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Re: My thoughts, such as they are. *spoilers* Camilla Send a noteboard - 12/07/2010 07:43:49 PM
Since this is a children's book, the characters are, at this stage, very black and white. The Dursley's have no redeeming features at all, and Harry is very obviously written to garner sympathy. That said, I don't find that offputting. There's enough humour in her descriptions to prevent the characterisation from becoming heavy handed.


Indeed. They are mere sketches at this point, but she shades them later on.

Love that she uses the same things to appeal to boys and girls. Best example of this is Harry's room under the stairs. He's used to spiders, which would make the girls pity him because they think spiders are horrible, and pity's a great way to get little girls to like Harry. Whereas the boys will love that he's not scared of the spiders, which makes up for the fact that he's a dinky little wimpy thing. That lack of fear of the horrible hairy things will help boys to respect him.


Ick, the spiders. *shudder*

And before you tell me off for thinking in such glaring steroetypes: that really is how little girls and boys are. I know. I have loads of cousins around the target age of these books when they came out. That's pretty much how they react to things like that. ;)


I wasn't going to tell you off. That is definitely how I reacted to that scene.

I like also that Rowling gives something to the adults as well. The Dursleys are such social climbers, proper unpleasant middle class, and that would make a lot of grown ups chuckle a wee bit. Underneath it, though, you can see that Aunt Petunia at least does properly love her son, revolting ball of lard that he is. There's a little shade of grey there for older readers to appreciate.


Yes. I love the description of the Dursleys. It is wonderful how their middle-classness (using that as short-hand for all their traits here -- it is a stereotype which she makes the most of) makes them almost as off-putting as the Death-Eaters who kill hordes of people.

As for the wizarding types: Dumbledore's very quickly set as an eccentric with his love of sweets, but we're also introduced to his wisdom. McGonagall is clearly defined as the strong, steady, somewhat tartarish teacher, and Hagrid is the loveable scruff. Simple but effective.


