Chapter Discussion: Goblet of Fire Ch. 8: The Quidditch World Cup

[jeanine]

No: HPFGUIDX 191782

This message is a Special Notice for all members of
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups
In addition to being published onlist (available in webview), this post is also
being delivered off-list (to email inboxes) to those whose "Message Delivery" is
set to "Special Notices." If this is problematic or if you have any questions,
contact the List Elves at HPforGrownups-owner@ yahoogroups.com (minus that extra
space)

GOBLET OF FIRE CH. 8: The Quidditch World Cup.

The chapter opens with a colourful and detailed description of the Quidditch
ground and of the atmosphere. We learn that the Weasleys have what would appear
to be expensive seats in the Top Box. Harry meets Winky the house-elf and learns
of her disapproval of Dobby's current attitude to life. The Weasleys and Harry
are joined in their box by Fudge and the Malfoys.
Harry and Ron have their first sight of veelas and are enthralled. Hermione
remains immune to their charms.
The Irish team mascots shower the air with gold coins, which Ron gathers and
uses to pay Harry for the Omnioculars.
The Bulgarian and Irish teams are introduced to the crowd and play begins. The
match is described in some considerable detail. At one point the competitive
spirit beetween the two sets of team mascots leads to their becoming engaged
with each other and Harry sees the veela in their other form, that of
aggressive, scaly-winged bird-like creatures.
Finally the game ends with Ireland, the winners, ahead on points but Bulgaria
with the Snitch. Hermione appears to be impressed by the prowess of the
Bulgarian Seeker, Krum.
The teams come into the Top Box, where Harry is seated, to be congratulated by
Bagman and the crowd and for the Irish team to receive the Cup. Harry considers
Krum to be somewhat ungainly but Krum, with facial injuries received during the
match, is given a rapturous reception by the crowd.
The chapter closes with Fred and George, who have obviously had a bet on the
match with Bagman, coming up to Bagman to receive their winnings.


Questions:

1. Why would Ron say 'So that's a house-elf? Weird things, aren't they?' Would
he not have come across one before now? And if not, as a member of an old
wizarding family he would know all about them and their belief in their
subservience to wizards.
2. What do you think was/were the purpose/s of this chapter? So much of it is
merely an account of a sports fixture. Was there anything in this chapter that
you thought would be important later on?
3. Why did Mr Weasley instruct Harry and Ron to put their fingers in their ears
to resist the lure of the veelas when the text suggests that it was their
dancing that enthralls the watching males? No mention was made of their singing
or of their making music.
4. Do you think Severus would be sensitive to the veelas' charms? Would Dumbledore?
Any other questions for discussion?
NOTE: For more information on HPfGU's chapter discussions, please see "POST DH
Chapter Discussions" at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/database?method=reportRows&tbl=33

Next, Chapter 9 of Goblet of Fire coming up soon. If you would like to volunteer
to lead a GOF chapter discussion, please drop a note to HPforGrownups-owner@
yahoogroups.com
(without the space).

Jeanine