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Re: I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands Camilla Send a noteboard - 02/08/2010 02:46:38 PM
It tells Harry how to get past the statue into the tunnel, by showing him a miniature version of himself. But in later books, there's at least one occasion on which the name shown on the Marauder's Map would not have corresponded with the person Harry could see a miniature version of... what's up with that?

I cannot remember this. What were you thinking of?

I do suspect Rowling painted herself into a corner by creating a much too powerful plot device. The Marauder's Map is so fantastically useful and would solve so many problems, she is left with less liberty of plotting, perhaps.

It's also an astonishingly advanced and creative piece of magic. It's hard to imagine even Hermione in her seventh year making something like this. Then again, if you look at the schooling of Hogwarts students, there's not really much emphasis if any on being creative and inventing new things. Hermione is a brilliant student, but not necessarily very creative with spells like James and Sirius (and Snape, while we're at it) apparently are. I still don't know if I really buy it, though - Voldemort would kill to have a tool as powerful as the Marauder's Map, surely (sees through Polyjuice Potion, through invisibility cloaks including Harry's, and so on).

It is reminiscent of some of the creative work of the twins, though.

by having Lupin confiscate it. Otherwise Harry might have noticed Peter Pettigrew on the map too early in the book and that would screw up the ending. So she very neatly had Lupin discover that Harry had the map and that took care of both Harry discovering Peter too soon and allowed Lupin to discover him at the right moment to show up in the Shrieking Shack. I just think it was all very neatly done.


Yes. And completely undermined in the movie. *sigh*
But I agree. She worked the map well in this book. But she created an almost magic solution (and by magic I don't mean magic but magic) for the later problems -- it takes away much of the danger of sneaking about.