Indeed. It is part of what I mean by her having the technique, if not the strength in wording. She knows how to characterise. And she keeps this up throughout the books. They are not necessarily terribly subtle sketches, but they are swift and highly effective.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
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Harry Potter Re-read: The Philosopher's Stone - Final section underway! (& next book plans) Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:27:51 AM 3115 Views
Chapters 1-3: Introducing Harry Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:28:49 AM 1691 Views
Characterisation *NM* Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:29:02 AM 940 Views
My thoughts, such as they are. Rebekah - 12/07/2010 04:09:55 PM 1740 Views
Agree. She gave us enough to make it interesting. StormCrow - 12/07/2010 06:45:46 PM 1708 Views
Re: My thoughts, such as they are. *spoilers* Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:43:49 PM 1679 Views
You hit the nail on the head. Seriana Sedai - 13/07/2010 12:20:19 AM 1637 Views
Re: You hit the nail on the head. Camilla - 13/07/2010 08:51:45 AM 1553 Views
Writing style *NM* Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:29:18 AM 929 Views
A couple of points. Rebekah - 12/07/2010 04:10:20 PM 1570 Views
It is very clear it is a children's book at this time Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:18:14 PM 1759 Views
True. Rebekah - 12/07/2010 07:36:49 PM 1684 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time Tor - 12/07/2010 09:31:11 PM 1806 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time Camilla - 12/07/2010 09:51:23 PM 1509 Views
Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. Darth_Katie - 13/07/2010 04:03:26 AM 1734 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. Camilla - 13/07/2010 08:54:40 AM 1689 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. Darth_Katie - 13/07/2010 01:14:01 PM 1746 Views
Indeed. Camilla - 13/07/2010 01:15:23 PM 1512 Views
Early themes *NM* Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:29:37 AM 954 Views
Strong vs weak *spoilers* Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:23:45 PM 1527 Views
Rebekah - 12/07/2010 07:43:27 PM 1564 Views
Re: Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:44:56 PM 1509 Views
Chapters 4-10: Making Friends at Hogwarts *NM* Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:29:58 AM 869 Views
Impressions: thoughts about the school, the teachers, the enemies and the friends. *NM* Rebekah - 14/07/2010 08:29:38 AM 912 Views
I'd forgotten how annoying Hermione was Deadsy - 14/07/2010 01:48:13 PM 1608 Views
Me too. nossy - 14/07/2010 04:30:13 PM 1544 Views
Yep. I like seeing her transformation in this story though. StormCrow - 14/07/2010 04:58:04 PM 1601 Views
Re: Yep. I like seeing her transformation in this story though. Camilla - 14/07/2010 06:13:13 PM 1607 Views
Yes and, I think, this may be another candidate for early themes (from above) StormCrow - 14/07/2010 07:43:14 PM 1704 Views
Re: Impressions: thoughts about the school, the teachers, the enemies and the friends. aria - 14/07/2010 04:22:54 PM 1742 Views
Agree. I loved the instant tension between Harry and Malfoy and with Harry and Snape too. StormCrow - 14/07/2010 05:03:20 PM 1874 Views
Some thoughts before I run off to the library again Camilla - 14/07/2010 06:11:45 PM 1735 Views
Good points aria - 14/07/2010 08:45:56 PM 1673 Views
It's interesting to look at the beginning of the story from Draco's point of view. Legolas - 26/07/2010 03:08:38 PM 1833 Views
Re: It's interesting to look at the beginning of the story from Draco's point of view. Camilla - 26/07/2010 03:18:02 PM 1481 Views
What about the magic? Rebekah - 14/07/2010 08:58:51 AM 1607 Views
The magic wasnt really developed at this point Dark Knight - 14/07/2010 02:13:41 PM 1537 Views
Re: The magic wasnt really developed at this point Camilla - 14/07/2010 08:53:08 PM 1774 Views
There was one powerful protection Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 01:29:49 AM 1709 Views
I agree aria - 15/07/2010 04:51:05 AM 1667 Views
Re: I agree Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 05:44:41 AM 1540 Views
Re: There was one powerful protection Camilla - 15/07/2010 08:12:40 AM 1817 Views
I think nossy - 14/07/2010 04:34:30 PM 1536 Views
Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing StormCrow - 14/07/2010 05:11:40 PM 1823 Views
Re: Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing aria - 14/07/2010 08:51:06 PM 1522 Views
Agreed. StormCrow - 14/07/2010 08:57:55 PM 1570 Views
I really need a remembrall. Camilla - 14/07/2010 08:57:10 PM 1685 Views
I felt bad for Neville. StormCrow - 14/07/2010 09:03:49 PM 1689 Views
