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I think it's a good thing she explains her clues. Legolas Send a noteboard - 05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM
All comes together and all clues are spelled out (ok, saving a couple for the final two chapters). Rowling really does not want us to miss how clever she has been. Or, a more generous way of putting it, she wants to make sure her younger readers don't get all confused.

As my sudden Snape discovery proved (can you tell I'm somewhat proud of that? ;) ), there are things she does not spell out and leaves for rereaders to catch, though then again it would've been hard to spell that out in any way that didn't seem lame. But in this case, even for an adult book some of the clues were so subtle that they might've been missed if she hadn't pointed them out, nevermind for children.
In fact, this is one of the tendencies of this book that I really like. It comes in waves. All is well. Snape has been neutralised, Peter is captured, Sirius will be free, and then one misstep takes them from happy-land and WHAM into chaos, death and despair (only to be averted with a time-turner).

Yeah, it's a nice move. The only thing that is somewhat far-fetched is the way nobody seems to think of switching off the Marauders' Map, so that everyone who needs to can consult it and then run off.
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The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - 28/07/2010 12:00:14 PM 3393 Views
Chapters 1-3. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:01:10 PM 1154 Views
Characters. - 28/07/2010 12:03:36 PM 1941 Views
Aunt Marge - 28/07/2010 01:13:34 PM 1837 Views
She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say... - 28/07/2010 01:40:37 PM 2169 Views
Re: She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say... - 28/07/2010 02:15:24 PM 2023 Views
Stan Shunpike. - 28/07/2010 02:01:46 PM 1965 Views
Re: Stan Shunpike. - 28/07/2010 02:19:41 PM 1915 Views
True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape. - 28/07/2010 02:46:38 PM 1857 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape. - 28/07/2010 02:50:20 PM 1794 Views
If I'm not mistaken - 30/07/2010 04:36:18 PM 1848 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape. - 07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM 2230 Views
It's not entirely clear, true. - 08/08/2010 02:44:50 PM 1985 Views
Incorrect - 28/07/2010 04:17:09 PM 1897 Views
Re: Incorrect - 28/07/2010 06:11:12 PM 2038 Views
Re: Incorrect - 28/07/2010 06:35:31 PM 1980 Views
Colin Creevey is working class. - 28/07/2010 06:32:45 PM 1883 Views
Correct me if I'm wrong - 28/07/2010 06:38:20 PM 1906 Views
Ah, that's a good point. - 28/07/2010 06:43:00 PM 1822 Views
True - 28/07/2010 06:50:30 PM 1909 Views
Judging by his father's profession, yes. - 28/07/2010 06:53:02 PM 1928 Views
Re: Judging by his father's profession, yes. - 28/07/2010 07:34:41 PM 1768 Views
Right. - 29/07/2010 02:28:34 PM 1895 Views
- 02/08/2010 11:47:48 PM 1857 Views
Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM 1087 Views
Guilt v. innocence? Flight? - 28/07/2010 01:16:25 PM 1834 Views
And the beginning of "appearances can be deceiving". - 02/08/2010 11:48:36 PM 1879 Views
First impressions on the news of Sirius Black's escape. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:05:26 PM 1085 Views
Aaaah, Sirius. - 28/07/2010 01:21:32 PM 1954 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius. - 28/07/2010 01:44:50 PM 2030 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius. - 28/07/2010 02:22:17 PM 1790 Views
I was talking about that, yes, among other things. - 28/07/2010 07:00:08 PM 1786 Views
Re: I was talking about that, yes, among other things. - 28/07/2010 07:03:11 PM 2038 Views
Thats easy really - 28/07/2010 02:05:26 PM 1862 Views
Writing style. - 28/07/2010 12:07:24 PM 1962 Views
It is a better book. - 28/07/2010 02:00:54 PM 1849 Views
Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:09:33 PM 2060 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:23:03 PM 1995 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:34:37 PM 1768 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think - 28/07/2010 02:36:38 PM 1771 Views
Re: It is a better book. - 03/08/2010 05:53:30 PM 1777 Views
Re: It is a better book. - 03/08/2010 05:59:22 PM 1781 Views
Foreshadowings, details that turn out to be important, etc. *NM* - 28/07/2010 12:08:07 PM 1019 Views
That is very well done in this book, I thought. - 28/07/2010 02:08:21 PM 1799 Views
Dont foget the most important foreshadowing! - 28/07/2010 02:15:35 PM 1770 Views
