Chapter 27 Padfoot Returns

[Marvin Long]

No: HPFGUIDX 10207

--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, "Carole Estes" <lrcjestes at e...>
wrote:

> 
> "If you want to know what a man is like, take a good look at how he
treats
> his inferiors, not his equals."
> 
> "Call me snuffles."
> 
> Questions for discussion:
> 
> 1. What do you think the quote above says about the wizarding
culture.  I
> was uncomfortable when Sirius so casually referred to inferiors and
equals.
> I know he was speaking in reference to house elves and wizards, but
what
> might the pecking order of the wizarding world be.  Are house elves
on the
> same rung as hippogriffs in the world of magical creatures.  Are the
> inferiors simply non-humans or are there inferior humans as the
Malfoys
> believe.  And does Sirius believe there are inferior humans?

I think Sirius was talking about the universal social pecking order
that exists no matter how egalitarian one's personal ideals.  How well
does the boss treat his employees, for instance.  How does the
affluent person treat the homeless panhandler, or the witch her
elves.  In short, how you react when you find yourself in a superior
position with respect to another person or being tells volumes because
such a position offers a chance to tyrranize and demean on the one
hand and a chance to encourage and uplift on the other.  

 
> 2. What do you think of Ron in this chapter.  Was he coming across
as trying
> too hard to impress everyone, between the other students with his
tall tale
> about battling the merpeople and trying to discount Hermione's
observations
> during the cave discussions.

I think Ron is clearly insecure and feels he has to compete just to
matter:  Harry is famous, Hermione is brilliant, but Ron is
just...Ron.  Hermione is an easier target than Harry for churlish
behavior, I suspect.
 
> 3. What about Hermione.  Is she showing more maturity than typical
of her
> age?

She's way cool.  I don't understand why so many people seem to think
she'd be a difficult "match."  For a dullard, yeah, but IMO she's
quite a sexy brain.  Ahem, for a 14-yr. old.

> 4. Did anyone pick up any clues that were useful to figuring out the
ending
> in his chapter?

We learn that another Crouch exists, which is a clue to things
witnessed on the Marauder's map, but I personally never made that
connection.

> 5. Snuffles!  How cute is that?

Beats Scabbers, anyway.  (Non sequitur:  I wonder how an animagus
reacts if, when in animal form, another critter of the same species
goes into heat....)