Chapters 1-4

[plinsenmayer at yahoo.com]

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No: HPFGUIDX C1591
From: plinsenmayer
Subject: Chapters 1-4
Date: 6/2/00 6:07 pm  (ET)

Hi:

Since I suggested this, I'll start. I think we should push the re-read
of Chapters 1-4 into tomorrow and then we can start discussing 5-8 on
Sunday/Monday. Then, we can go from there at whatever pace makes sense.

1. I know the Dursleys are supposed to provide the fairy tale quality
(they are the very caricature of mean evil "step-parents"). But, I
am always left wondering how, given the abuse that was heaped on him
from the time he was one year old, Harry turned out to not be a psycho
or otherwise disturbed or evil. As Dumbledore predicted, he turned out
better than if he'd been raised knowing about his fame. But, why couldn't
he have been taken with a wizard family, as long as the wizard family
agreed to shelter him from the tale about his fame until he had reached
an age where he could handle it. I have heard we'll eventually receive
an explanation re: the Dursleys so maybe all will be more clear later.

2. I love the fact that Sirius Black was introduced to us in this chapter,
without the slightest clue about his later importance. Although Hagrid
mentions that Sirius lent him the motorbike, he doesn't say anything
about how distraught Sirius was, that he (Hagrid) comforted him in his
grief or that Sirius wanted to take Harry.

3. If the attack on the Potters occurred on Halloween night, then where
were Hagrid & Harry during that entire day that Prof McGonagall hung
out on Privet Drive? The celebrations were going on all that day, which
rules out the possibility that the attack took place & Harry was left
at the Dursleys all in the same evening/night.

4. I love the chapter about all the letters -- I think Vernon's response
(while motivated by ignorance, prejudice, etc.) is nonetheless very comic.

I may have more comments in a bit.

Penny