Active Users:270 Time:15/05/2024 08:47:05 PM
Incorrect Dark Knight Send a noteboard - 28/07/2010 04:17:09 PM
He's rather interesting in the sense that he is the most notable, perhaps even the only, character in the books that seems to be really working class - other than Hagrid, but in Hagrid's case, obviously other characteristics are more prominent. Most of the HP characters are middle class or even upper class like the Malfoys, but with Stan, Rowling apparently decided to make an exception. He and Hagrid get their working class accents, whereas nearly everybody else in the series seems to speak basically standard British English, albeit with some regional accents perhaps. Stan serves here - and again on a few occasions in later books - as an illustration of what the man on the wizarding street thinks, so to speak, rather than the better-informed and more than averagely intelligent characters at Hogwarts. The Daily Prophet's influence over this silent majority of the wizarding world becomes clear here (perhaps it's been clear before? I don't really recall that, though), and it's a telling sign that Hermione mentions in her letter that she's begun reading it.


Agreed. Perhaps it is down to the (at least to my mind) inherently upper class (or at least upper middle class) setting of the boarding school (the lack of working class students, that is) -- I don't know. Mundungus (later) is another one, I suppose, although he belongs to the criminal underclass, perhaps.

On a completely unrelated and rather irrelevant matter, it's somewhat strange that Rowling says the Bus can't go over (sea)water, then adds that it moves from Anglesea to Aberdeen. I suppose it can go over seawater if it is narrow, and bridged besides? :P


Maybe? I didn't notice that, in part because I have no idea where Anglesea is. But since you brought up the Knight Bus, it suddenly struck me that this bus is for people who cannot apparate. I never got that before, but it seems clear in retrospect. Normal wizards would not need it, and we never see it used again once port keys and apparation (apparating?) are introduced.


Everyone rides the bus in Half-blood Prince. It's right after the Christmas holidays
Formerly Mat Bloody Cauthon on Wotmania, blessed be its name
Reply to message
The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - 28/07/2010 12:00:14 PM 2660 Views
Chapters 1-3. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:01:10 PM 898 Views
Characters. - 28/07/2010 12:03:36 PM 1509 Views
Aunt Marge - 28/07/2010 01:13:34 PM 1421 Views
She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say... - 28/07/2010 01:40:37 PM 1761 Views
Re: She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say... - 28/07/2010 02:15:24 PM 1588 Views
Stan Shunpike. - 28/07/2010 02:01:46 PM 1565 Views
Re: Stan Shunpike. - 28/07/2010 02:19:41 PM 1481 Views
True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape. - 28/07/2010 02:46:38 PM 1448 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape. - 28/07/2010 02:50:20 PM 1403 Views
If I'm not mistaken - 30/07/2010 04:36:18 PM 1456 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape. - 07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM 1667 Views
It's not entirely clear, true. - 08/08/2010 02:44:50 PM 1586 Views
Incorrect - 28/07/2010 04:17:09 PM 1453 Views
Re: Incorrect - 28/07/2010 06:11:12 PM 1633 Views
Re: Incorrect - 28/07/2010 06:35:31 PM 1511 Views
Colin Creevey is working class. - 28/07/2010 06:32:45 PM 1460 Views
Correct me if I'm wrong - 28/07/2010 06:38:20 PM 1409 Views
Ah, that's a good point. - 28/07/2010 06:43:00 PM 1413 Views
True - 28/07/2010 06:50:30 PM 1499 Views
Judging by his father's profession, yes. - 28/07/2010 06:53:02 PM 1501 Views
Re: Judging by his father's profession, yes. - 28/07/2010 07:34:41 PM 1353 Views
Right. - 29/07/2010 02:28:34 PM 1458 Views
- 02/08/2010 11:47:48 PM 1417 Views
Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM 844 Views
