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

[Nathaniel]

No: HPFGUIDX 191402



--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "elfundeb2" <elfundeb at ...> wrote:
> 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?

The Dursleys initial terror seams to be because they don't know what is happening with the sudden noises coming from behind the fireplace. Then Arthur blasts apart the fireplace. Not a good first impression... If the episode had gone as Arthur thought it would go, then yes, the Dursleys may have been mildly appreciative.

> 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?

It tells us where Fred and George inherited a certain disregard for the rules. But, in this instance, Arthur would have been better served to obey the rule. The fact thatmuggles might not use a fireplace for its intended function didn't even occur to him. We saw the consequences.

> 3. Harry claims not to care when the Dursleys fail to bid him goodbye. Do you believe this? Do you think Arthur believes him?
 
Yes, I do believe Harry. In DH, he echos his indifference for the Dursleys when he says goodbye to them forever. Pretty consistently through the books, Harry shows acceptance and even bemusement for their mutual indifference to one another. Harry longs for a loving family, but before PS even starts, he seems to accepted that the Dursleys will never be that loving family. Arthur, however, must not have believed Harry or he wouldn't have insisted the Dursleys say goodbye.

> 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?

Nothing to say, but that yes, I found this scene funny.
 
> 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?

Bullying a bully...not really a fan of Fred and George's actions here. Using magic on a muggle is not fair. Is it hypocritical that I enjoy the "poetic justice" of the scene, while at the same time thinking what they did was absolutely wrong?
 
> 6. What do you think happened after Harry left?

More shouting and confusion until Arthur is finally allowed to use magic to put everything right.