not yet. - 28/07/2010 02:23:28 PM 1749 Views
What am I doing today? I need some more sleep! - 28/07/2010 02:36:54 PM 1774 Views
Re: That is very well done in this book, I thought. - 03/08/2010 05:54:06 PM 1834 Views
Chapters 4-6. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:11:45 PM 1005 Views
Characters. - 29/07/2010 10:23:28 AM 1801 Views
LupinLupinLupinLupinLupinLupin! - 29/07/2010 11:48:55 AM 1908 Views
Hmmm I'm wondering...is Lupin one of your fav characters? *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM 956 Views
Could be, could be. - 29/07/2010 02:37:41 PM 1842 Views
Well it was subtle so I don't think many people will catch it *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:41:38 PM 991 Views
Subtlety is what I do *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:43:00 PM 979 Views
He is so lovely. - 03/08/2010 06:00:26 PM 1919 Views
Re: He is so lovely. - 03/08/2010 06:10:34 PM 1829 Views
Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here? - 30/07/2010 01:48:06 PM 1778 Views
I don't think it's too early. - 30/07/2010 06:26:15 PM 1689 Views
I don't think it's too early to argue that. - 03/08/2010 06:02:17 PM 1943 Views
Themes. *NM* - 29/07/2010 10:24:31 AM 901 Views
Death and fear of death - 29/07/2010 11:51:25 AM 1782 Views
Writing style. - 29/07/2010 10:26:07 AM 1821 Views
"Plotting" might be a more interesting discussion point - 29/07/2010 11:57:20 AM 1929 Views
I was amazed at all the tiny details - 29/07/2010 03:25:08 PM 1713 Views
Re: I was amazed at all the tiny details - 29/07/2010 03:27:04 PM 1807 Views
Introduction of the Dementors. *NM* - 29/07/2010 10:26:59 AM 990 Views
They are Rowling's most terrifying creation - 29/07/2010 12:00:34 PM 1765 Views
Without his knowledge or consent of course *NM* - 29/07/2010 02:31:47 PM 926 Views
Yes - 29/07/2010 02:34:01 PM 1914 Views
I thinking something thats a little off topic - 29/07/2010 02:40:36 PM 1719 Views
Re: I thinking something thats a little off topic - 29/07/2010 02:42:09 PM 1736 Views
Ooo I didn't think of that! I like you. We can be friends - 29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM 1739 Views
Mission accomplished. - 29/07/2010 02:48:35 PM 1810 Views
Yippee! - 29/07/2010 02:52:16 PM 1726 Views
And among her most original, I'd say. - 30/07/2010 01:53:25 PM 1750 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts." - 04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM 1718 Views
Re: "He's at Hogwarts." - 04/08/2010 11:52:55 PM 1871 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 1747 Views
Indeed, but.... ~spoileriffic for Book 4~ - 05/08/2010 02:19:22 PM 1731 Views
Good point. - 05/08/2010 11:06:10 PM 1797 Views
Chapters 7-9. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:11:59 PM 1123 Views
Characters. - 30/07/2010 02:07:20 PM 1704 Views
Re: Characters. - 30/07/2010 02:50:07 PM 1626 Views
Lupin vs. Snape - 30/07/2010 06:10:07 PM 1708 Views
Re: Lupin vs. Snape - 30/07/2010 06:12:06 PM 1811 Views
Yeah, he knew because of Sirius' little slip. - 30/07/2010 06:27:36 PM 1726 Views
I doubt Sirius had to actually say that it was Lupin though. - 31/07/2010 04:33:38 AM 1796 Views
Indeed - 02/08/2010 10:26:31 AM 1840 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 30/07/2010 02:08:03 PM 875 Views
She is getting good at misdirection - 30/07/2010 02:50:40 PM 1713 Views
Other things you want to comment on. *NM* - 30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM 988 Views
- 30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM 1705 Views
Good spell and great scene with the Bogart. - 30/07/2010 06:19:16 PM 1756 Views
Agree, especially about Neville - 31/07/2010 06:21:25 AM 1843 Views
Agreed. *NM* - 31/07/2010 09:56:53 AM 987 Views
Yes, excellent scene. - 09/08/2010 08:06:05 PM 1760 Views
Chapters 10-12. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM 898 Views
Characters. - 02/08/2010 12:50:36 PM 1865 Views
Re: Characters. - 02/08/2010 01:36:53 PM 1726 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 02/08/2010 12:50:56 PM 846 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 02/08/2010 01:36:49 PM 1953 Views
I caught that too. - 02/08/2010 02:50:03 PM 1622 Views
I think it's just an unfortunate way of expressing herself. - 02/08/2010 02:53:26 PM 1712 Views
Re: I caught that too. - 02/08/2010 02:53:48 PM 1753 Views
I suspect.... - 03/08/2010 03:17:32 PM 1913 Views
Re: I suspect.... - 03/08/2010 03:22:39 PM 1736 Views
I agree - 03/08/2010 05:25:10 PM 1744 Views
Re: I agree - 03/08/2010 05:26:15 PM 1831 Views
Mmmkay. - 04/08/2010 02:39:14 PM 1792 Views
Trelawny's Predictions - 02/08/2010 02:56:53 PM 1738 Views
Re: Trelawny's Predictions - 02/08/2010 02:59:05 PM 1729 Views
Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM* - 02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM 978 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... - 02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM 1722 Views
What if - 02/08/2010 11:50:28 PM 1573 Views
Re: What if - 02/08/2010 11:57:26 PM 1709 Views
Chapters 13-15. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:12:57 PM 980 Views
Characters. - 03/08/2010 05:25:47 PM 1745 Views
Re: Characters. - 03/08/2010 05:29:32 PM 1850 Views
Re: Characters. - 08/08/2010 02:21:17 PM 1743 Views
Re: Characters. - 08/08/2010 02:23:35 PM 1909 Views
OK. I don't like how one-sided the Slytherins are. - 08/08/2010 02:30:22 PM 1843 Views
Agreed. - 08/08/2010 02:37:18 PM 1776 Views
Re: Agreed. - 08/08/2010 02:45:30 PM 1736 Views
Re: Agreed. - 08/08/2010 02:49:59 PM 1718 Views
Agreed. - 08/08/2010 03:03:19 PM 1809 Views
Re: 200 people - 09/08/2010 12:09:53 AM 1734 Views
Well. - 09/08/2010 08:21:24 AM 1848 Views
True - 09/08/2010 02:02:52 PM 1851 Views
we were discussing her numbers in the other thread - 12/08/2010 12:49:29 AM 2036 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM 946 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 03/08/2010 05:31:43 PM 1847 Views
Crookshanks. - 08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM 1744 Views
Yes - 08/08/2010 02:25:12 PM 1722 Views
I knew I saw this somewhere. - 09/08/2010 08:16:01 PM 1669 Views
Re: I knew I saw this somewhere. - 09/08/2010 09:01:18 PM 1791 Views
pedant. - 09/08/2010 09:27:25 PM 1832 Views
Did they come out and explain Crookshanks? - 11/08/2010 04:20:18 PM 1856 Views
Re: Did they come out and explain Crookshanks? - 11/08/2010 04:21:37 PM 1653 Views
The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:26:37 PM 968 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:36:35 PM 1811 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:48:57 PM 1881 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:57:06 PM 1776 Views
For Quidditch fans, this is probably the best book. - 03/08/2010 05:38:49 PM 1754 Views
spoilers in headlines, mister! - 03/08/2010 05:43:22 PM 1788 Views
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match. - 03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM 1695 Views
Jordan's commenting is always great. - 03/08/2010 06:00:12 PM 1811 Views
Re: Jordan's commenting is always great. - 03/08/2010 06:18:01 PM 2016 Views
Re: I really enjoyed the first quidditch match. - 03/08/2010 06:02:53 PM 1733 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM 1002 Views
Characters. - 04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM 1882 Views
Re: Characters. - 04/08/2010 05:18:56 PM 1788 Views
Re. Sirius. - 05/08/2010 02:40:41 PM 1891 Views
Witnessing and getting the truth through to Harry. - 05/08/2010 10:00:34 PM 1786 Views
Hm. - 08/08/2010 02:58:46 PM 1679 Views
Re: Hm. - 08/08/2010 03:01:48 PM 1596 Views
Re: Hm. - 08/08/2010 03:07:29 PM 1820 Views
Re: Hm. - 08/08/2010 03:12:48 PM 1703 Views
OK - 08/08/2010 03:15:10 PM 1744 Views
Re: OK - 08/08/2010 03:16:23 PM 1809 Views
Plotting and writing. - 04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM 1671 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 04/08/2010 05:18:04 PM 1559 Views
Heh. - 08/08/2010 03:05:16 PM 1825 Views
Other thoughts. *NM* - 04/08/2010 04:19:15 PM 1087 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 04/08/2010 05:19:45 PM 1662 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:09:23 PM 1854 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:11:43 PM 1823 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:14:04 PM 1623 Views
Re: Other thoughts. - 08/08/2010 03:15:51 PM 1675 Views
Chapters 19-20. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:13:27 PM 946 Views
Characters. - 05/08/2010 02:40:22 PM 1575 Views
Re: Characters. - 05/08/2010 02:45:53 PM 2080 Views
See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 03:04:24 PM 2121 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM 1859 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 03:54:31 PM 2226 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7) - 05/08/2010 05:01:52 PM 2034 Views
Something I've only just realized about Snape... (massive book six and seven spoilers) - 05/08/2010 02:53:15 PM 1835 Views
I didn't think of that! Of course you are right! - 05/08/2010 02:58:45 PM 1816 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 05/08/2010 02:40:42 PM 852 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 05/08/2010 02:48:02 PM 2003 Views
I think it's a good thing she explains her clues. - 05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM 1801 Views