Indeed. Camilla - 14/07/2010 09:05:40 PM 1551 Views
But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! nossy - 15/07/2010 02:51:47 AM 1819 Views
I know, right! Seriana Sedai - 15/07/2010 06:41:01 AM 1533 Views
Exactly. nossy - 15/07/2010 03:22:18 PM 1437 Views
Re: But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! Camilla - 15/07/2010 08:15:55 AM 1540 Views
Ah, see nossy - 15/07/2010 03:23:49 PM 1502 Views
Chapters 11-17: Harry the Hero *NM* Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:30:29 AM 890 Views
What'd you think of the ending? *NM* Rebekah - 15/07/2010 05:21:38 PM 851 Views
Loved it. StormCrow - 15/07/2010 05:56:06 PM 1589 Views
Two separate things: nossy - 15/07/2010 07:14:08 PM 1584 Views
I hear you Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 08:22:05 PM 1605 Views
Re: Two separate things: Camilla - 15/07/2010 08:48:21 PM 1582 Views
I can clarify some stuff for you Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 09:14:07 PM 1608 Views
One of the most sublime, wonderful moments of any book Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 08:18:29 PM 1450 Views
Yes! Seriana Sedai - 15/07/2010 10:39:11 PM 1622 Views
Lovely Camilla - 15/07/2010 09:00:11 PM 1648 Views
Haha Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 09:16:16 PM 1746 Views
Re: Haha Camilla - 15/07/2010 09:24:06 PM 1626 Views
But I thought all girls were made of sugar and spice and everything nice? Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 09:26:53 PM 1537 Views
Oh, we are. Camilla - 15/07/2010 09:35:17 PM 1431 Views
Ah like vodka vs. wine coolers? *NM* Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 09:48:26 PM 840 Views
Gin Camilla - 15/07/2010 09:49:33 PM 1549 Views
I was 16. Rebekah - 15/07/2010 10:49:33 PM 1439 Views
So was I Camilla - 15/07/2010 10:54:24 PM 1482 Views
Honestly, dumbledore is a bit of an ass... jh - 15/07/2010 10:48:32 PM 1443 Views
Heresy! Camilla - 15/07/2010 10:55:28 PM 1481 Views
The decades of manipulation of a child doesn't bother you, but the House Cup does? *NM* Ghavrel - 15/07/2010 11:37:54 PM 824 Views
Not really. I am looking at it from a school perspective. jh - 16/07/2010 12:54:46 PM 1398 Views
As I indicated below, I had some issues. Nate - 16/07/2010 03:05:05 AM 1741 Views
Re: As I indicated below, I had some issues. Camilla - 16/07/2010 11:14:56 AM 1620 Views
In fairness, it's Hogwarts itself that is all but impregnable. Legolas - 26/07/2010 03:55:02 PM 1559 Views
A funny thing I noticed Camilla - 15/07/2010 09:00:42 PM 1665 Views
nossy - 15/07/2010 09:18:08 PM 1523 Views
Overall thoughts for the book Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:31:37 AM 1619 Views
Foreshadowing and setting up the future Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:32:10 AM 1535 Views
Harry's anger management issues? StormCrow - 12/07/2010 07:14:58 PM 1588 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 12/07/2010 07:40:40 PM 1630 Views
Nah, not deliberate. StormCrow - 12/07/2010 09:14:20 PM 1689 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. Camilla - 12/07/2010 09:55:32 PM 1604 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. StormCrow - 13/07/2010 03:02:59 PM 1543 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. Camilla - 13/07/2010 03:04:42 PM 1667 Views
I noticed a lot of this. Nate - 12/07/2010 07:22:54 PM 1714 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. Rebekah - 12/07/2010 07:39:25 PM 1656 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:45:32 PM 1633 Views
~smug~ Elaine - 13/07/2010 02:09:15 PM 1608 Views
Indeed. Camilla - 13/07/2010 02:10:41 PM 1842 Views
This response implies the experience of being both?? StormCrow - 13/07/2010 03:23:29 PM 1583 Views
On Ginny: Kronin al'Sulc - 12/07/2010 10:36:47 PM 1659 Views
This was my interpretation too and why I didn't pay much attention to it at the time. *NM* StormCrow - 13/07/2010 02:53:08 PM 784 Views
I've noticed a lot of the same things, probably because I've reread this book so many times... Cockatiel of Doom - 13/07/2010 04:45:28 AM 1857 Views
Re: I've noticed a lot of the same things, probably because I've reread this book so many times... Camilla - 13/07/2010 08:58:10 AM 1608 Views
So much (chapters 1-3) *spoilers* Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:35:57 PM 1824 Views
Hm. Rebekah - 12/07/2010 07:38:05 PM 1641 Views
Re: Hm. Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:39:08 PM 1697 Views
Re: Hm. Rebekah - 12/07/2010 07:39:53 PM 1502 Views
Re: Hm. Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:44:16 PM 1406 Views
Re: Hm. Cockatiel of Doom - 13/07/2010 04:41:12 AM 1519 Views
Re: Hm. Camilla - 13/07/2010 08:55:09 AM 1490 Views
I missed the school roof thing this time around too! Good catch there. *NM* StormCrow - 12/07/2010 09:22:21 PM 860 Views
