I lovelovelove Lupin. Ahem. Oh, clear and rational analysis and discussion, you say? Right.
First Scabbers. Not so much an observation as a question, really. If Pettigrew lives as a rat, in the body of a rat, and he never returns to human form, should he not age as a rat, and be very weak and die soon?
Dunno. How long do rats live? Couldn't magical ratty pets be longlived?
I don't know. The reason I brought it up was that the man in the pet shop said something about the common garden rat and living 3 years or so.
The Twins: I love how Fred and George tried to shut Percy in a pyramid. And their mocking parody of him greeting Harry had me giggling out loud. But then they are perfectly subtle and tactful about cheering Harry up about the dementors and Malfoy at the feast. They become many-faceted, not just clowns or funny happy guys. They are actually able to deal sensibly with a younger kid being bullied. I am impressed.
The twins are really well written characters. I believe everything about them. That's one of Rowling's talents, I think, creating multi-faceted personalities to inhabit her books.
Indeed. Or, she suggests, creates the forms, and then allows us to fill in all the rest. It is an astonishing talent, and one many of my favourite authors possesses. I prefer that to people who paint their characters in great detail and attempt to control my understanding of them. I suspect this is the reason why Roh and I have had so many heated debates over the various Rowling characters -- we each imbued them with different traits. This is possible because they are not two-dimensional. You can put a lot of stuff in a box; it is more difficult to put anything in sheet of paper.
I like Mr and Mrs Weasley's discussion on whether to tell Harry. It is nice to see they love him. And how Mr Weasley would be willing to go back on his word to Fudge because he feels Harry needs to know what is going on. Of course, this reflects on Fudge again, feeling it is better to just keep everyone in the dark.
So lovely. Fudge is the perfect government man. It's kind of reassuring that even the Magical World has such useless leaders.
Reassuring? Really?
And Crookshanks is perfectly lovely. I don't see what Ron is on about. It sounds like the world's best cat. Although it isn't a cat, is it. It's a something else, the name of which escapes me.
Cats drool.
Not as much as dogs.
But Crookshanks is funny. Reminds me of Greebo.
That hadn't occurred to me, but you are right. At least partially. Less ... insane?
But LupinLupinLupin! Ah, one of my major literary crushes. And it is not just the fact that he offers free chocolate (always a plus). He is asleep, then, as soon as the dementors are there he protects the kids and then he offers them chocolate. Lovely. Perfect. He makes everything feel safe and good.
I bet he's pretty huggable as well.
I am sure he is. I have never quite forgiven Harry for not giving him a hug when he left.
Malfoy is his usual self. Clearly mocking Harry's reaction to the dementors to cover up his own fear of them. And then getting suitably punished for his disrespect by Buckbeak.
~nods~ Slimy little twerp. I do feel sorry for him, though. What with his father and all.
Yes. Still, that excuse only goes so far. He is getting to a point where it is getting a little worn.
Sir Cadogan is a little annoying. Or quite annoying. But he never reaches anywhere near the levels of annoyance reached in the last book.
~nods~
Trelawny. Is lovely in an annoying sort of way. I fully intend to start walking up to random strangers and say "You know that thing you are dreading? It will happen on [random date]". It is genius. And I really like how some of her "predictions" turn out to be real, but not in the way she interprets them. For example, the ``around Easter, one of our number will leave us forever''. And she does seem to have a good ability to read human nature, as when she identifies Neville as the one most likely to break a cup if prodded in the right way. She is a problematic character, though. Very morally grey in the way she abuses the credibility of students by making them think one of them is going to die, for example. And I wonder whether she got the twins mixed up when she told Parvati to beware of red-haired men, as her sister is the one who has a miserable time with Ron at the Yule Ball.
Trelawny is great. I like that Rowling remembers to have useless established teachers as well as the replacements the kids have suffered over the past two years. Makes Quirrell and Lockhart seem much less anomalous.
True.
And Emma Thompson was the perfect pick for Trelawney.
She was indeed. There has been some very good casting in the movies. Trelawny, Lockhart, Snape, McGonnagall, Mr & Mrs Weasley, the Twins, Wood, ...
Also: I've often wondered whether the teenage girl readers are supposed to think that the thing Lavender is dreading is her period. Might make young girls feel a bit better about the fact they're worried about it. I like to think of Rowling as being caring like that.
Huh. That never occurred to me.
McGonnagall, as usual, the voice of clear-cutting no-nonsense reason, knowing the perfect way to dispell Trelawny's mumbo-jumbo.
