.
I haven't read it but I did just set it to hold at the library! Always looking for good book recommendations.
Another thing I kept thinking during reading... It's a serious shame that they didn't include Peeves in the movies. I know they had to edit for time's sake, but Peeves is hilarious and would have gotten some good laughs.
Yes! I loved Peeves.
And also, I'm sure I'm totally alone on this, but I think I initially failed to read the description of Peeves and instead visualized him as Slimer (I think that's his name?) from Ghostbusters. I do not know why. But anyway, to me, Peeves is a green blob. That can talk. Yeah, it makes no sense...
1. Are you reading the series for the first time? Are you rereading? a. If you are reading for the first time, what did you think? Do you have any predictions about what will happen in the upcoming books? b. If you are rereading, did anything stick out to you this time that you may not have noticed the first time? I'm rereading. Up until recently it had been years since I'd read them.
2. What was your favorite part of the book? My favorite will always be when Neville, who "had never won so much as a point" for Gryffindor was the one who put them over the top.
3. Why do you think J.K. Rowling depicts the Dursleys as being so terrible? I feel like this was almost a misstep with Rowling, because she turned them into 1-dimensional characters. Everyone else had such depth to them, but the life she gave Harry was truly horrific. The idea of a toddler growing up being constantly tormented, never being cuddled and loved, a child never having a friend or anyone on his side? And then he turns out normal? I think above everything else, this is the most over-the-top.
4. What are the advantages to Harry not having known he is special before he starts school? Disadvantages? Advantages: he gets to have that once-in-a-lifetime experience of finding out. It's new to him and that makes it special. Disadvantages: he has to spend 11 years not knowing and then has to play catch up.
5. What is your first impression of Hogwarts School? What about it makes it seem special and different? Other than the whole magic thing? I was thinking about this yesterday and how the idea of boarding school is very foreign to me as an American. Children spending most of the year away from their parents and being relatively left to their own devices. It seemed like it was almost set up to expect the kids to take things into their own hands.
6. Sometimes, the very qualities that seem to make a person disagreeable to you, as Hermione was to Harry and his friends at first, become assets to you once that person becomes you friend. What qualities did Hermione bring to the group? What does her integration into the group tell you about the nature of friendship? Why did defeating the troll turn Harry, Ron, and Hermione into best friends? I'll have to think about this one.
7. The Mirror of Erised (Desire) plays an important role in the Harry’s growing understanding of his internal conflict. The inscription around the top of the mirror translates: “I show not your face but your heart’s desire.” When Harry gazes into the mirror he sees his parents and other members of his family. Dumbledore, the headmaster of the school, cautions Harry, saying that the mirror “will give neither knowledge nor truth. Men have wasted away before it, entranced by what they have seen, or been driven mad, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible,” and he concludes by saying, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”. Harry longs for the connection to his family, something missing from his miserable childhood. How does he eventually make that connection to the past without losing sight of what is important in the present and essential to the future? I think Harry has to finally accept that he's never going to get what he most truly desires, but in turning away from the family he'll never have, he finds the one he will have--the Weasleys and other friends.
8. Quirrell tells Harry that “There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.” Do you agree with this? Is this the reality of the world? Or if good and evil do exist, what makes them so? Which is more important in the world - power, or good and evil?
I definitely think good and evil exist, but not in as sharp contrasts as Rowling's characters portray them. I believe everyone has the capacity for good and evil within them, and, like Harry chose to avoid Slytherin, people have to choose.
As for power, I think power often is just an excuse to do evil. Rarely does one have power without denying others similar power.
9. Besides Harry Potter himself, who was your favorite character in the book? Which character did you find most interesting? Why? What details did Rowling provide that made that character come alive in your mind in all his or her complexity? Did your first impressions of the character remain unaltered, or did you change your opinion of the character as the story went on? Do any of the characters remind you of someone you know?
Neville will always be one of my favorites. More than any others, he experienced real growth. McGonogall is one that became more complex to me, particularly with regard to her passion for Quidditch.
10. If the Sorting Hat were placed on your head, which house would you be? probably Ravenclaw
11. If you had to hang any quote from this book on your wall, which one would you choose? “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
I love all the discussion. It's funny to me that PS and CoS are considered to be more "kiddie" books, but damn, do they face some heavy stuff right away. I guess it's more childlike because they react childishly. Harry doesn't even have to think about wanting the philosophers stone for anything but pure intentions because why would an 11 year old think of the greater power that could come from having it. I guess it's really easy for a kid to think ️good is good and bad is bad and not think about any of the grey area.
