Lockhart's role Was: Re: CHAPTER DISCUSSION Chamber of Secrets Ch. 6

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 188844

Questions:
> 1. What did you think of the human-like characteristics and development of the mandrakes in light of the fact that they are ground up and used in potions?
Potioncat:
Real life Mandrakes do have a human-like appearance—with a folklore built around that fact. So JKR was just taking it another step or two. I recall if they ever demonstrated personality; but I never thought of them as more than plants.  Of course I guess this could be just another example of wizards being insensitive to other beings. I did think it was funny that Harry's mandrake didn't like being pulled out of the dirt, but didn't seem to want to go back in either.
> 
> 2. Why do you think Professor McGonagall's class got such a short mention in this chapter compared to Professors Sprout and Lockhart?
Potioncat:
Sad to say, because our good Professor McGonagall was less important than we thought.
> 
> 3. For fun: What do you think might have been some other questions Professor Lockhart considered for his introductory quiz?
Potioncat:
Oh, dear. I'd just as soon not know. 
> 
> 4. Before seeing the movie, what did you think the pixies looked like?
Potioncat:
I don't remember, but as I read the chapter this time, I was aware of how close the movie came.
> 
> 5. What was your initial impression of Justin Finch-Fletchley? Did you think he would turn out to be important later?
Potioncat:
It wasn't till later that I started wondering who or what was going to be important.  I wasn't sure if his comment about Eton was being a show-off or if it was just to suggest to readers that he was Muggle-born.

Thanks Megan, for interesting questions.

And two questions from me, Potioncat:
Potioncat:

Does anyone remember how soon after SS/PS was published that CoS came out? Ron's comment about Ginny and Colin forming a Harry Potter fan club really struck me at this read. Do you think she was poking fun at herself, or had she already written this before she knew about the reaction to her book?


Why do you think Hermione fell for Lockhart?