Guilt v. innocence? Flight? - 28/07/2010 01:16:25 PM 1434 Views
And the beginning of "appearances can be deceiving". - 02/08/2010 11:48:36 PM 1403 Views
First impressions on the news of Sirius Black's escape. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:05:26 PM 843 Views
Aaaah, Sirius. - 28/07/2010 01:21:32 PM 1561 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius. - 28/07/2010 01:44:50 PM 1531 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius. - 28/07/2010 02:22:17 PM 1335 Views
I was talking about that, yes, among other things. - 28/07/2010 07:00:08 PM 1395 Views
Re: I was talking about that, yes, among other things. - 28/07/2010 07:03:11 PM 1643 Views
Thats easy really - 28/07/2010 02:05:26 PM 1397 Views
Writing style. - 28/07/2010 12:07:24 PM 1582 Views
It is a better book. - 28/07/2010 02:00:54 PM 1436 Views
Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:09:33 PM 1635 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:23:03 PM 1555 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:34:37 PM 1360 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:36:38 PM 1340 Views
Re: It is a better book. - 03/08/2010 05:53:30 PM 1377 Views
Re: It is a better book. - 03/08/2010 05:59:22 PM 1369 Views
Foreshadowings, details that turn out to be important, etc. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:08:07 PM 781 Views
That is very well done in this book, I thought. - 28/07/2010 02:08:21 PM 1387 Views
Dont foget the most important foreshadowing! - 28/07/2010 02:15:35 PM 1351 Views
not yet. - 28/07/2010 02:23:28 PM 1367 Views
What am I doing today? I need some more sleep! - 28/07/2010 02:36:54 PM 1346 Views
Re: That is very well done in this book, I thought. - 03/08/2010 05:54:06 PM 1402 Views
Chapters 4-6. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:11:45 PM 758 Views
Characters. - 29/07/2010 10:23:28 AM 1400 Views
LupinLupinLupinLupinLupinLupin! - 29/07/2010 11:48:55 AM 1521 Views
Hmmm I'm wondering...is Lupin one of your fav characters? *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM 731 Views
Could be, could be. - 29/07/2010 02:37:41 PM 1383 Views
Well it was subtle so I don't think many people will catch it *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:41:38 PM 742 Views
Subtlety is what I do *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:43:00 PM 727 Views
He is so lovely. - 03/08/2010 06:00:26 PM 1491 Views
Re: He is so lovely. - 03/08/2010 06:10:34 PM 1436 Views
Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here? - 30/07/2010 01:48:06 PM 1395 Views
I don't think it's too early. - 30/07/2010 06:26:15 PM 1343 Views
I don't think it's too early to argue that. - 03/08/2010 06:02:17 PM 1562 Views
Themes. *NM* - 29/07/2010 10:24:31 AM 674 Views
Death and fear of death - 29/07/2010 11:51:25 AM 1379 Views
Writing style. - 29/07/2010 10:26:07 AM 1444 Views
"Plotting" might be a more interesting discussion point - 29/07/2010 11:57:20 AM 1474 Views
I was amazed at all the tiny details - 29/07/2010 03:25:08 PM 1297 Views
Re: I was amazed at all the tiny details - 29/07/2010 03:27:04 PM 1416 Views
Introduction of the Dementors. *NM* - 29/07/2010 10:26:59 AM 756 Views
They are Rowling's most terrifying creation - 29/07/2010 12:00:34 PM 1371 Views
Without his knowledge or consent of course *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:31:47 PM 728 Views
Yes - 29/07/2010 02:34:01 PM 1489 Views
I thinking something thats a little off topic - 29/07/2010 02:40:36 PM 1352 Views
Re: I thinking something thats a little off topic - 29/07/2010 02:42:09 PM 1334 Views
Ooo I didn't think of that! I like you. We can be friends - 29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM 1342 Views
Mission accomplished. - 29/07/2010 02:48:35 PM 1429 Views
Yippee! - 29/07/2010 02:52:16 PM 1340 Views
And among her most original, I'd say. - 30/07/2010 01:53:25 PM 1386 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts." - 04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM 1322 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts." - 04/08/2010 11:52:55 PM 1461 Views