Re: I think it's a good thing she explains her clues. - 05/08/2010 03:16:37 PM 1789 Views
Ah, yes, my bad. - 05/08/2010 04:02:26 PM 1714 Views
Other thoughts. *NM* - 05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM 898 Views
killing - 05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM 1644 Views
Yeah, I noted the same thing. (spoilers for rest of series) - 05/08/2010 03:12:15 PM 1885 Views
Re: Yeah, I noted the same thing. (spoilers for rest of series) - 05/08/2010 03:18:12 PM 1696 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM 915 Views
And for the last time in this book... characters? *NM* - 06/08/2010 05:03:30 PM 969 Views
Re: And for the last time in this book... characters? - 06/08/2010 06:26:23 PM 1766 Views
Plotting and writing. - 06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM 1605 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 06/08/2010 06:27:54 PM 1621 Views
I normally don't care for time travel. - 07/08/2010 01:20:13 AM 1863 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM* - 06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM 1001 Views
Re: And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. - 06/08/2010 06:28:40 PM 1744 Views
I love the very very end. - 07/08/2010 01:23:02 AM 1953 Views
Re: I love the very very end. - 07/08/2010 08:49:50 AM 1743 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM 980 Views
Character development. - 28/07/2010 01:17:20 PM 1683 Views
Harry develops by leaps and bounds - 28/07/2010 02:13:10 PM 1689 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM* - 28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM 914 Views
Things Are Not What They Seem - 01/08/2010 11:15:23 PM 1673 Views
- 02/08/2010 11:51:52 PM 1776 Views
Re: - 02/08/2010 11:58:30 PM 1728 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 993 Views
I'd say it is one of the best in the series - 02/08/2010 10:23:49 AM 1666 Views
Absolutely. - 05/08/2010 08:15:20 PM 1837 Views
More of a question, really - 01/08/2010 10:40:23 PM 1710 Views
I think this is situational and a sad commentary on his home life. - 02/08/2010 03:01:49 PM 1559 Views
Well, but the question still remains - 02/08/2010 03:04:01 PM 1670 Views
Oh, got it. - 02/08/2010 03:12:47 PM 1763 Views
Ah, interesting - 02/08/2010 03:50:41 PM 1802 Views
The problem came down to actually doing the work. - 02/08/2010 03:54:21 PM 1721 Views
I never had any. - 03/08/2010 03:25:07 PM 1666 Views
I'm finding this one more difficult to discuss. - 03/08/2010 05:38:01 PM 1729 Views
Apparently you are not alone in that. - 03/08/2010 05:48:13 PM 1872 Views
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this. - 04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM 1808 Views
Hehehe - 05/08/2010 12:14:38 AM 1740 Views
I had totally forgotten about that choir and the Ray Bradbury reference. - 05/08/2010 12:37:09 AM 1653 Views
Okay, so possibly a Shakespeare reference also used by Bradbury. Whatever. *NM* - 05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM 909 Views
Possibly? It's the witches in Macbeth. *NM* - 05/08/2010 08:36:20 AM 897 Views
Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 06:46:26 PM 1654 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 07:16:37 PM 1868 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 07:57:02 PM 1698 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus. - 09/08/2010 08:00:01 PM 1761 Views
Suggestions for the re-read. - 28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM 1862 Views
I was wondering when this would come up - 28/07/2010 06:39:01 PM 1688 Views
I knew I was gonna forget something. - 28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM 1798 Views
Perhaps - 29/07/2010 09:29:53 AM 1742 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 810 Views
Yet - 29/07/2010 10:13:44 AM 1776 Views
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead> - 29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM 1816 Views
I may be missing a reference - 29/07/2010 11:03:47 AM 1679 Views
The villain is a huge Aleutian man with such a tattoo. *NM* - 29/07/2010 11:09:30 AM 928 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 1788 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 1719 Views
I think I should make clear, just in case, that I don't mean immediately. - 03/08/2010 05:11:26 PM 1673 Views
Yes - 03/08/2010 05:13:10 PM 1685 Views
Your patience is admirable. *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:15:45 PM 886 Views
There are no words *NM* - 03/08/2010 05:16:51 PM 985 Views

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