[HPforGrownups] CHAPDISC: HBP 18, Birthday Surprises

[Dave Hardenbrook]

No: HPFGUIDX 153546


Wednesday, June 7, 2006, 3:29:19 AM, elfundeb wrote:

e> 4.  Why is it so important to Hermione to outshine Harry in Potions?  Is it
e> a need for recognition?  Fear of failure?  Concern about Harry's reliance on
e> an unknown author?  Annoyance that Harry is taking credit for the Prince's
e> work?  Something else?  And why do you think she put her own hair into her
e> potion?

Specifically in this scene, I think she's especially resentful because
Harry, although producing a technically correct answer, evaded the
assignment and not only got away with it, but received the highest
praise.  It was as if they were being tested on long division, but
Harry used his calculator to get the answer, and Slughorn gave him an
"A" rather than a "Please show your work".

More generally I think Hermione has a strong drive to excel.  I have
known many Hermione-like students who were determined to academic
supremacy, whether from their own drive, or from parental pressure.
In this sense, I was more like Harry in school.  Seeking love and
acceptance and fighting my "Voldemorts" occupied my mind much more
than making the Honor Roll.


e> 5.  JKR frequently makes a point of describing the weather when she shifts
e> to a new scene or section of narrative; for example, February brought "cold
e> dreary wetness."

I think these passages are excellent mood-setters.


e> 6.  Wilkie Twycross tells the students that the restrictions on Apparition
e> have been lifted in the Great Hall for the duration of the lesson.  If it's
e> that simple, couldn't anyone undo the restriction?

I agree with those who've already said that it *isn't* that simple
because it's DD's spells.  My question/worry is: Are these protections
gone now that DD is dead?


e> Is JKR lampooning the effect of crushes on us Muggles?

Probably -- I know what an idiot *I've* often behaved like over
certain girls...  This scene with Ron ranks up there with
"Someday You'll Find Her, Charlie Brown", in which Chuck obsesses
over a girl he saw on TV for two seconds.


e> 9.  Why is Ron horrified when Slughorn administers the antidote?

I assumed he was instinctively fearing the damage he may have done
to his relationship with Lavender.


-- 
Dave