I don't know the answer, but a good place to look would be... (book 4 spoilers) - 05/08/2010 12:33:20 AM 1354 Views
Indeed, but.... ~spoileriffic for Book 4~ - 05/08/2010 02:19:22 PM 1370 Views
Good point. - 05/08/2010 11:06:10 PM 1426 Views
Chapters 7-9. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:11:59 PM 887 Views
Characters. - 30/07/2010 02:07:20 PM 1305 Views
Re: Characters. - 30/07/2010 02:50:07 PM 1252 Views
Lupin vs. Snape - 30/07/2010 06:10:07 PM 1329 Views
Re: Lupin vs. Snape - 30/07/2010 06:12:06 PM 1414 Views
Yeah, he knew because of Sirius' little slip. - 30/07/2010 06:27:36 PM 1348 Views
I doubt Sirius had to actually say that it was Lupin though. - 31/07/2010 04:33:38 AM 1329 Views
Indeed - 02/08/2010 10:26:31 AM 1460 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 30/07/2010 02:08:03 PM 641 Views
She is getting good at misdirection - 30/07/2010 02:50:40 PM 1286 Views
Other things you want to comment on. *NM* - 30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM 756 Views
- 30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM 1330 Views
Good spell and great scene with the Bogart. - 30/07/2010 06:19:16 PM 1357 Views
Agree, especially about Neville - 31/07/2010 06:21:25 AM 1463 Views
Agreed. *NM* - 31/07/2010 09:56:53 AM 761 Views
Yes, excellent scene. - 09/08/2010 08:06:05 PM 1359 Views
Chapters 10-12. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM 665 Views
Characters. - 02/08/2010 12:50:36 PM 1441 Views
Re: Characters. - 02/08/2010 01:36:53 PM 1340 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 02/08/2010 12:50:56 PM 631 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 02/08/2010 01:36:49 PM 1574 Views
I caught that too. - 02/08/2010 02:50:03 PM 1245 Views
I think it's just an unfortunate way of expressing herself. - 02/08/2010 02:53:26 PM 1322 Views
Re: I caught that too. - 02/08/2010 02:53:48 PM 1384 Views
I suspect.... - 03/08/2010 03:17:32 PM 1519 Views
Re: I suspect.... - 03/08/2010 03:22:39 PM 1352 Views
I agree - 03/08/2010 05:25:10 PM 1373 Views
Re: I agree - 03/08/2010 05:26:15 PM 1441 Views
Mmmkay. - 04/08/2010 02:39:14 PM 1416 Views
Trelawny's Predictions - 02/08/2010 02:56:53 PM 1334 Views
Re: Trelawny's Predictions - 02/08/2010 02:59:05 PM 1331 Views
Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM* - 02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM 754 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... - 02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM 1299 Views
What if - 02/08/2010 11:50:28 PM 1207 Views
Re: What if - 02/08/2010 11:57:26 PM 1315 Views
Chapters 13-15. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:12:57 PM 755 Views
Characters. - 03/08/2010 05:25:47 PM 1338 Views
Re: Characters. - 03/08/2010 05:29:32 PM 1441 Views
Re: Characters. - 08/08/2010 02:21:17 PM 1379 Views
Re: Characters. - 08/08/2010 02:23:35 PM 1484 Views
OK. I don't like how one-sided the Slytherins are. - 08/08/2010 02:30:22 PM 1437 Views
Agreed. - 08/08/2010 02:37:18 PM 1362 Views
Re: Agreed. - 08/08/2010 02:45:30 PM 1355 Views
Re: Agreed. - 08/08/2010 02:49:59 PM 1340 Views
Agreed. - 08/08/2010 03:03:19 PM 1428 Views
Re: 200 people - 09/08/2010 12:09:53 AM 1363 Views
Well. - 09/08/2010 08:21:24 AM 1471 Views
True - 09/08/2010 02:02:52 PM 1464 Views
we were discussing her numbers in the other thread - 12/08/2010 12:49:29 AM 1593 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM 728 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 03/08/2010 05:31:43 PM 1470 Views
Crookshanks. - 08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM 1366 Views
Yes - 08/08/2010 02:25:12 PM 1342 Views
I knew I saw this somewhere. - 09/08/2010 08:16:01 PM 1268 Views
Re: I knew I saw this somewhere. - 09/08/2010 09:01:18 PM 1419 Views
pedant. - 09/08/2010 09:27:25 PM 1439 Views