I had a teacher like McGonagall. She was wonderful. Strict but fair.
I am envious.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
structured procrastinator
The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
28/07/2010 12:00:14 PM
- 2641 Views
Chapters 1-3. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:01:10 PM
- 889 Views
Characters.
28/07/2010 12:03:36 PM
- 1483 Views
Aunt Marge
28/07/2010 01:13:34 PM
- 1401 Views
She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
28/07/2010 01:40:37 PM
- 1740 Views
Re: She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
28/07/2010 02:15:24 PM
- 1569 Views
Stan Shunpike.
28/07/2010 02:01:46 PM
- 1545 Views
Re: Stan Shunpike.
28/07/2010 02:19:41 PM
- 1460 Views
True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
28/07/2010 02:46:38 PM
- 1425 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM
- 1650 Views
I think, maybe, it's comparing with other wizarding schools in the world.
08/08/2010 11:35:31 AM
- 1537 Views
Colin Creevey is working class.
28/07/2010 06:32:45 PM
- 1442 Views
Correct me if I'm wrong
28/07/2010 06:38:20 PM
- 1392 Views
Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM
- 835 Views
First impressions on the news of Sirius Black's escape. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:05:26 PM
- 836 Views
Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 01:21:32 PM
- 1545 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 01:44:50 PM
- 1512 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 02:22:17 PM
- 1314 Views
Writing style.
28/07/2010 12:07:24 PM
- 1559 Views
It is a better book.
28/07/2010 02:00:54 PM
- 1412 Views
Its much more mature writing style I think
28/07/2010 02:09:33 PM
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Re: Its much more mature writing style I think
28/07/2010 02:23:03 PM
- 1534 Views
Foreshadowings, details that turn out to be important, etc. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:08:07 PM
- 776 Views
That is very well done in this book, I thought.
28/07/2010 02:08:21 PM
- 1368 Views
Dont foget the most important foreshadowing!
28/07/2010 02:15:35 PM
- 1330 Views
Chapters 4-6. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:11:45 PM
- 752 Views
Characters.
29/07/2010 10:23:28 AM
- 1380 Views
LupinLupinLupinLupinLupinLupin!
29/07/2010 11:48:55 AM
- 1501 Views
Hmmm I'm wondering...is Lupin one of your fav characters? *NM*
29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM
- 724 Views
Could be, could be.
29/07/2010 02:37:41 PM
- 1363 Views
Well it was subtle so I don't think many people will catch it *NM*
29/07/2010 02:41:38 PM
- 735 Views
He is so lovely.
03/08/2010 06:00:26 PM
- 1466 Views
Re: He is so lovely.
03/08/2010 06:10:34 PM
- 1418 Views
Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
30/07/2010 01:48:06 PM
- 1365 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
- 1260 Views
Writing style.
29/07/2010 10:26:07 AM
- 1423 Views
"Plotting" might be a more interesting discussion point
29/07/2010 11:57:20 AM
- 1452 Views
Introduction of the Dementors. *NM*
29/07/2010 10:26:59 AM
- 748 Views
They are Rowling's most terrifying creation
29/07/2010 12:00:34 PM
- 1348 Views
Without his knowledge or consent of course *NM*
29/07/2010 02:31:47 PM
- 720 Views
Yes
29/07/2010 02:34:01 PM
- 1470 Views
I thinking something thats a little off topic
29/07/2010 02:40:36 PM
- 1332 Views
Re: I thinking something thats a little off topic
29/07/2010 02:42:09 PM
- 1313 Views
Ooo I didn't think of that! I like you. We can be friends
29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM
- 1319 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts."
04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM
- 1300 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
- 1334 Views
Chapters 7-9. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:11:59 PM
- 879 Views
Characters.
30/07/2010 02:07:20 PM
- 1285 Views
Re: Characters.
30/07/2010 02:50:07 PM
- 1231 Views
Lupin vs. Snape
30/07/2010 06:10:07 PM
- 1308 Views
Re: Lupin vs. Snape
30/07/2010 06:12:06 PM
- 1393 Views
Other things you want to comment on. *NM*
30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM
- 749 Views
30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM
- 1312 Views
Good spell and great scene with the Bogart.
30/07/2010 06:19:16 PM
- 1340 Views
Chapters 10-12. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM
- 659 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
02/08/2010 12:50:56 PM
- 624 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
02/08/2010 01:36:49 PM
- 1556 Views
I caught that too.
