Chapter Discussion: Goblet of Fire Ch 2: The Scar

[Geoff]

No: HPFGUIDX 191352



--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "nikkalmati" <puduhepa98 at ...> wrote:

> GoF Chapdisc 2:  The Scar
> 
> This chapter begins with Harry waking up in his room at the Dursleys' with his
> scar hurting him. He also has had a dream about Voldemort. Unknown to him, he
> has seen in his head the events recorded in the first chapter. Harry wonders
> what it means and what he should do about it. He reviews what Hermione and Ron
> would say and concludes he can't tell Dumbledore about such a minor thing. He
> then remembers Sirius and decides to write him to ask his advice. There is
> very little action in this chapter, but it sets the stage for future events. We
> are introduced to Harry's ability to see into LV's mind.
 
> 1. Most of this chapter is devoted to a quick review of the events of the first
> three books. Why do you think Jo decided to do a review? Do you think she
> thought she would have new readers who did not know the first three books?

Geoff:
It's what she did at the beginning of COS and POA. It's no worse than the 
"In last week's episode" that we often get on a TV drama when we are 
reminded of a few of the principal bits of the previous episode. By OOTP, 
JKR has obviously decided that anyone not knowing the story should be 
sent to Professor Snape for detention to read the first four books.
:-(

> 2. Did you understand that Harry was able to see into LV's mind at this point
> in the story and did you wonder why?

Geoff:
Not at that point. It was obvious that Harry had had some sort of vision 
linking him to the events in the Riddle house but how it worked was not 
immediately apparent.

> 3. Do you think Harry correctly assessed Hermione's and Ron's reactions? Does
> this show he knows his friends well?

Geoff:
Certainly, he has Hermione sized up.

> 4. Where did you think Sirius was hiding based on the colorful birds he sent?

Geoff:
I would have tended to go for Africa.

 > 5. Is it fair of Harry to use the implied threat of violence by Sirius to get
> better treatment from the Dursleys?

Geoff:
I think there is a subtle suggestion of trouble at the end of POA when Harry 
tells Vernon that Sirius likes to keep in touch and know he's happy. How he 
will act on this is left to Vernon's imagination.

However, isn't this a case of "desperate times call for desperate measures"?
OK, "desperate" is perhaps a bit OTT, but it is helping to curb Vernon's
behaviour a little.