Thursday, July 25, 2013

Chamber of Secrets, Chapter One

Every time I think about it, book two ends up near the bottom of my list in the series, but when I pick it up again..it reminds me how much I really do like it - it may actually be one of my favorites..apart from the introduction of [spoiler] whose whole existence is problematic, and the concept of happy family life we’ll see a bit later..and which is one of my more consistent problems with the books. But the story is wonderful, and I do love seeing Harry back at home.
Seth's Severus Snape..knowing he will have to teach Harry once again in the Fall..




Jenna’s right, we’ve got a lot of refreshers in this chapter. Harry is home again, hating
his family, longing for escape, and anticipating another school year with friends..but uncertain again - he never really knows where he stands in the magical world, or the hearts of his friends. He wants certainty that can’t be given in this world, he lacks trust - a faith in the goodness and consistency of those he loves. It’s sort of a common thread for Harry throughout the books - like most of Rowling’s characters, he doesn’t love confidently or consistently..there are too many doubts and resting demons he can’t overcome.

Here in the beginning again, Harry is resentful and angry. He thinks of his friends savagely, jealously..In this book we’ll see a bit more of the families behind the trio..and it leads me to wonder more and more about Rowling’s own family..but I can save that for later..For now, Harry is trapped in misery: angry, lonely, and bitter.

Like Jenna, I long to try Aunt Petunia’s Pudding..Puddings are the best! But she and I are off sugar together, and, as I’m also off coffee, I don’t have the charity and sweetness of heart to make it just for Seth and Yarrow..Christie??? Want to give it a go?


10 comments:

  1. For the moment I'm just commenting to get others comments. Although I might have a few thoughts. :)

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  2. Seth, props on breaking out of the Alan Rickman mold for Snape. ;) (Most of us Potterheads occasionally forget that Rickman ISN'T actually Snape.)

    Masha, I'm very curious about your spoiler person with the problematic existence. (If it's Dobby, well, I love him anyway. :P) And I'm very curious about your thoughts about family! I think I love the Weasleys like I love Dumbledore--with absolute devotion, loads of admiration for their virtues, and a blatant inability to see their flaws ninety-five percent of the time. ;P But I don't think Rowling's family was entirely happy, and her first marriage certainly wasn't, so you might be onto something with your thoughts.

    And not even coffee could make me charitable enough to make a pudding for JUST Lou. I would have to have a piece. ;)

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    1. I'm ready to post about him (yeah, it's Dobby..and his entire race)as soon as you get your post up! (and Seth finishes the drawings to go along!!! (I love getting my own personalized pictures ;)..The Weasley's will have to wait..but it'll be interesting to look into..

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  3. Regarding Harry's difficulty in trusting his loved ones, I hadn't thought of it before, but that seems to me an entirely reasonable demon for him to struggle with. After all, until he went to Hogwarts he had never known simple love or devotion, but had hungered and yearned for it. I can imagine that, having found it, he would remain ever-terrified that it might be snatched away again, or turn out to not be what he thought it was, and that this would haunt him subconsciously (I have similar thoughts regarding Ron during a particularly unpleasant episode, but that'll have to wait).

    And yeah, Seth; I love your Snape! I can only assume he's brewing something alcoholic in that floating pitcher.

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    1. BTanaka..

      Yes! I love what you say here about being continually afraid the love of others wouldn't last towards him..It's such an interesting reflection on how we can't without effort overcome our early training..Harry's being rejection and loneliness, obviously..

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  4. Seth's Snape looks like the book Snape (from the American children's illustrations)! I love him. Originality scores 100 points for the House of your choice! (Say Ravenclaw!)

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    1. Well, I would but I'm Gryffindor and Snape is Slytherin so your options aren't looking good...
      -The Neglected Husband

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