And I too can't remember the time where the map was wrong? That's going to bug me.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
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The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - 28/07/2010 12:00:14 PM 3622 Views
Chapters 1-3. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:01:10 PM 1258 Views
Characters. - 28/07/2010 12:03:36 PM 2155 Views
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She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say... - 28/07/2010 01:40:37 PM 2381 Views
Re: She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say... - 28/07/2010 02:15:24 PM 2242 Views
Stan Shunpike. - 28/07/2010 02:01:46 PM 2181 Views
Re: Stan Shunpike. - 28/07/2010 02:19:41 PM 2138 Views
True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape. - 28/07/2010 02:46:38 PM 2110 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape. - 28/07/2010 02:50:20 PM 2004 Views
If I'm not mistaken - 30/07/2010 04:36:18 PM 2047 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape. - 07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM 2431 Views
It's not entirely clear, true. - 08/08/2010 02:44:50 PM 2203 Views
Incorrect - 28/07/2010 04:17:09 PM 2122 Views
Re: Incorrect - 28/07/2010 06:11:12 PM 2263 Views
Re: Incorrect - 28/07/2010 06:35:31 PM 2208 Views
Colin Creevey is working class. - 28/07/2010 06:32:45 PM 2093 Views
Correct me if I'm wrong - 28/07/2010 06:38:20 PM 2134 Views
Ah, that's a good point. - 28/07/2010 06:43:00 PM 2027 Views
True - 28/07/2010 06:50:30 PM 2125 Views
Judging by his father's profession, yes. - 28/07/2010 06:53:02 PM 2135 Views
Re: Judging by his father's profession, yes. - 28/07/2010 07:34:41 PM 1978 Views
Right. - 29/07/2010 02:28:34 PM 2131 Views
- 02/08/2010 11:47:48 PM 2063 Views
Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM 1198 Views
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And the beginning of "appearances can be deceiving". - 02/08/2010 11:48:36 PM 2102 Views
First impressions on the news of Sirius Black's escape. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:05:26 PM 1190 Views
Aaaah, Sirius. - 28/07/2010 01:21:32 PM 2170 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius. - 28/07/2010 01:44:50 PM 2245 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius. - 28/07/2010 02:22:17 PM 2007 Views
I was talking about that, yes, among other things. - 28/07/2010 07:00:08 PM 2001 Views
Re: I was talking about that, yes, among other things. - 28/07/2010 07:03:11 PM 2251 Views
Thats easy really - 28/07/2010 02:05:26 PM 2110 Views
Writing style. - 28/07/2010 12:07:24 PM 2176 Views
It is a better book. - 28/07/2010 02:00:54 PM 2086 Views
Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:09:33 PM 2280 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:23:03 PM 2218 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:34:37 PM 2016 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:36:38 PM 1964 Views
Re: It is a better book. - 03/08/2010 05:53:30 PM 2004 Views
Re: It is a better book. - 03/08/2010 05:59:22 PM 2017 Views
Foreshadowings, details that turn out to be important, etc. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:08:07 PM 1119 Views
That is very well done in this book, I thought. - 28/07/2010 02:08:21 PM 2009 Views
Dont foget the most important foreshadowing! - 28/07/2010 02:15:35 PM 2015 Views
not yet. - 28/07/2010 02:23:28 PM 1946 Views
What am I doing today? I need some more sleep! - 28/07/2010 02:36:54 PM 1979 Views
Re: That is very well done in this book, I thought. - 03/08/2010 05:54:06 PM 2025 Views
Chapters 4-6. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:11:45 PM 1113 Views
Characters. - 29/07/2010 10:23:28 AM 2012 Views
LupinLupinLupinLupinLupinLupin! - 29/07/2010 11:48:55 AM 2091 Views
Hmmm I'm wondering...is Lupin one of your fav characters? *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM 1065 Views
Could be, could be. - 29/07/2010 02:37:41 PM 2069 Views
Well it was subtle so I don't think many people will catch it *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:41:38 PM 1107 Views
Subtlety is what I do *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:43:00 PM 1085 Views
He is so lovely. - 03/08/2010 06:00:26 PM 2159 Views
Re: He is so lovely. - 03/08/2010 06:10:34 PM 2038 Views
Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here? - 30/07/2010 01:48:06 PM 1989 Views
I don't think it's too early. - 30/07/2010 06:26:15 PM 1926 Views
I don't think it's too early to argue that. - 03/08/2010 06:02:17 PM 2146 Views
Themes. *NM* - 29/07/2010 10:24:31 AM 1009 Views
Death and fear of death - 29/07/2010 11:51:25 AM 1988 Views
Writing style. - 29/07/2010 10:26:07 AM 2056 Views
"Plotting" might be a more interesting discussion point - 29/07/2010 11:57:20 AM 2167 Views
I was amazed at all the tiny details - 29/07/2010 03:25:08 PM 1932 Views
Re: I was amazed at all the tiny details - 29/07/2010 03:27:04 PM 2046 Views
Introduction of the Dementors. *NM* - 29/07/2010 10:26:59 AM 1104 Views
They are Rowling's most terrifying creation - 29/07/2010 12:00:34 PM 1977 Views
Without his knowledge or consent of course *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:31:47 PM 1061 Views
Yes - 29/07/2010 02:34:01 PM 2124 Views
I thinking something thats a little off topic - 29/07/2010 02:40:36 PM 1925 Views
Re: I thinking something thats a little off topic - 29/07/2010 02:42:09 PM 1944 Views
Ooo I didn't think of that! I like you. We can be friends - 29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM 1955 Views
Mission accomplished. - 29/07/2010 02:48:35 PM 2037 Views
Yippee! - 29/07/2010 02:52:16 PM 1931 Views
And among her most original, I'd say. - 30/07/2010 01:53:25 PM 1986 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts." - 04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM 1926 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts." - 04/08/2010 11:52:55 PM 2073 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 1963 Views