And to answer on of the questions, I am slytherin, all the way. Pottermore agrees. #noshame
I remember rereading for the first time and reading this passage with a sad, sad feeling. “Borrowed it, Professor Dumbledore, sir,” said the giant, climbing carefully off the motorcycle as he spoke. “Young Sirius Black lent it to me. I’ve got him, sir.”
It was right before Sirius went to confront Peter Pettigrew. His last act before he went to Azkaban was to make sure Harry was safe.
Rereading about the Mirror of Erised and Dumbledore also more me cry, realizing that he must be seeing a different outcome for his sister Arianna.
2. What was your favorite part of the book? My favorite part was when Harry found out that he was going to go to Hogwarts and when Hagrid gave him the picture album. I cry every.single.time.
3. Why do you think J.K. Rowling depicts the Dursleys as being so terrible? I think it is a way to show how special Harry is. He has been treated more than poorly his entire life, lived a life without people who love him, yet he is still so good at heart and so willing to help others. It's magic of its own.
Next spoiler will spoil the rest of the series so don't read it if you haven't read all of the books.
It also makes me weep rereading the series because you realize just how impossible it is that Harry could be so good when he has a part of Voldemort living inside of him and when he had his parents ripped away from him in such a violent manor.
4. What are the advantages to Harry not having known he is special before he starts school? Disadvantages? Advantages - he is not full of himself like a child could so realistically become. Disadvantages - I can't think of many, but it's definitely a disadvantage that he had so little time to process what actually happened to his parents and what role he played in Voldemort's disappearance. It makes it hard for him to deal with people like Malfoy.
5. What is your first impression of Hogwarts School? What about it makes it seem special and different? I fell in love with Hogwarts from J.K. Rowling's first description. I wanted to be in that castle in that moment, and I still want to be. Hogwarts seems to radiate this air of happiness and mystery that is just begging a kid to come and explore it and learn within its walls.
6. Sometimes, the very qualities that seem to make a person disagreeable to you, as Hermione was to Harry and his friends at first, become assets to you once that person becomes you friend. What qualities did Hermione bring to the group? What does her integration into the group tell you about the nature of friendship? Why did defeating the troll turn Harry, Ron, and Hermione into best friends? Hermione brings logic and reason to the group that ends up saving their lives and tying them together as friends for life. I just love this quote from the book.
"Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery and – oh Harry – be careful!"
She shows us that being smart is intertwined with being brave and being a good friend. I just adore her.
9. Besides Harry Potter himself, who was your favorite character in the book? Dumbledore. There is so much about him that we will never know, and he is so fascinating. I love how witty he is and how kind. He is such a complex character that I wish we could have known more about. J.K. Rowling intimates at his history, and it bothers me that she doesn't elaborate on it more.
10. If the Sorting Hat were placed on your head, which house would you be? Hufflepuff. I always felt like they got the short end of the stick. And I feel like I can relate to that house the most. "You might belong in Hufflepuff, Where they are just and loyal, Those patient Hufflepuffs are true, And unafraid of toil"
11. If you had to hang any quote from this book on your wall, which one would you choose?
"To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.”
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
1. Are you reading the series for the first time? Are you rereading? b. If you are rereading, did anything stick out to you this time that you may not have noticed the first time?
This is my first time rereading! I can see now why people who have read the series before say that they are jealous when other people are reading them for the first time. However, I really enjoyed this first reread. I found myself getting sentimental and smiley whenever "firsts" happened. When he found out he was a wizard, when he went shopping for his school supplies, when he got Hedwig, his wand, met Ron and Hermione... just awesome.
As for what I didn't catch, I didn't notice before that the inscription on the top of the mirror said "I show not your face but your heart's desire" backwards. This time I saw "desire" right away, and then I just kind of stared at the inscription until I figured it out. That was pretty cool.
Dumbledore's "put outer" in the beginning of the book, on the night that Harry's parents died. That's the Deluminator that he left Ron in DH! Obviously that wouldn't have had any significance to me when I read it the first time, but when I read DH I had no idea that I had "seen" it before. SOOO cool.
2. What was your favorite part of the book?
When Harry sat with Ron on the train to Hogwarts. Seeing them immediately click and revisiting the beginning of their friendship was really sweet.
3. Why do you think J.K. Rowling depicts the Dursleys as being so terrible?
There have been better answers to this here than what I can give. I think that the significance of their attitudes toward Harry is different as the books go on, but for this book, I felt like it was mostly to drive home the jump to Harry being insignificant --> special and the unfulfilled desire for family --> seeing his family in the mirror and finding a place to fit in THAT much more.
I think, too, that they had to be as horrible as they are in order for Dudley's "we're cool because you saved my life, Harry" epiphany and Aunt Petunia's cooperation re: the letter/keeping Harry at home until he was of age to have as much significance as it did in DH. Even though there was a seriously messed up relationship between the Dursleys and Harry, that tiny bit of caring that he yearned for during his life was present and allowed him to have that little bit of closure. I don't know if I'm making sense. Haha.
