Jets of green light (Was: Accidental Harrycrux with a Bloodsucking Snake)

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 155281

Carol:
> > "Chekhov's gun? Is that the same as "smoking gun"? I've never
heard the expression. (I agree with you that the order almost
certainly relates to Snape for the reasons you stated and because such
an order would go a long way toward clearing up events on the tower.)
> 
> 
Distaiyi:
<snip> 
> A Chekhov's Gun is a Literary technique in which a fictional element
(object, character, place, etc.) is introduced early and in which the
author expects the reader to invest. That investment must 'pay off'
later in the story even if the element disappears offstage for a long
interval.
>
Carol:
Thanks. Odd that I've never heard the expression. Maybe I don't read
enough mysteries or spend enough time in "fandom," other than here? At
any rate, I'd say that JKR uses the technique rather frequently,
starting with "Young Sirius Black" in SS/PS. 

I'm not sure about "wants the reader to invest," but I can think of a
number of objects and people that have been introduced but have not
yet played a significant role. I expect Aberforth, Dedalus Diggle, and
possibly Ragnok the goblin to fall into this category. Also the Sword
of Gryffindor and the flying motorcycle. And how about the hidden
chamber beneath the Malfoys' drawing room? Or do these people,
objects, and places (well, place) not count because the reader has no
emotional investment in them?

Carol, not sure this post is worth sending but curious to see whether
she understands the concept