02/08/2010 02:50:03 PM
- 1220 Views
Re: I caught that too.
02/08/2010 02:53:48 PM
- 1358 Views
I suspect....
03/08/2010 03:17:32 PM
- 1498 Views
Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM*
02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM
- 745 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
- 1444 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
- 1360 Views
I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
02/08/2010 02:44:13 PM
- 1354 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
- 1513 Views
It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:47:55 PM
- 1267 Views
Re: It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:57:55 PM
- 1415 Views
No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:28:11 PM
- 1344 Views
Re: No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:31:14 PM
- 1279 Views
Agree about the Twins and my take on Harry's impression of James.
02/08/2010 02:50:11 PM
- 1337 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,...
02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM
- 1278 Views
Chapters 13-15. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:12:57 PM
- 748 Views
Characters.
03/08/2010 05:25:47 PM
- 1322 Views
Re: Characters.
03/08/2010 05:29:32 PM
- 1421 Views
OK. I don't like how one-sided the Slytherins are.
08/08/2010 02:30:22 PM
- 1414 Views
Agreed.
08/08/2010 02:37:18 PM
- 1341 Views
Re: Agreed.
08/08/2010 02:45:30 PM
- 1334 Views
There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
08/08/2010 03:08:51 PM
- 1335 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
- 1334 Views
But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
08/08/2010 03:06:53 PM
- 1531 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
- 1352 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM
- 722 Views
Crookshanks.
08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM
- 1348 Views
I knew I saw this somewhere.
09/08/2010 08:16:01 PM
- 1246 Views
Re: I knew I saw this somewhere.
09/08/2010 09:01:18 PM
- 1398 Views
Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
11/08/2010 04:20:18 PM
- 1428 Views
Re: Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
11/08/2010 04:21:37 PM
- 1245 Views
Thanks, thought I was loosing it... well, maybe I am, but I can still read.
11/08/2010 04:26:31 PM
- 1497 Views
The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. *NM*
03/08/2010 05:26:37 PM
- 744 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss.
03/08/2010 05:36:35 PM
- 1408 Views
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match.
03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM
- 1271 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM
- 759 Views
Characters.
04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM
- 1385 Views
Plotting and writing.
04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM
- 1248 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
04/08/2010 04:19:15 PM
- 862 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
04/08/2010 05:19:45 PM
- 1280 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
08/08/2010 03:09:23 PM
- 1426 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
08/08/2010 03:11:43 PM
- 1365 Views
Chapters 19-20. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:27 PM
- 721 Views
Characters.
05/08/2010 02:40:22 PM
- 1143 Views
Re: Characters.
05/08/2010 02:45:53 PM
- 1598 Views
See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:04:24 PM
- 1702 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM
- 1415 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:54:31 PM
- 1810 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 05:01:52 PM
- 1623 Views
Something I've only just realized about Snape... (massive book six and seven spoilers)
05/08/2010 02:53:15 PM
- 1426 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
05/08/2010 02:40:42 PM
- 608 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
05/08/2010 02:48:02 PM
- 1494 Views
I think it's a good thing she explains her clues.
05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM
- 1353 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM
- 680 Views
killing
05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM
- 1243 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM
- 691 Views
Plotting and writing.
06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM
- 1173 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM*
06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM
- 774 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM
- 732 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM
- 683 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
- 744 Views
More of a question, really
01/08/2010 10:40:23 PM
- 1319 Views
I think this is situational and a sad commentary on his home life.
02/08/2010 03:01:49 PM
- 1141 Views
Well, but the question still remains
02/08/2010 03:04:01 PM
- 1262 Views
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this.
04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM
- 1382 Views
I had totally forgotten about that choir and the Ray Bradbury reference.
05/08/2010 12:37:09 AM
- 1212 Views
Okay, so possibly a Shakespeare reference also used by Bradbury. Whatever. *NM*
05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM
- 660 Views
Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
09/08/2010 06:46:26 PM
- 1236 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
09/08/2010 07:16:37 PM
- 1440 Views
Suggestions for the re-read.
28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM
- 1435 Views
I knew I was gonna forget something.
28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM
- 1410 Views
Perhaps
29/07/2010 09:29:53 AM
- 1328 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
- 574 Views
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead>
29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM
- 1410 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
- 1355 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
- 1324 Views
I think I should make clear, just in case, that I don't mean immediately.
03/08/2010 05:11:26 PM
- 1261 Views
Yes
03/08/2010 05:13:10 PM
- 1295 Views