Thoughts, feelings, etc.
It seems to me that one of Rowling's strengths as a writer is in writing characters for us to be annoyed by. The Dursleys are constant throughout, obviously, Dobby, as mentioned above, and now the cheese-fest and hack Gilderoy Lockhart. There's at least one in every installment.
It is entertaining to read the different reactions to him, from the young male perspective (Harry and Ron's incredulity) vs. Mrs. Weasley, Hermoine, and the sighing that ensues.
The confrontation between Lucious Malfoy and Arthur Weasley in Florish and Blotts is amusing as well. Stepping in to diffuse the situation and actually getting into a "muggle duel," made for a good laugh.
Almost forgot! A wild Ford Anglia? There were some good humor moments in these few chapters. Ron and Harry getting ejected from the car and it running off into the woods to get away from them was a great scene. Poor Hedwig!
Lockheart is a great character. I love reading his stuff, because I enjoy what a terrible wizard he is and how arrogant he is despite ample proof that he is not that great. Someone already said it but I will reiterate, his fame chasing against Harry trying to just be normal provides a nice contrast.
I was always surprised Hermione didn't see through him sooner, but she is only 12.
Yes. She is still relying on booksmarts rather than social interpretation. That is a skills he picks up rather suddenly later on. Makes sense, I suppose: she is forced out of her natural habitat by hanging around with Harry and Ron, and so she learns other stuff.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
structured procrastinator
The Great Harry Potter re-read: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
19/07/2010 09:32:22 AM
- 2381 Views
Chapters 1-3
19/07/2010 09:32:52 AM
- 1617 Views
Dobby
19/07/2010 02:39:06 PM
- 1581 Views
I hate Dobby.
20/07/2010 11:32:58 AM
- 1692 Views
Stuff
20/07/2010 05:54:26 PM
- 1613 Views
The Dursleys.
23/07/2010 11:35:31 PM
- 1662 Views
Chapters 4-6
19/07/2010 09:33:18 AM
- 1559 Views
Another character we love to hate! Gilderoy Lockhart. Plus Weasley vs Malfoy.
20/07/2010 03:29:39 PM
- 1615 Views
I can't remember how much I hated him the first read
21/07/2010 03:44:15 AM
- 1695 Views
You're right. It's not as bad the second (or third) time around with him.
21/07/2010 01:54:01 PM
- 1509 Views
My problems with Dobby are very different from my problems with Lockhart
21/07/2010 07:02:55 AM
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More stuff
21/07/2010 07:00:04 AM
- 1539 Views
This section really brought home to me how well Rowling writes about love and relationships.
21/07/2010 07:22:43 PM
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That last remark made me check out the names in the French translation...
26/07/2010 05:18:36 PM
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Don't get me started on the Norwegian translation.
26/07/2010 09:52:09 PM
- 1578 Views
That is indeed genuinely awesome.
27/07/2010 12:24:07 AM
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Re: That is indeed genuinely awesome.
27/07/2010 09:07:35 AM
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McSnurf? MCSNURF?? WTH? *NM*
27/07/2010 08:47:55 PM
- 947 Views
Chapters 7-9
19/07/2010 09:33:44 AM
- 1535 Views
Colin Creevey.
22/07/2010 06:55:17 PM
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Re: Colin Creevey.
23/07/2010 10:13:33 PM
- 1542 Views
Even more stuff
23/07/2010 10:10:39 PM
- 1604 Views
Chapters 10-12
19/07/2010 09:34:13 AM
- 1453 Views
Three good chapters
22/07/2010 02:28:20 PM
- 1508 Views
Yup.
23/07/2010 11:32:03 PM
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I agree. And plain jealousy that Harry's hogging the spotlight time and again.
26/07/2010 05:28:09 PM
- 1635 Views
Chapters 13-15
19/07/2010 09:34:50 AM
- 1321 Views
Heh. I'd forgotten how near the end of the book the spiders are.
23/07/2010 11:26:43 PM
- 1397 Views
"Goodbye friends of Hagrid..."
26/07/2010 01:58:25 PM
- 1411 Views
Chapters 16-18
19/07/2010 09:35:20 AM
- 1483 Views
Overall thoughts
19/07/2010 09:36:06 AM
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Thoughts on the movie quality
21/07/2010 04:15:20 AM
- 1323 Views
I always felt that the first two movies were the best, and the others bungled the atmosphere. *NM*
21/07/2010 03:08:29 PM
- 867 Views
I wonder if Rowling ever looks back and wishes she could change some stuff
21/07/2010 06:44:41 PM
- 1433 Views
Suggestions for the re-read?
19/07/2010 09:37:32 AM
- 1391 Views
Do we want a wee break before the next book?
24/07/2010 10:47:07 AM
- 1370 Views
we need an impatient smiley that taps its foot while looking grumpy. *NM*
27/07/2010 08:51:30 PM
- 834 Views
It's not Wednesday yet! *NM*
27/07/2010 09:26:21 PM
- 759 Views
But it was a question:
27/07/2010 10:25:27 PM
- 1388 Views
Yes, but the two possibilities in Rebekah's post were either Wednesday or next Monday.
27/07/2010 10:33:10 PM
- 1727 Views