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?
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
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.
07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM
- 1667 Views
I think, maybe, it's comparing with other wizarding schools in the world.
08/08/2010 11:35:31 AM
- 1560 Views
Incorrect
28/07/2010 04:17:09 PM
- 1453 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
Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM
- 844 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
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
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
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
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
Re: Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
08/08/2010 11:05:02 AM
- 1284 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
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
Re: "He's at Hogwarts."
04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM
- 1322 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
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
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
Chapters 10-12. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM
- 665 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
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
Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM*
02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM
- 754 Views
The Marauder's Map seems to be able to do more on this first view than later on...
02/08/2010 01:23:19 PM
- 1463 Views
Re: The Marauder's Map seems to be able to do more on this first view than later on...
02/08/2010 01:40:47 PM
- 1380 Views
I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
02/08/2010 02:44:13 PM
- 1378 Views
Re: I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
02/08/2010 02:46:38 PM
- 1533 Views
It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:47:55 PM
- 1292 Views
Re: It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:57:55 PM
- 1441 Views
No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:28:11 PM
- 1366 Views
Re: No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:31:14 PM
- 1299 Views
Agree about the Twins and my take on Harry's impression of James.
02/08/2010 02:50:11 PM
- 1355 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,...
02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM
- 1299 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
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
There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
08/08/2010 03:08:51 PM
- 1356 Views
Re: There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
08/08/2010 03:12:23 PM
- 1356 Views
But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
08/08/2010 03:06:53 PM
- 1550 Views
Re: But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
08/08/2010 03:10:28 PM
- 1373 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM
- 728 Views
Crookshanks.
08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM
- 1366 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
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
Thanks, thought I was loosing it... well, maybe I am, but I can still read.
11/08/2010 04:26:31 PM
- 1518 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
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match.
03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM
- 1290 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM
- 768 Views
Characters.
04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM
- 1407 Views
Plotting and writing.
04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM
- 1267 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
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
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
Other thoughts. *NM*
05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM
- 688 Views
killing
05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM
- 1263 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM
- 698 Views
Plotting and writing.
06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM
- 1194 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM*
06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM
- 783 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM
- 738 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM
- 691 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
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
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this.
04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM
- 1400 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
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
Suggestions for the re-read.
28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM
- 1454 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
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead>
29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM
- 1432 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