CHAPTDISC: Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 14: Snape's grudge

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 190073

Questions:

1.) Was it fair that Sir Cadogan was sacked when all he did was to allow entry to someone who had the passwords? Isn't that what passwords are for?

Steve:

We all know Sir Cadogan is an idiot. I suspect if the Fat Lady had been on duty, it would have been far more difficult for Sirius Black to get in. She had already had one encounter with him in which she refused him entrance. 

I don't think any one wanted Sir Cadogan on the job, nor do I think anyone trusted him, but given what happened to the Fat Lady previously, he was the only one who would take the job. 


2.) Were Harry and Ron extremely foolish and selfish not to reveal the hidden passageway to Hogwart's staff, especially to Dumbledore?

Steve:

No, I think they were just kids doing what kids do. The Hidden Passage was just to sweet to give up. It allowed Harry the freedom to do what he felt he was being unfairly restricted from doing.

Which is pretty much the mantra that drives kids - "It's not Fair!". 


3.) Although Hagrid appears to be talking only of Hermione when he tells the boys he would have expected that they would value friendship above broomsticks, ... is he also subtly suggesting that they thought more of the Firebolt than of their friendship with him too – in that they have forgotten the threat to Buckbeak?

Steve:

I found this a very tender and touching moment in the story. I think Harry justifiable did have plenty of things to distract him. But at the same time, they were being mean to a Hermione and ignoring Hagrid and Buckbeak's problem. 

On the other hand, Hargid leans pretty heavily on these kids, and makes demands of them no reasonably adult ever would. Remember Norbert the Dragon? Is a dragon really a problem for kids to solve. 

None the less, Harry and Ron, both have a fondness for Hagrid and for Buckbeak, and they did make a promise to help. I think their priorities were off, and Hagrid put them back on the right track. 

Also, Hagrid is not the most educated person. He certainly does need help with law, and with his presentation, which as we see went disastrously. 


4.) Even if he is not, what do you think of the boys' attitude to a good friend when that friend`s need is forgotten or pushed out of mind by a mere new possession?

Steve:

Again, there is an element of kids being kids here. And they could have rejoiced in the arrival of the broom and still helped Hargrid. But I think their thoughts of Hargrid went right out the window with their anger toward Hermione. She is the on that keeps them organized and focused. Without here, they are free to be "Boys". 


5.) What do you think of Harry's action in visiting Hogsmeade with Black on the loose? Do you think that Harry reflects on the consequences of his actions of that day?

Steve:

Staying in is not what kids do. And they are not likely to want to obey adults when they feel the adults are being unfair. And, they also tend to rationalize. They have a path of logic that lead to the conclusion that they want. Harry wanted to go to Hogwarts, he found a path of logic that justified it. But then, that is what kids do.

As much as I hate to say it, what we are seeing is 'boys being boys'. 

As to Harry now looking back and reflecting on his actions, I suspect he does; don't we all? But in the moment, using 'kid logic', I think he felt he was both safe and justified.


6.) Do you think Snape makes the remarks about Harry's father to goad him into losing his cool and admitting where he has been?

Steve:

Of course. I think Snape has done this several times to Harry. I think in their every encounter Harry is burning to tell Snape off. And all Snape has to do, it punch Harry's buttons, and Harry will lose his cool, and say something that will cost him dearly. 

So, while I think Snape takes some joy in telling Harry off, and deriding Harry's father. I also think that on many occassion, Snape uses this in a calculating way to manipulate Harry into revealing something he doesn't want to reveal, or to simply goad him into getting a detention. 

I think Snape's hatred and low opinon of James is real, but I also think Snape is wise enough to use that to his advantage when circumstances call for it. And he does so, sometimes with good intentions and sometimes with bad intentions. 

 
7.) Both Snape and Lupin tell Harry he is selfish in going to Hogsmeade when everyone else is putting themselves out to ensure his safety. Why does Harry resent hearing this from Snape but feels chastened when he hears it from Lupin?

Steve:

The very presents of Snape sets Harry's blood boiling. And I think to some extent the same is true of Snape. They simple do not trust or respect each other. 

However, Harry does trust and respect Lupin, and Lupin, more than anything, calms Harry. So, Harry is far more open to what Lupin is telling him than what Snape is telling him. He is going to resist any statement by Snape, just on general principle.

Steve/bboyminn