CHAPTER DISCUSSION PS/SS 8, THE POTIONS MASTER

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 188269


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Chapter 8
> Questions for Discussion:

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2. Harry takes five core subjects—Herbology, Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts, along with History of Magic and Astronomy. What do you think of this set of classes for a group of eleven-year-old novice witches and wizards? Which class (setting aside the instructors since we barely glimpse any of them except Snape) would be your favorite and why?

Potioncat:
I think JKR had young people in mind when she wrote SS/PS. Kids would love the idea of these courses rather than maths, English, science. Don't they sound fun? Of course, we'll find out as time goes on that the courses can be just as tedious as regular courses. I think Charms would be my favorite--I would be as bad as Neville in Potions. 

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3. Why do you think that Quirrell's turban and classroom smell like garlic? Did his blushing and confusion when Seamus asked him about fighting off the zombie arouse your suspicion? What was your initial reaction when Quirrell rescued Harry and Ron from detention with Filch for trying to get through the forbidden door?

Potioncat:
I guess it's the smell associated with having LV in the back of his head. Unless it really was garlic that he'd put into the turban to strengthen the vampire story. I didn't doubt Quirrell's story or timidity at all. Reading it now, I realize the bad guys can make themselves seem friendly easily enough.  Quirrell gets Harry out of a jam with Filch and Crouch takes Draco down a peg or two. 

JKR develops Quirrell and Snape very slowly, setting us up to misjudge them both. 


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5. Snape asks Harry where he might find a bezoar, what he would get if he added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood, and what the difference is between monkshood and wolfsbane? Why do you think that Snape asked those particular questions? Do you think that he asks the same questions to every class or that he chose them specifically for Harry?

Potioncat:
I imagine now that these ingredients have to do with potions being taught this year. I used to think it was business as usual for Snape, but now I know he was singling Harry out. So I'm not as sure that he does the same thing in other classes. Yet, I wouldn't put it past him to ask the sorts of questions on a regular basis that are intended to catch an unprepared student. I'm not saving Harry should have known the answers. Either Hermione is the only one who does, or the only one willing to be called upon.
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6. When Snape asks Harry about the bezoar, Harry wonders whether Snape expects him to have memorized every word of "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi." But the Potions text mentioned in "Diagon Alley" is "Magical Drafts and Potions" by Arsenius Jigger. "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi" is almost certainly the Herbology text. How do you explain this apparent error on JKR's part?

Potioncat:
I think it's Harry's mistake, not hers. But who knows at this point?

My questions:
This chapter begins with Hogwart students following after Harry. They notice Ron too. One of the whispered comments was,
"Next to the tall kid with the red hair."

What do you think Ron was thinking about Harry's celebrity and his own place in the scheme of things? Why don't Gryffindors treat Harry with the same sort of awe the other students do?