CHAPTER DISCUSSION: PS/SS 7, The Sorting Hat

[Megan Real]

No: HPFGUIDX 188014

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CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone/Sorcerer's Stone

Chapter Seven: The Sorting Hat



Summary: In this chapter, Harry and company arrive at Hogwarts for the first
time and are greeted by Professor McGonagall. She brings them into the Great
Hall, where the first years are sorted into their houses. Harry, based on his
previous interactions with Draco, asks not to be put in Slytherin, and the
Sorting Hat agrees to put him in Gryffindor. Harry first sees Dumbledore (well,
the first time he remembers, at least), and Snape, along with the Hogwarts
ghosts, during dinner. The students are then escorted to their dormitories,
where Harry falls asleep and dreams of Professor Quirrell and his turban.


Discussion Questions:

1. How do you think Harry's first impressions of Hogwarts differed from those of
the other first year students? It seemed like nobody knew what to expect for the
sorting, but do you think those who had grown up knowing about Hogwarts were
surprised by other things?

2. Who is your favorite of the ghosts introduced in this chapter, and why?

3. Is there any real-life place you thought of when you first read about the
Great Hall?

4. If you were being sorted, would you have a discussion with the hat like
Harry, or would you go with wherever it wanted to put you?

5. Do you think any of the Weasleys wished they were in a house other than
Gryffindor?

6. Do you think each house is the same size? Do you think any have gotten bigger
or smaller over time?

7. What do you think happened to Sally-Anne Perks?

8. Dean Thomas is specifically described as black in his description, but there
is not a mention of race for the other students. Do you think there is
racial/ethnic diversity at Hogwarts, or is Dean the only non-white student?

9. If you had the banquet of your choice magically appear in front of you, what
would it include?

10. What did you think of Neville's account of his family's concern that he
wasn't magical?

11. The first time you read the chapter, what did you think was happening when
Harry had the pain in his scar while looking at Snape and Quirrell?

12. What was your first impression of Dumbledore? Aside from the fact that we
learn so much more about him as the series goes on, do you think that the "few
words" and the way he introduces the school song are typical of him?

13. Did you think there was any greater significance to Dumbledore's statement
that music is "a magic beyond all we do here"?

14. How does the Gryffindor common room compare to the atmosphere at the school
you attended?

15. What did you think of Harry's dream the first time you read the chapter?

Megan Real 

"A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle."


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Next Chapter Discussion, Chapter 8, The Potions Master, on  October 20,
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