CHAPTER DISCUSSION PS/SS 8, THE POTIONS MASTER

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 188245

 
> Alla, earlier:
> My speculation here will be that Snape wanting to have his ego stroked by unworthy dunderheads and other teachers insisted on being called Potion Master all the time and Flitwick being a modest person could care less about the titles. Complete speculation of course.

Zanooda:
> Now, to go back to Flitwick: I thought maybe JKR felt the need to call him "master" this one time because what he was doing at that moment seemed so impressive to her? Just think about it: "incantations of great complexity"! Unleashing "the power of the wind"! "Protego Horribilis"! It's not some innocent "Wingardium Leviosa", LOL.



Potioncat:
I think it's always the narrator who uses Potions master--and not very often at that. Does anyone remember a character using it? And if so, in what context? Percy says Snape teaches potions. Snape doesn't refer to himself during the chapter as the Potions master, and neither does anyone else. It's only used in the chapter title.

So I think Zanooda is right, JKR uses "master" to set a mood about the character at the particular time. And again, I think master used in the old style for teacher.

Are any Brits following this thread?  Am I correct and is master used in school settings now?