chapter discussions, SS/PS, chapter 5, Diagon Alley

Tue Sep 29 02:49:54 UTC 2009

No: HPFGUIDX 187867

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

Chapter Five:  Diagon Alley

I've always thought of this chapter as a fun chapter, full of delight and wonder.  But as I read it over for this summary, I came to realize how much important information for the rest of the entire series is hidden in these pages, sometimes even hidden in plain sight.  Harry wakens in the hut to the sound of an owl tapping on the window, but believing it's all been a dream.  Hagrid explains post owls and wizard money, and they go on their way to Diagon Alley.  Harry is introduced to the Leaky Cauldron and gets the first glimpse of his true fame.  In Diagon Alley, he is amazed by the sight and sounds.  He goes to Gringots to get money, where Hagrid also gets the mysterious something out of another vault.  Then it's off to get his robes.  Harry and Draco have their first meeting in the robe shop, leaving Harry with a negative impression of Draco and Slytherin and learning the word quidditch for the first time.  Harry goes on to buy his other school supplies.  Hagrid gets Harry what may be his first birthday present, a beautiful snowy owl.  Last of all, he goes to Ollivander's to get his wand.  He tries many wands before finding the right one and learns that it is the brother to Voldemort's wand.  As Harry and Hagrid have dinner, harry expresses concerns about being famous for something he can't remember and worrying about what people expect of him, and if he will be able to measure up when he gets to Hogwarts.  Hagrid assures him that everyone starts at the beginning at Hogwarts.  The chapter ends with Harry making his way back to the Dursleys.

Questions:
1.  Harry begins getting introduced to the wizarding world and its ways from the beginning of this chapter with owl post and different money.  When you first read this chapter, what were some of the things that interested or captivated you about the sights to which harry, and we, are introduced?

2.  This chapter is full of information that is either vital to the rest of the series or foreshadows events to come or themes in the series.  What jumps out at you in this chapter that is important to the rest of the series?

3.  We've already been introduced to Rowling's magnificent sense of humor in this book, but we see more of it in this chapter.  Even the name Diagon alley, and the authors of some of the school books.  What things tickled your funny bone when reading this chapter?

4.  Harry gets his first real introduction to his fame when he arrives at the Leaky Cauldron.  What was your reaction to this scene?  Did you think anything about Quirrel's behavior?  Did you think Doris Crockford would be more than the extra she was?

5.  Do the words engraved on the silver doors of Gringots foreshadow what will happen in DH, when Harry goes to steal the cup?

6.  Harry and Draco have their first meeting in this chapter.  We know that this is a vital first meeting, affecting both boys for the rest of the series.  Thinking back to just this moment, without the knowledge you have now, what did you think of this meeting? How could Harry and or Draco have behaved differently to change the relationship between them for the future?  Could this have seriously affected events in the future?

7.  Harry develops his anti-Slytherin feelings in this chapter, based on Draco's behavior and Hagrid's line about there not being a witch or wizard who went bad that wasn't in Slytherin.  From POA onward, we know this isn't true.  Did you believe the bad Slytherin theme at this point in the story?  Could Hagrid really not have known that people from all houses could become followers of Voldemort?  Are there any other instances of misinformation in this chapter?

8.  Over dinner, Harry expresses his fears and insecurity to Hagrid, worrying about what people will expect of him.  What does this say about harry?

9 At the end of the chapter, Hagrid puts Harry on a train for home.  For a child who had never been to London and probably not far from Privet drive on his own, how did he get back to the Dursleys?

10 please add any of your own questions or thoughts that come to mind as you read this chapter.

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Next Chapter Discussion, Chapter 6, The Journey from Platform Nine and Three Quarters, on  October 6, 2009.

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