Chapter Discussion: Chapter Eighteen: The Goblet of Fire: The Weighing of the Wands

[nikkalmati]

No: HPFGUIDX 192299



--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Shaun Hately  wrote:
>
> QUESTIONS
> 
> (1) When you first read the book what were your theories or thoughts
> about who had put Harry's name into the Goblet? Or why somebody might
> have done so?

Nikkalmati

I didn't suspect Harry, that's for sure, but I really didn't have a theory either.  I thought it was possible that DD had done it for some reason, even though he acted shocked.

Nikkalmati

> 
> (2) We are told, through Hermione, that Ron is jealous of Harry. What is 
> your reaction to this revelation? What do you think of Ron's behaviour 
> towards Harry? Assume for a moment, that Harry had put his name into the 
> Goblet - would you consider Ron's anger to be justified in that situation?
> 

Nikkalmati

I thought that Ron was hurt that Harry would exclude him from his plan.  I also am not sure it was really jealousy as much as resentment that Harry got away with anything. I can understand Ron's reaction, but it went on too long.  He should have listened to Harry at some point.  If Harry had put his name in, yes Ron had a right to be hurt.

Nikkalmati

 
> (3) What did you make of Snape's reaction to Hermione's teeth? Did you
> consider this was simply a normal part of Snape's overall nastiness or
> did it seem to you to be unusually cruel, even for him?
> 
Nikkalmati

Yes, it seemed unusually cruel given how sensitive a girl of that age can be - and she looked up to Snape.  I don't think it can be excused, but he probably spoke off the top of his head without thinking (stemming from his habit of nastiness) and then could not afford to be seen apologizing.  It was over the top.

Nikkalmati
 
> (4) Rita Skeeter - what were your impressions of her? Considering that,
> by the time of Goblet of Fire, JKR had become a major public figure and
> the subject of numerous media pieces, do you think that Rita might tell
> us something about JKR's own reaction to certain types of journalism and 
> journalist?

Nikkalmati

I would not be surprised to learn that Rita was based on an actual person JKR had met up with.  She seemed like a perfect characterization of a slimey journalist, just barely humerous because she is so close to the truth.  (Don't trust any of them).  

Nikkalmati

> 
> (5) The chapter's title is 'The Weighing of the Wands' and we are told
> about the characteristics of each of the Champion's wands. As the 'Wand
> Chooses the Wizard', do you think this information gives us any insight
> into the four champions?
> 
> (For ready reference:
> 
> Fleur Delacour: Rosewood. Nine and a half inches. Inflexible. Contains
> the hair of a Veela - Fleur's grandmother. This wand was not made by
> Ollivander, but the maker is not named.
> 
> Cedric Diggory: Ash. Twelve and a quarter inches. Pleasantly springy.
> Contains a single hair of a particularly fine male unicorn. Made by
> Ollivander.
> 
> Viktor Krum: Hornbeam. Ten and a quarter inches, and thicker than
> normal. Quite rigid. Contains a dragon heartstring. Made by Gregorovitch.
> 
> Harry Potter: Holly. Eleven inches.Nice and supple. Contains a phoenix
> feather from Fawkes - the only other feather Fawkes gave to a wand is
> that contained in Voldemort's wand. Made by Ollivander.)
>
Nikkalmati

Yes, I see a connection between the wands' characteristics and the owner. I will not attempt an exposition right now.  BTW do we have any thoughts about how LV got a wand with DD's phoenix's feather in it?  Were the wands made at the same time?  LV presumably was only about 11 when he got the wand and Harry was not even close to being born.  How long has DD has that phoenix?  Was LV (Tom) already fixated on resurection and eternal existence?

Nikkalmati