The thing that tipped me off Camilla - 12/07/2010 09:53:01 PM 1597 Views
Imagine how easy his test would have been if he remembered he'd done it as a child! *NM* StormCrow - 13/07/2010 03:20:27 PM 848 Views
You have to wonder why Hagrid and Dumbledore didn't suspect the truth about Sirius. Legolas - 26/07/2010 04:04:05 PM 1531 Views
I re-read a couple weeks ago, and I was highly amused by all the little things she worked in nossy - 14/07/2010 04:09:19 AM 1667 Views
Some stuff (chapters 4-11) Camilla - 14/07/2010 09:18:35 PM 1788 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) Deadsy - 14/07/2010 10:30:23 PM 1611 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) Camilla - 14/07/2010 10:55:01 PM 1562 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) Deadsy - 14/07/2010 11:05:59 PM 1586 Views
I can answer your consistency question! Cockatiel of Doom - 15/07/2010 02:35:42 AM 1724 Views
You are a clever cookie. Camilla - 15/07/2010 08:14:25 AM 1591 Views
Yes nossy - 15/07/2010 03:30:36 PM 1439 Views
Ooh, yes. Cockatiel of Doom - 16/07/2010 12:19:13 AM 1413 Views
More stuff (chapters 12-17) Camilla - 15/07/2010 08:55:34 PM 1478 Views
Re: More stuff (chapters 12-17) Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 09:19:13 PM 1539 Views
Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 Cockatiel of Doom - 17/07/2010 04:23:15 PM 1674 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 Camilla - 17/07/2010 04:28:04 PM 1584 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 aria - 17/07/2010 07:12:39 PM 1836 Views
I like it. Thank you. Cockatiel of Doom - 20/07/2010 12:53:37 AM 1742 Views
What made this book (and the rest of the series) such a success? Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:33:00 AM 1690 Views
I have no idea *spoilers* Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:47:58 PM 1747 Views
I agree... StormCrow - 12/07/2010 09:19:59 PM 1772 Views
I think it was mostly because it was a simple narrative with an identifiable protagnonist. Chas - 13/07/2010 11:59:06 PM 1688 Views
It has tons of things in it that every kid dreams of doing Deadsy - 14/07/2010 01:56:05 PM 1697 Views
Kid? Camilla - 14/07/2010 02:01:30 PM 1708 Views
so do I. I was just trying to act mature *NM* Deadsy - 14/07/2010 02:08:01 PM 1047 Views
Not even just the super stuff Deadsy mentions. nossy - 14/07/2010 04:38:46 PM 1832 Views
It's a simple, well-done little book. Nate - 12/07/2010 07:46:48 PM 1681 Views
you don't read instructions, do you? Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:49:24 PM 1746 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 12/07/2010 07:50:23 PM 1666 Views
Re: Heh. Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:51:40 PM 1680 Views
Awwww! Rebekah - 12/07/2010 07:52:19 PM 1579 Views
Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:52:52 PM 1700 Views
Wha? Nate - 12/07/2010 07:50:44 PM 1726 Views
Re: Wha? Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:52:21 PM 1710 Views
Pff. Nate - 12/07/2010 07:54:54 PM 1698 Views
*NM* Camilla - 12/07/2010 07:56:03 PM 1047 Views
When did you pick up this book? Dark Knight - 12/07/2010 11:30:46 PM 1621 Views
I was 10. Darth_Katie - 13/07/2010 04:13:44 AM 1777 Views
Ah book orders...man you just brought back nostalgic memories. I miss being a kid Dark Knight - 13/07/2010 04:42:12 AM 1825 Views
I was 16. Rebekah - 13/07/2010 08:24:02 AM 1700 Views
1999 Camilla - 13/07/2010 09:03:03 AM 1686 Views
What do you mean by adult version? aria - 13/07/2010 02:15:40 PM 1807 Views
Re: What do you mean by adult version? Camilla - 13/07/2010 02:17:40 PM 1676 Views
They started publishing copies with 'adult' covers so people wouldn't be caught out reading Chas - 13/07/2010 11:53:46 PM 1748 Views
Just before the first movie came out aria - 13/07/2010 02:17:42 PM 1845 Views
When Prisoner of Azkaban was a hardback. Elaine - 13/07/2010 02:23:57 PM 1693 Views
Got a boxed set for Christmas when Order of the Phoenix came out in hardback. StormCrow - 13/07/2010 03:06:42 PM 1736 Views
Just after Goblet of Fire was published. Chas - 13/07/2010 11:50:38 PM 1756 Views
Just before Goblet of Fire came out. nossy - 14/07/2010 04:04:21 AM 1720 Views
The first five were out, waited for HBP. Seriana Sedai - 14/07/2010 06:20:39 AM 1843 Views
You're making me want to talk about toadface Deadsy - 14/07/2010 02:06:25 PM 1737 Views
Sorry! Seriana Sedai - 15/07/2010 06:36:11 AM 1772 Views
Very early. Beginning of 1999, so it had just come out in the States. *NM* Ghavrel - 14/07/2010 08:54:06 AM 1049 Views
I held out quite awhile because I don't like "fads" Deadsy - 14/07/2010 02:04:37 PM 1652 Views
Lol! aria - 14/07/2010 08:54:47 PM 1772 Views
I did the same thing. Seriana Sedai - 15/07/2010 06:39:16 AM 1766 Views