4. What are the advantages to Harry not having known he is special before he starts school? Disadvantages?
His character would be completely different. Even if he is naturally humble, he wouldn't be the same Harry if he had known the truth about himself for his entire life.
Being able to see him experience everything for the first time made the magical world that much more special. As opposed to Draco, who was rambling to Harry in Diagon Alley about how much better it was to grow up in that world and how he looked down on those who hadn't. Magic is something that will always be common to Draco, and (in addition to his winning personality) that makes it easier for him to abuse it/act carelessly.
5. What is your first impression of Hogwarts School? What about it makes it seem special and different?
Amazing, magical, exciting. I particularly loved when they saw the hall, and the sky-like ceiling, for the first time during the sorting hat ceremony.
6. What qualities did Hermione bring to the group? What does her integration into the group tell you about the nature of friendship?
Logic? lol. I feel like Ron and Harry can lack in that department sometimes.
I love what all 3 contribute to the friendship.
7. The Mirror of Erised (Desire) plays an important role in the Harry’s growing understanding of his internal conflict. The inscription around the top of the mirror translates: “I show not your face but your heart’s desire.” When Harry gazes into the mirror he sees his parents and other members of his family. Dumbledore, the headmaster of the school, cautions Harry, saying that the mirror “will give neither knowledge nor truth. Men have wasted away before it, entranced by what they have seen, or been driven mad, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible,” and he concludes by saying, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”. Harry longs for the connection to his family, something missing from his miserable childhood. How does he eventually make that connection to the past without losing sight of what is important in the present and essential to the future?
I don't think I can answer this better than anyone else has here.
Harry's ability to redirect what he wanted the most, from something from the past that couldn't be changed to something that would directly impact what was happening in that moment is really important. I think he realizes that his desire for his family will never go away, but that he also needs to fight for his present and future. Maybe he doesn't realize it on quite THAT level yeT, but I feel like he almost needed someone (Dumbledore) to give him permission to let that desire go a little bit so that he could live in the present.
8. Quirrell tells Harry that “There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.” Do you agree with this? Is this the reality of the world? Or if good and evil do exist, what makes them so? Which is more important in the world - power, or good and evil?
I don't know. I want to revisit this question at the end of the series! There are many strong personalities in this series who realize their capabilities, desire the upper hand, but act according to their personality and moral code (for lack of a better word. I am tired. lol). Some are good, some are not.
This quote comes from a character on what would be the evil side. I feel like it is something that someone on the power-hungry side would say to justify their actions, so I'm hesitant to believe that to be true. It is a great quote, but if Dumbledore said this, for example, I feel like it would make no sense.
I think about Voldy vs. Harry, who had almost identical upbringings. There is a HUGE difference between Harry's and Voldy's reactions to finding out that they are special. Even though they are both fighting for their own cause, the good vs. evil in them is the difference between fighting for justice and fighting for power.
9. Besides Harry Potter himself, who was your favorite character in the book? Which character did you find most interesting? Why? What details did Rowling provide that made that character come alive in your mind in all his or her complexity? Did your first impressions of the character remain unaltered, or did you change your opinion of the character as the story went on? Do any of the characters remind you of someone you know?
Dumbledore, I think. He's a sassy one. lol. And his presence/wisdom is very calming to me. He gives them room to learn things on your own and supplies them with what they need when they can't.
10. If the Sorting Hat were placed on your head, which house would you be?
I want to be Gryffindor, but am probably Hufflepuff. lol.
11. If you had to hang any quote from this book on your wall, which one would you choose?
Also, I loled both times when Peeves said "naughty naughty, you'll get caughty!" It wouldn't make a good wall quote, but I think it's hilarious for some reason.
Oh! And I didn't know that ghosts and poltergeists are different. I missed when the other ghosts said "he's not even a real ghost!" (or something like that) and this time I was like, WAIT, HE'S NOT? I don't know why I wasn't paying attention to that the first time.
Also, moreace01, I am cracking up about the Ghost Busters Slimer reference!
In the future, Harry and Ron end up as Aurors who revolutionize the department, so they end up pretty high up. But I think your point is valid. Harry had what was considered to be ultimate power within his grasp, and he rejected it.
deleted comment because spoilers show up in quotes.
Are you reading the series for the first time? Are you rereading? b. If you are rereading, did anything stick out to you this time that you may not have noticed the first time? I am rereading but I have re-read several times. I have worn out paper copies and now I have ebooks on my nook so I can read them anywhere lol. There's nothing I didn't notice in one of my other rereads but I guess I would say little clues to later books seem like a wink at me. Like I'm part of the in-crowd or something.