Indeed, but.... ~spoileriffic for Book 4~ - 05/08/2010 02:19:22 PM 1926 Views
Good point. - 05/08/2010 11:06:10 PM 1992 Views
Chapters 7-9. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:11:59 PM 1248 Views
Characters. - 30/07/2010 02:07:20 PM 1917 Views
Re: Characters. - 30/07/2010 02:50:07 PM 1830 Views
Lupin vs. Snape - 30/07/2010 06:10:07 PM 1951 Views
Re: Lupin vs. Snape - 30/07/2010 06:12:06 PM 2066 Views
Yeah, he knew because of Sirius' little slip. - 30/07/2010 06:27:36 PM 1966 Views
I doubt Sirius had to actually say that it was Lupin though. - 31/07/2010 04:33:38 AM 2018 Views
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Plotting and writing. *NM* - 30/07/2010 02:08:03 PM 967 Views
She is getting good at misdirection - 30/07/2010 02:50:40 PM 1925 Views
Other things you want to comment on. *NM* - 30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM 1099 Views
- 30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM 1904 Views
Good spell and great scene with the Bogart. - 30/07/2010 06:19:16 PM 1979 Views
Agree, especially about Neville - 31/07/2010 06:21:25 AM 2061 Views
Agreed. *NM* - 31/07/2010 09:56:53 AM 1098 Views
Yes, excellent scene. - 09/08/2010 08:06:05 PM 1961 Views
Chapters 10-12. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM 1010 Views
Characters. - 02/08/2010 12:50:36 PM 2112 Views
Re: Characters. - 02/08/2010 01:36:53 PM 1950 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 02/08/2010 12:50:56 PM 956 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 02/08/2010 01:36:49 PM 2161 Views
I caught that too. - 02/08/2010 02:50:03 PM 1812 Views
I think it's just an unfortunate way of expressing herself. - 02/08/2010 02:53:26 PM 1912 Views
Re: I caught that too. - 02/08/2010 02:53:48 PM 1955 Views
I suspect.... - 03/08/2010 03:17:32 PM 2117 Views
Re: I suspect.... - 03/08/2010 03:22:39 PM 1935 Views
I agree - 03/08/2010 05:25:10 PM 1963 Views
Re: I agree - 03/08/2010 05:26:15 PM 2044 Views
Mmmkay. - 04/08/2010 02:39:14 PM 1987 Views
Trelawny's Predictions - 02/08/2010 02:56:53 PM 1932 Views
Re: Trelawny's Predictions - 02/08/2010 02:59:05 PM 1946 Views
Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM* - 02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM 1083 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 2047 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 2014 Views
I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands - 02/08/2010 02:44:13 PM 2008 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 2167 Views
It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers). - 02/08/2010 02:47:55 PM 1902 Views
Oh, I see what you are saying. - 02/08/2010 02:56:38 PM 1901 Views
I never got the impression that they were all in miniature. - 02/08/2010 03:09:10 PM 1987 Views
Agree about the Twins and my take on Harry's impression of James. - 02/08/2010 02:50:11 PM 1952 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... - 02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM 1953 Views
What if - 02/08/2010 11:50:28 PM 1792 Views
Re: What if - 02/08/2010 11:57:26 PM 1904 Views
Chapters 13-15. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:12:57 PM 1082 Views
Characters. - 03/08/2010 05:25:47 PM 1947 Views
Re: Characters. - 03/08/2010 05:29:32 PM 2080 Views
Re: Characters. - 08/08/2010 02:21:17 PM 1953 Views
Re: Characters. - 08/08/2010 02:23:35 PM 2141 Views
OK. I don't like how one-sided the Slytherins are. - 08/08/2010 02:30:22 PM 2049 Views
Agreed. - 08/08/2010 02:37:18 PM 1994 Views
Re: Agreed. - 08/08/2010 02:45:30 PM 1952 Views
Re: Agreed. - 08/08/2010 02:49:59 PM 1926 Views
Agreed. - 08/08/2010 03:03:19 PM 2035 Views
Re: 200 people - 09/08/2010 12:09:53 AM 1963 Views
Well. - 09/08/2010 08:21:24 AM 2044 Views
True - 09/08/2010 02:02:52 PM 2064 Views
we were discussing her numbers in the other thread - 12/08/2010 12:49:29 AM 2230 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM 1059 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 03/08/2010 05:31:43 PM 2062 Views
Crookshanks. - 08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM 1934 Views
Yes - 08/08/2010 02:25:12 PM 1921 Views
I knew I saw this somewhere. - 09/08/2010 08:16:01 PM 1871 Views
Re: I knew I saw this somewhere. - 09/08/2010 09:01:18 PM 2030 Views
pedant. - 09/08/2010 09:27:25 PM 2052 Views
Did they come out and explain Crookshanks? - 11/08/2010 04:20:18 PM 2079 Views
Re: Did they come out and explain Crookshanks? - 11/08/2010 04:21:37 PM 1920 Views
The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:26:37 PM 1078 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:36:35 PM 2047 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:48:57 PM 2124 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:57:06 PM 2017 Views
For Quidditch fans, this is probably the best book. - 03/08/2010 05:38:49 PM 1982 Views
spoilers in headlines, mister! - 03/08/2010 05:43:22 PM 2015 Views
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match. - 03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM 1892 Views
Jordan's commenting is always great. - 03/08/2010 06:00:12 PM 2028 Views
Re: Jordan's commenting is always great. - 03/08/2010 06:18:01 PM 2218 Views
Re: I really enjoyed the first quidditch match. - 03/08/2010 06:02:53 PM 1981 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM 1111 Views
Characters. - 04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM 2104 Views
Re: Characters. - 04/08/2010 05:18:56 PM 2032 Views
Re. Sirius. - 05/08/2010 02:40:41 PM 2098 Views
Witnessing and getting the truth through to Harry. - 05/08/2010 10:00:34 PM 1999 Views
Hm. - 08/08/2010 02:58:46 PM 1917 Views
Re: Hm. - 08/08/2010 03:01:48 PM 1818 Views
Re: Hm. - 08/08/2010 03:07:29 PM 2022 Views
Re: Hm. - 08/08/2010 03:12:48 PM 1925 Views
OK - 08/08/2010 03:15:10 PM 1950 Views
Re: OK - 08/08/2010 03:16:23 PM 2036 Views
Plotting and writing. - 04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM 1924 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 04/08/2010 05:18:04 PM 1779 Views