Re: I did the same thing. Deadsy - 15/07/2010 10:01:04 AM 1944 Views
Re: I did the same thing. Seriana Sedai - 15/07/2010 05:44:28 PM 1822 Views
I would have, if I had known there was hype. I know I would have. nossy - 15/07/2010 03:28:50 PM 1791 Views
Seriana Sedai - 15/07/2010 05:47:01 PM 1834 Views
I think I was first! Monkey - 23/07/2010 07:05:08 PM 1788 Views
Aged 13 or 14 - a while before the first movie (which was Christmas 2001). *NM* Legolas - 26/07/2010 04:13:55 PM 1025 Views
Jesus Christ. Tor - 26/07/2010 05:04:46 PM 1793 Views
^That was me. *NM* Camilla - 26/07/2010 09:55:49 PM 1020 Views
I was going to ask if it was. *NM* Rebekah - 26/07/2010 10:04:59 PM 1005 Views
Aw. I was just feeling flattered as I didn't think Tor had read that many of my posts. *NM* Legolas - 27/07/2010 12:15:52 AM 1042 Views
Besides, you've met me, you should know how old I am. *NM* Legolas - 27/07/2010 12:16:23 AM 1084 Views
I am very bad at guessing age when I meet people in person Camilla - 27/07/2010 09:05:35 AM 2312 Views
Suggestions for the Re-read Rebekah - 12/07/2010 08:33:25 AM 1722 Views
I like it so far Camilla - 13/07/2010 10:16:49 AM 1730 Views
I can try that for the next book. Rebekah - 13/07/2010 11:21:01 PM 1706 Views
This is my first official time participating and its been fun so far! StormCrow - 14/07/2010 05:16:48 PM 1664 Views
Unfortunately, no. (Silly me, pretending someone's still going to read all my posts... ) *NM* Legolas - 26/07/2010 04:20:35 PM 1041 Views
Can we get chapter discussions everyday? *NM* Dark Knight - 15/07/2010 06:40:30 PM 990 Views
Inconsistencies Re: the Potter's death... fionwe1987 - 15/07/2010 05:16:45 AM 2045 Views
Because they were tricked? They considered Peter and Sirius to be brothers. Ghavrel - 15/07/2010 07:05:27 AM 1698 Views
That's nonsense.. fionwe1987 - 16/07/2010 01:08:40 AM 1621 Views
Take it up with Rowling, since you don't believe me. *NM* Ghavrel - 16/07/2010 08:19:58 AM 942 Views
What's there to believe? fionwe1987 - 18/07/2010 06:03:13 AM 1708 Views
Peter + Sirius = family. I don't know how to explain it more simply. *NM* Ghavrel - 18/07/2010 08:58:20 AM 1063 Views
Re: That's nonsense.. eucatastrophe - 16/07/2010 09:37:59 AM 1836 Views
Also Camilla - 16/07/2010 11:17:51 AM 2052 Views
You are correct! There is no inconsistency eucatastrophe - 17/07/2010 04:17:35 AM 1753 Views
Huh? fionwe1987 - 18/07/2010 05:57:58 AM 1628 Views
But Camilla explained it! eucatastrophe - 18/07/2010 09:27:55 AM 1954 Views
Correction Camilla - 18/07/2010 10:58:59 AM 1739 Views
I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... fionwe1987 - 18/07/2010 05:42:18 PM 1644 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... Camilla - 18/07/2010 05:51:36 PM 1661 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... fionwe1987 - 18/07/2010 06:17:04 PM 1960 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... Camilla - 18/07/2010 06:28:27 PM 1654 Views
That bothers me too. aria - 18/07/2010 07:17:14 PM 1726 Views
Re: That bothers me too. Camilla - 18/07/2010 07:20:44 PM 1592 Views
Yet... fionwe1987 - 18/07/2010 07:47:56 PM 1664 Views
Re: Yet... Camilla - 18/07/2010 08:02:31 PM 1709 Views
To quote Dumbledore... fionwe1987 - 19/07/2010 05:57:23 AM 1597 Views
Again... fionwe1987 - 18/07/2010 07:35:10 PM 1900 Views
Re: Again... Camilla - 18/07/2010 08:00:55 PM 1688 Views
Re: Again... fionwe1987 - 19/07/2010 06:33:13 AM 1885 Views
Re: Again... Camilla - 20/07/2010 04:45:16 PM 1701 Views
Yet another load of bosh. fionwe1987 - 21/07/2010 01:00:14 AM 1686 Views
Then let's leave it. Camilla - 21/07/2010 06:48:45 AM 1788 Views
Re: Then let's leave it. fionwe1987 - 21/07/2010 04:19:35 PM 1705 Views
My two cents Seriana Sedai - 19/07/2010 06:11:30 AM 1759 Views
It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... DomA - 14/09/2010 12:11:20 AM 2133 Views
Re: It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... Camilla - 14/09/2010 09:20:46 AM 1595 Views
You have to wonder if that's actually true. Legolas - 26/07/2010 04:23:31 PM 1664 Views
Re: You have to wonder if that's actually true. Tor - 26/07/2010 05:06:43 PM 1776 Views
I don't know that I'd call it "see through Pettigrew"... Legolas - 26/07/2010 06:22:19 PM 1683 Views
^That was me, too. Oh, dear. Camilla - 26/07/2010 09:56:43 PM 1848 Views
Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house aria - 18/07/2010 07:14:21 PM 1648 Views
Re: Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house Tor - 26/07/2010 05:07:48 PM 1970 Views
^ And this, too, was me. Camilla - 26/07/2010 09:58:07 PM 1691 Views
Re: ^ And this, too, was me. Rebekah - 26/07/2010 10:05:41 PM 1622 Views
Camilla - 26/07/2010 10:07:36 PM 1506 Views
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