2. What was your favorite part of the book? Diagon Alley and seeing Hogwards for the first time. There's something about Diagon Alley that always gets to me. Maybe because it's Harry's first look into the wizarding world. I so want to be a wizard!
3. Why do you think J.K. Rowling depicts the Dursleys as being so terrible?
The importance of choice is mentioned several times throughout the series, Dumbledore stresses that its our choices that make us who we are, Harry chooses Gryffindor, Sirius tells him we are all both good and evil but you choose etc. I think the Dursleys are so horrible because JK Rowling put Harry and Voldemort in a similar upbringing. They both grew up orphans, alone and without love. Voldemort chose darkness, evil and power. Harry chose the light, goodness and love.
4. What are the advantages to Harry not having known he is special before he starts school? Disadvantages? I think it allowed him to grow up normal. I mean we all know what it's like to have children grow up in fame (I'm looking at you Bieber). I think disadvantages are that he had no practice. It's almost even different from a muggle born student. I assume that when Hermione started exhibiting magical powers her family didn't stamp it out of her and lock her under the stairs with no meals. The Dursleys not only discouraged magic, they tried to stamp it out of him. He may have been a better student being raised with some practice. I would also assume there must be some sort of magical elementary school. I mean what do all these kids go to the local public schools until age 11?
5. What is your first impression of Hogwarts School? What about it makes it seem special and different? God I love Hogwarts. It's magical, it feels like home because to Harry it's the first positive place he's lived. I love the feasts and the great hall and the feeling that your house is your family. It's such a nice change for Harry and I feel that when I read it.
6. Sometimes, the very qualities that seem to make a person disagreeable to you, as Hermione was to Harry and his friends at first, become assets to you once that person becomes you friend. What qualities did Hermione bring to the group? What does her integration into the group tell you about the nature of friendship? Why did defeating the troll turn Harry, Ron, and Hermione into best friends? Well I kind of think Hermione is the strongest one in the group. She figures everything out, she helps them with their spells "It's Levioooosa, not Leviosaaah" lol. Harry is brave but Hermione is the brains of the operation. I think defeating the troll turned them into friends because they banded together to defeat the troll, it kind of put them on the same side. Up until that point Ron and Hermione were on opposing sides, socially anyway.
7. The Mirror of Erised (Desire) plays an important role in the Harry’s growing understanding of his internal conflict. The inscription around the top of the mirror translates: “I show not your face but your heart’s desire.” When Harry gazes into the mirror he sees his parents and other members of his family. Dumbledore, the headmaster of the school, cautions Harry, saying that the mirror “will give neither knowledge nor truth. Men have wasted away before it, entranced by what they have seen, or been driven mad, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible,” and he concludes by saying, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”. Harry longs for the connection to his family, something missing from his miserable childhood. How does he eventually make that connection to the past without losing sight of what is important in the present and essential to the future? I have no clue.
8. Quirrell tells Harry that “There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.” Do you agree with this? Is this the reality of the world? Or if good and evil do exist, what makes them so? Which is more important in the world - power, or good and evil? I don't agree with this at all. I think there can be many reasons not to seek power. To a Slytherin that maybe makes sense, I believe they prize ambition and power above all else. Ravenclaws could say the same about knowledge, Gryffindors could say the exact same quote but replace Power with Glory. Not to mention Dumbledore could very easily have power, everyone in the wizarding world would prefer him as the Minister of Magic but he recognized that it would not be ideal for him to be in that position and he actively avoided power.
Side note: I get the feeling that Quirrell wasn't like this at all before his run in with Voldey. I wonder what he was like before.
9. Besides Harry Potter himself, who was your favorite character in the book? Which character did you find most interesting? Why? What details did Rowling provide that made that character come alive in your mind in all his or her complexity? Did your first impressions of the character remain unaltered, or did you change your opinion of the character as the story went on? Do any of the characters remind you of someone you know?
I think Dumbledore is the most interesting, he's so wise and always cloaked in mystery to some extent. There are so many layers and I feel like you could never peel them all. I think the detail that Rowling included that made him feel complex is that he wouldn't answer Harry honestly about what he saw in the mirror. I wanted to know what he saw when I first read the series. Hermione was like me growing up. I'm not like her now because I've gotten lazy lol.
10. If the Sorting Hat were placed on your head, which house would you be? I have been sorted into Hufflepuff twice. I was a little ashamed at first but I think it fits and now I'm proud to be a Hufflepuff. I really do prioritize justice, loyalty and relationships with people. Good job Pottermore.
11. If you had to hang any quote from this book on your wall, which one would you choose? “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”