Active Users:339 Time:04/05/2024 08:01:55 PM
Re: Plotting and plot continuity - Edit 1

Before modification by Camilla at 29/09/2010 05:24:25 PM

What was it Dumbledore saw in the smoke? The "in essence divided"? Is it a reference to Nagini being a Horcrux? Or about Dumbledore possessing her? Or about Harry? I cannot make it out.

The twins' jab at him being safely cooped up in headquarters must have hurt, and his reaction, along with Snape's taunts and the reaction to them, lays the ground for Harry's mistaken assumption later on.

Also, Sirius tells Kreecher "OUT", which is the ambiguous order that makes it possible for him to throw a spanner in the works. It is interesting how this plot event is handled. The correct theory is voiced -- that he has left the house -- (and by Harry, no less), and then it is matter-of-factly reported that ``Kreecher, it transpired, had been lurking in the attic''. Good burying. It seems like an authoritative, objective narrator correcting the mistaken assumption, but it is anything but. And it is reinforced by Harry finding the explanation lacking. By this time, all readers will have picked up on Harry always being wrong, and now she uses it against us.

Broderick Bode gets a mention on the first visit to St. Mungo's, and then the plant is introduced while they visit Lockhart. Just as we are told his language may slowly be returning.

The regurgitating toilet guy is revealed to have gotten off his charge. As StormCrow pointed out earlier, that is relevant to the Umbridge/DA storyline.

And Sirius' mirror for communicating. I love that touch, as it provides an avenue of communication which Harry could have used. It makes the end all the more tragic because he forgets about it. And the reason why he forgets about it is of course that he, already from the beginning, has resolved never to use it because he connects using it to driving Sirius from the safety of HQ. The reason for not using it is therefore the same as what he ends up doing by not using it. Classic tragic pattern. Did I mention Rowling does the tragedy plot quite well?

The scene where Harry leaves Grimaud Place is quite heartbreaking in retrospect. There is so much emphasis on what Harry feels he should say, but doesn't find the right time to say; and that is of course what ends up colouring his interpretation of events later, not to mention provides the fuel for Voldemort's attack.

Similarly, the Occlumency session is what provides Harry with the knowledge he needs to do Voldemort's bidding in going to the Department of Mysteries.

Snape's observation that eye contact is often essential in legilimency provides a reason for Dumbledore's studied avoidance of Harry's eyes.

I take it Voldemort's happiness is in relation to the mass outbreak from Azkaban.

Return to message