Chapter Discussion: Twenty, Goblet of Fire: The First Task

[Bruce Mull]

No: HPFGUIDX 192341

> Question:
> 1. Every Champion was warned about the Dragons by their Elders,
> and Harry took care of Cedric. Did you think that cheating make
> the task less interesting/exciting or not? Why?

Bruce:
1. I think that the "secrecy" about the dragons was not real. I think they expected to have the champions told. (Although Fudge may not have known, but then ...) Dumbledore knew that Hagrid would take care of telling Harry and that Cedric would probably be told by Harry as that IS his nature.

> 2. When I was rereading this chapter I was reminded about how
> Fleur looked so much less confident and prepared than other
> Champions. Granted I have not reread the other Tasks for a while,
> but I seem to remember that she was always the least competent and
> prepared competitor. Do you think it was because she was a young
> woman or not?

Bruce:
2. I am not sure whether Fleur's incompetence was because she was female or because she was French. The British have always thought that bravery and French were contradictory concepts -- at least in much of their literature -- so it may have been that coming into play. I would HATE to think she thought females were not as good as males in competing because this is certainly NOT true.

> 3. What did you think about Harry's reaction to Ron's apology?

Bruce:
3. I think Harry's response was the only logical response to expect considering their age and Harry's background.

> 4. I thought this chapter had some of the funniest lines in the
> book. Which were your favorites?

Bruce:
4. There are several good one's. The first one that comes to mind is: "Harry felt oddly separate from everyone around him,
whether they were wishing him good luck or hissing 'We'll
have a box of tissues ready, Potter' as he passed." I thought it was very funny -- although probably somewhat morbid.