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

[dorothy dankanyin]

No: HPFGUIDX 191410


From: "elfundeb2" <elfundeb at gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2011 8:38 PM
> 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?

Dorothy D. :
  I guess they really should be relieved, but in the chaos of having their 
fire crashed through, I doubt they'd even think of it.

>
> 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?

Dorothy D.:
  It tells me that Arthur can get favors from his friends because he's a 
"good guy", and that disregarding rules in this case was to help Harry. 
Yes, he honestly felt this way would help him.

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

Dorothy D.:
  Yes, harry really doesn't care at this point in his life.  He sees the 
Dursleys as not-his-real-family.  Hogwarts truly is his "home".  Arthur 
can't believe that family can behave like the Dursleys because he doesn't 
have that sort of family.

>
> 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?

Dorothy D. :
  This is one of the many, all seemingly involving the twins, of real humor, 
and it's a nice way to lighten things up a bit.

>
> 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?

Dorothy D.:
  Frankly, it never even occurred to me to feel sympathy for Dudley, but now 
that I think about it, it should - a bit anyway.  For Fred, or George for 
that matter, it certainly was fair.  They like Harry, and from what they've 
heard of Dudley and the way he treated him, it makes perfect sense.  After 
all, they're teenagers, too.

>
> 6. What do you think happened after Harry left?

Dorothy D.:
  Of course the Dursleys tended to Dudley, their pride and joy.  And no 
doubt railed at Harry and wizards in general.

  Thanks for these thoughtful questions.