Did they come out and explain Crookshanks? - 11/08/2010 04:20:18 PM 1447 Views
Re: Did they come out and explain Crookshanks? - 11/08/2010 04:21:37 PM 1270 Views
The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:26:37 PM 754 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:36:35 PM 1431 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:48:57 PM 1491 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:57:06 PM 1376 Views
For Quidditch fans, this is probably the best book. - 03/08/2010 05:38:49 PM 1320 Views
spoilers in headlines, mister! - 03/08/2010 05:43:22 PM 1413 Views
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match. - 03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM 1290 Views
Jordan's commenting is always great. - 03/08/2010 06:00:12 PM 1394 Views
Re: Jordan's commenting is always great. - 03/08/2010 06:18:01 PM 1582 Views
Re: I really enjoyed the first quidditch match. - 03/08/2010 06:02:53 PM 1360 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM 768 Views
Characters. - 04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM 1407 Views
Re: Characters. - 04/08/2010 05:18:56 PM 1388 Views
Re. Sirius. - 05/08/2010 02:40:41 PM 1514 Views
Witnessing and getting the truth through to Harry. - 05/08/2010 10:00:34 PM 1402 Views
Hm. - 08/08/2010 02:58:46 PM 1268 Views
Re: Hm. - 08/08/2010 03:01:48 PM 1191 Views
Re: Hm. - 08/08/2010 03:07:29 PM 1425 Views
Re: Hm. - 08/08/2010 03:12:48 PM 1306 Views
OK - 08/08/2010 03:15:10 PM 1335 Views
Re: OK - 08/08/2010 03:16:23 PM 1416 Views
Plotting and writing. - 04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM 1267 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 04/08/2010 05:18:04 PM 1149 Views
Heh. - 08/08/2010 03:05:16 PM 1402 Views
Other thoughts. *NM* - 04/08/2010 04:19:15 PM 869 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 04/08/2010 05:19:45 PM 1298 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:09:23 PM 1446 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:11:43 PM 1384 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:14:04 PM 1216 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:15:51 PM 1260 Views
Chapters 19-20. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:13:27 PM 728 Views
Characters. - 05/08/2010 02:40:22 PM 1168 Views
Re: Characters. - 05/08/2010 02:45:53 PM 1617 Views
See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 03:04:24 PM 1722 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM 1437 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 03:54:31 PM 1826 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 05:01:52 PM 1647 Views
Something I've only just realized about Snape... (massive book six and seven spoilers) - 05/08/2010 02:53:15 PM 1445 Views
I didn't think of that! Of course you are right! - 05/08/2010 02:58:45 PM 1405 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 05/08/2010 02:40:42 PM 616 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 05/08/2010 02:48:02 PM 1513 Views
I think it's a good thing she explains her clues. - 05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM 1376 Views
Re: I think it's a good thing she explains her clues. - 05/08/2010 03:16:37 PM 1370 Views
Ah, yes, my bad. - 05/08/2010 04:02:26 PM 1322 Views
Other thoughts. *NM* - 05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM 688 Views
killing - 05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM 1263 Views
Yeah, I noted the same thing. (spoilers for rest of series) - 05/08/2010 03:12:15 PM 1472 Views
Re: Yeah, I noted the same thing. (spoilers for rest of series) - 05/08/2010 03:18:12 PM 1281 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM 698 Views
And for the last time in this book... characters? *NM* - 06/08/2010 05:03:30 PM 768 Views
Re: And for the last time in this book... characters? - 06/08/2010 06:26:23 PM 1363 Views
Plotting and writing. - 06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM 1194 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 06/08/2010 06:27:54 PM 1227 Views