Heh. - 08/08/2010 03:05:16 PM 2042 Views
Other thoughts. *NM* - 04/08/2010 04:19:15 PM 1191 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 04/08/2010 05:19:45 PM 1884 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:09:23 PM 2060 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:11:43 PM 2039 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:14:04 PM 1838 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:15:51 PM 1912 Views
Chapters 19-20. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:13:27 PM 1058 Views
Characters. - 05/08/2010 02:40:22 PM 1779 Views
Re: Characters. - 05/08/2010 02:45:53 PM 2321 Views
See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 03:04:24 PM 2398 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM 2090 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 03:54:31 PM 2412 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 05:01:52 PM 2243 Views
Something I've only just realized about Snape... (massive book six and seven spoilers) - 05/08/2010 02:53:15 PM 2090 Views
I didn't think of that! Of course you are right! - 05/08/2010 02:58:45 PM 2041 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 05/08/2010 02:40:42 PM 975 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 05/08/2010 02:48:02 PM 2226 Views
I think it's a good thing she explains her clues. - 05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM 1991 Views
Re: I think it's a good thing she explains her clues. - 05/08/2010 03:16:37 PM 2008 Views
Ah, yes, my bad. - 05/08/2010 04:02:26 PM 1928 Views
Other thoughts. *NM* - 05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM 1018 Views
killing - 05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM 1874 Views
Yeah, I noted the same thing. (spoilers for rest of series) - 05/08/2010 03:12:15 PM 2121 Views
Re: Yeah, I noted the same thing. (spoilers for rest of series) - 05/08/2010 03:18:12 PM 1932 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM 1015 Views
And for the last time in this book... characters? *NM* - 06/08/2010 05:03:30 PM 1081 Views
Re: And for the last time in this book... characters? - 06/08/2010 06:26:23 PM 1967 Views
Plotting and writing. - 06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM 1820 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 06/08/2010 06:27:54 PM 1823 Views
I normally don't care for time travel. - 07/08/2010 01:20:13 AM 2068 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM* - 06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM 1102 Views
Re: And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. - 06/08/2010 06:28:40 PM 1926 Views
I love the very very end. - 07/08/2010 01:23:02 AM 2178 Views
Re: I love the very very end. - 07/08/2010 08:49:50 AM 1944 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM 1088 Views
Character development. - 28/07/2010 01:17:20 PM 1878 Views
Harry develops by leaps and bounds - 28/07/2010 02:13:10 PM 1884 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM 1032 Views
Things Are Not What They Seem - 01/08/2010 11:15:23 PM 1878 Views
- 02/08/2010 11:51:52 PM 1964 Views
Re: - 02/08/2010 11:58:30 PM 1946 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 1108 Views
I'd say it is one of the best in the series - 02/08/2010 10:23:49 AM 1882 Views
Absolutely. - 05/08/2010 08:15:20 PM 2055 Views
More of a question, really - 01/08/2010 10:40:23 PM 1928 Views
I think this is situational and a sad commentary on his home life. - 02/08/2010 03:01:49 PM 1759 Views
Well, but the question still remains - 02/08/2010 03:04:01 PM 1891 Views
Oh, got it. - 02/08/2010 03:12:47 PM 1973 Views
Ah, interesting - 02/08/2010 03:50:41 PM 2019 Views
The problem came down to actually doing the work. - 02/08/2010 03:54:21 PM 1926 Views
I never had any. - 03/08/2010 03:25:07 PM 1853 Views
I'm finding this one more difficult to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:38:01 PM 1936 Views
Apparently you are not alone in that. - 03/08/2010 05:48:13 PM 2070 Views
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this. - 04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM 2035 Views
Hehehe - 05/08/2010 12:14:38 AM 1940 Views
I had totally forgotten about that choir and the Ray Bradbury reference. - 05/08/2010 12:37:09 AM 1845 Views
Okay, so possibly a Shakespeare reference also used by Bradbury. Whatever. *NM* - 05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM 1011 Views
Possibly? It's the witches in Macbeth. *NM* - 05/08/2010 08:36:20 AM 1003 Views
Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 06:46:26 PM 1887 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 07:16:37 PM 2088 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 07:57:02 PM 1886 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 08:00:01 PM 1960 Views
Suggestions for the re-read. - 28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM 2088 Views
I was wondering when this would come up - 28/07/2010 06:39:01 PM 1900 Views
I knew I was gonna forget something. - 28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM 2009 Views
Perhaps - 29/07/2010 09:29:53 AM 1954 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 909 Views
Yet - 29/07/2010 10:13:44 AM 1998 Views
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead> - 29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM 2036 Views
I may be missing a reference - 29/07/2010 11:03:47 AM 1891 Views
The villain is a huge Aleutian man with such a tattoo. *NM* - 29/07/2010 11:09:30 AM 1048 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 2022 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 1930 Views
I think I should make clear, just in case, that I don't mean immediately. - 03/08/2010 05:11:26 PM 1876 Views
Yes - 03/08/2010 05:13:10 PM 1864 Views
Your patience is admirable. *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:15:45 PM 998 Views
There are no words *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:16:51 PM 1091 Views

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