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

[elfundeb2]

No: HPFGUIDX 191398

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GOBLET OF FIRE CH. 4: BACK TO THE BURROW

Harry's trunk is packed and he is waiting for the Weasleys to pick him up to take him to the Burrow. Vernon and Petunia, meanwhile, tensely await the Weasleys' arrival, for fear their wizarding ways will attract the neighbors' attention. Dudley is terrified that the Weasleys might give him another pig tail. The tension increases  when the Weasleys fail to arrive at the appointed hour.  As Vernon and Petunia verbally abuse the Weasleys for their lack of punctuality, there is a commotion behind the Dursleys' boarded-up hearth. Arthur has temporarily connected the Dursleys' fireplace to the Floo network. He, Fred, George and Ron struggle to break the barrier, as the Dursleys round on Harry in anger.

Mr Weasley blasts through the hearth as the Dursleys stand back aghast. While Fred and George retrieve Harry's trunk from upstairs, Arthur attempts to make conversation, explaining that he will fix the fireplace and babbling excitedly about electricity. Getting no response from Vernon and Petunia, and only whimpering from Dudley, Arthur sends Fred, George and Ron, in turn, back to the Burrow via Floo. As Fred prepares to depart, he spills some toffee sweets onto the floor, and makes a show of picking them up.

It is Harry's turn to depart. He says goodbye to the Dursleys, who make no response, prompting a scolding from Arthur. As Harry steps into the fireplace, Dudley begins gagging on a large purple thing that turns out to be his enlarged tongue. Harry spies a toffee wrapper on the floor beneath Dudley. Petunia tries in vain to pull Dudley's tongue out of his mouth, as Dudley tries unsuccessfully to fight her off. Arthur tries to reassure the Dursleys that it's only an Engorgement Charm, but Vernon begins throwing china figurines at him and Harry, which crash into the fireplace and shatter. Arthur breaks out his wand in self-defence. Harry is enjoying the spectacle, but Arthur urges him to leave, and the chapter ends as the emerald Floo flames engulf him.

QUESTIONS

1. The Dursleys are horrified by the Weasleys' unorthodox arrival via the Floo network. Shouldn't they be relieved that the neighbors won't notice any wizards in robes arriving or leaving?

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?

3. Harry claims not to care when the Dursleys fail to bid him goodbye. Do you believe this? Do you think Arthur believes him?

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?

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?

6. What do you think happened after Harry left?

7. Any other questions?