I normally don't care for time travel. - 07/08/2010 01:20:13 AM 1436 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM* - 06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM 783 Views
Re: And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. - 06/08/2010 06:28:40 PM 1373 Views
I love the very very end. - 07/08/2010 01:23:02 AM 1544 Views
Re: I love the very very end. - 07/08/2010 08:49:50 AM 1371 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM 738 Views
Character development. - 28/07/2010 01:17:20 PM 1276 Views
Harry develops by leaps and bounds - 28/07/2010 02:13:10 PM 1301 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM 691 Views
Things Are Not What They Seem - 01/08/2010 11:15:23 PM 1266 Views
- 02/08/2010 11:51:52 PM 1378 Views
Re: - 02/08/2010 11:58:30 PM 1333 Views
How good a book is this - compared to the rest of the series, and compared to YA books in general? *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:19:06 PM 750 Views
I'd say it is one of the best in the series - 02/08/2010 10:23:49 AM 1269 Views
Absolutely. - 05/08/2010 08:15:20 PM 1418 Views
More of a question, really - 01/08/2010 10:40:23 PM 1337 Views
I think this is situational and a sad commentary on his home life. - 02/08/2010 03:01:49 PM 1163 Views
Well, but the question still remains - 02/08/2010 03:04:01 PM 1284 Views
Oh, got it. - 02/08/2010 03:12:47 PM 1365 Views
Ah, interesting - 02/08/2010 03:50:41 PM 1412 Views
The problem came down to actually doing the work. - 02/08/2010 03:54:21 PM 1329 Views
I never had any. - 03/08/2010 03:25:07 PM 1303 Views
I'm finding this one more difficult to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:38:01 PM 1318 Views
Apparently you are not alone in that. - 03/08/2010 05:48:13 PM 1453 Views
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this. - 04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM 1400 Views
Hehehe - 05/08/2010 12:14:38 AM 1352 Views
I had totally forgotten about that choir and the Ray Bradbury reference. - 05/08/2010 12:37:09 AM 1228 Views
Okay, so possibly a Shakespeare reference also used by Bradbury. Whatever. *NM* - 05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM 666 Views
Possibly? It's the witches in Macbeth. *NM* - 05/08/2010 08:36:20 AM 688 Views
Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 06:46:26 PM 1260 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 07:16:37 PM 1463 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 07:57:02 PM 1264 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 08:00:01 PM 1344 Views
Suggestions for the re-read. - 28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM 1454 Views
I was wondering when this would come up - 28/07/2010 06:39:01 PM 1301 Views
I knew I was gonna forget something. - 28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM 1429 Views
Perhaps - 29/07/2010 09:29:53 AM 1346 Views
I considered that, but it seemed overly non-trusting, and nobody has posted in them yet? *NM* - 29/07/2010 10:12:23 AM 581 Views
Yet - 29/07/2010 10:13:44 AM 1382 Views
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead> - 29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM 1432 Views
I may be missing a reference - 29/07/2010 11:03:47 AM 1311 Views
The villain is a huge Aleutian man with such a tattoo. *NM* - 29/07/2010 11:09:30 AM 722 Views
I think a little break might be a good idea. Give people a chance to catch up. - 02/08/2010 11:46:13 PM 1373 Views
Re: I think a little break might be a good idea. Give people a chance to catch up. - 02/08/2010 11:59:20 PM 1342 Views
I think I should make clear, just in case, that I don't mean immediately. - 03/08/2010 05:11:26 PM 1281 Views
Yes - 03/08/2010 05:13:10 PM 1316 Views
Your patience is admirable. *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:15:45 PM 680 Views
There are no words *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:16:51 PM 749 Views

Reply to Message