Chapter Discussion: Goblet of Fire Ch. 4: Back to the Burrow

[willsonteam]

No: HPFGUIDX 191457




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> QUESTIONS
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> 2. Arthur admits that Muggle fireplaces should not "strictly speaking" be connected to the Floo network, but that a friend fixed it for him. What does this tell us about Arthur? Do you think his disregard for the rules is justified in this instance?

Potioncat:
Could be just another example of "Gryffindors don't have to follow the rules."  I'm not sure if it's JRK giving Arthur a flaw or two, or if she also thinks it's OK to fix things for friends. Doing favors for friends seems to be the general way of operating in the WW.  But back to my first sentence---Gryffindors seem to feel only non-Gryffindors need to follow rules.


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> 4. This chapter showcases JKR's sense of comedic timing and knack for slapstick, with Dudley choking, Petunia getting hysterical, Vernon using the china figurines for target practice, and Arthur attempting to provide reassurance -- with an outstretched wand. How does this compare to other comedic scenes in the series?

Potioncat: Hmm, compares a little  to SWM.  Severus is dangling in the air, chocking on suds, while Lilly is trying to diffuse the situation. With just as much gratitude from Severus as Arthur gets from Vernon.  But in that case we see don't see it as funny. Well, most of us anyway.

> 5. Dudley appears to be in danger of suffocation from the ton-tongue toffee. How do you feel about this -- does Dudley engage your sympathies? Why or why not? Was it fair for Fred to use sweets to bait a starving boy who's terrified of wizards?

Potioncat:
No doubt JKR was playing this for the laughter, but she'll spend at least one chapter showing the twins being in disgrace for their actions.  This is one of many things Fred shouldn't have done---but he is a kid, after all. There is a little bit of the same dynamic here as between Sirius and Severus.

7 Any other questions?
Potioncat:
Where is everyone?

Thanks for the summary and questions. Good job as always!