He's rather interesting in the sense that he is the most notable, perhaps even the only, character in the books that seems to be really working class - other than Hagrid, but in Hagrid's case, obviously other characteristics are more prominent. Most of the HP characters are middle class or even upper class like the Malfoys, but with Stan, Rowling apparently decided to make an exception. He and Hagrid get their working class accents, whereas nearly everybody else in the series seems to speak basically standard British English, albeit with some regional accents perhaps. Stan serves here - and again on a few occasions in later books - as an illustration of what the man on the wizarding street thinks, so to speak, rather than the better-informed and more than averagely intelligent characters at Hogwarts. The Daily Prophet's influence over this silent majority of the wizarding world becomes clear here (perhaps it's been clear before? I don't really recall that, though), and it's a telling sign that Hermione mentions in her letter that she's begun reading it.
Agreed. Perhaps it is down to the (at least to my mind) inherently upper class (or at least upper middle class) setting of the boarding school (the lack of working class students, that is) -- I don't know. Mundungus (later) is another one, I suppose, although he belongs to the criminal underclass, perhaps.
On a completely unrelated and rather irrelevant matter, it's somewhat strange that Rowling says the Bus can't go over (sea)water, then adds that it moves from Anglesea to Aberdeen. I suppose it can go over seawater if it is narrow, and bridged besides?

Maybe? I didn't notice that, in part because I have no idea where Anglesea is. But since you brought up the Knight Bus, it suddenly struck me that this bus is for people who cannot apparate. I never got that before, but it seems clear in retrospect. Normal wizards would not need it, and we never see it used again once port keys and apparation (apparating?) are introduced.
Everyone rides the bus in Half-blood Prince. It's right after the Christmas holidays
Yes, I don't remember the particulars of that. Why did they have to take the bus? Because they couldn't apparate?
Also, Hagrid takes the bus later in Prisoner of Azkaban. Point still stands, though, I think.
They took the bus to get from the Burrow back to Hogwarts. And yes, your point is valid
Formerly Mat Bloody Cauthon on Wotmania, blessed be its name
The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
28/07/2010 12:00:14 PM
- 2831 Views
Chapters 1-3. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:01:10 PM
- 972 Views
Characters.
28/07/2010 12:03:36 PM
- 1658 Views
Aunt Marge
28/07/2010 01:13:34 PM
- 1572 Views
She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
28/07/2010 01:40:37 PM
- 1921 Views
Re: She's an interesting combination of tropes, one might say...
28/07/2010 02:15:24 PM
- 1741 Views
Stan Shunpike.
28/07/2010 02:01:46 PM
- 1716 Views
Re: Stan Shunpike.
28/07/2010 02:19:41 PM
- 1622 Views
True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
28/07/2010 02:46:38 PM
- 1595 Views
Re: True, I forgot Mundungus. And, arguably, Snape.
07/08/2010 02:53:43 PM
- 1825 Views
I think, maybe, it's comparing with other wizarding schools in the world.
08/08/2010 11:35:31 AM
- 1703 Views
Colin Creevey is working class.
28/07/2010 06:32:45 PM
- 1616 Views
Correct me if I'm wrong
28/07/2010 06:38:20 PM
- 1565 Views
Themes, if we can discern any already this early in the book. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:04:47 PM
- 910 Views
First impressions on the news of Sirius Black's escape. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:05:26 PM
- 911 Views
Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 01:21:32 PM
- 1712 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 01:44:50 PM
- 1697 Views
Re: Aaaah, Sirius.
28/07/2010 02:22:17 PM
- 1480 Views
Writing style.
28/07/2010 12:07:24 PM
- 1730 Views
It is a better book.
28/07/2010 02:00:54 PM
- 1573 Views
Its much more mature writing style I think
28/07/2010 02:09:33 PM
- 1787 Views
Re: Its much more mature writing style I think
28/07/2010 02:23:03 PM
- 1712 Views
Foreshadowings, details that turn out to be important, etc. *NM*
28/07/2010 12:08:07 PM
- 845 Views
That is very well done in this book, I thought.
28/07/2010 02:08:21 PM
- 1547 Views
Dont foget the most important foreshadowing!
28/07/2010 02:15:35 PM
- 1503 Views
Chapters 4-6. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:11:45 PM
- 833 Views
Characters.
29/07/2010 10:23:28 AM
- 1548 Views
LupinLupinLupinLupinLupinLupin!
29/07/2010 11:48:55 AM
- 1673 Views
Hmmm I'm wondering...is Lupin one of your fav characters?
*NM*
29/07/2010 02:36:20 PM
- 807 Views

Could be, could be.
29/07/2010 02:37:41 PM
- 1548 Views
Well it was subtle so I don't think many people will catch it *NM*
29/07/2010 02:41:38 PM
- 812 Views
Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
30/07/2010 01:48:06 PM
- 1538 Views
Re: Is it premature to argue Harry's starting to get alienated from Ron and Hermione here?
08/08/2010 11:05:02 AM
- 1430 Views
Writing style.
29/07/2010 10:26:07 AM
- 1572 Views
"Plotting" might be a more interesting discussion point
29/07/2010 11:57:20 AM
- 1623 Views
Introduction of the Dementors. *NM*
29/07/2010 10:26:59 AM
- 816 Views
They are Rowling's most terrifying creation
29/07/2010 12:00:34 PM
- 1522 Views
Without his knowledge or consent of course *NM*
29/07/2010 02:31:47 PM
- 785 Views
Yes
29/07/2010 02:34:01 PM
- 1654 Views
I thinking something thats a little off topic
29/07/2010 02:40:36 PM
- 1491 Views
Re: I thinking something thats a little off topic
29/07/2010 02:42:09 PM
- 1493 Views
Ooo I didn't think of that! I like you. We can be friends
29/07/2010 02:47:31 PM
- 1477 Views

Re: "He's at Hogwarts."
04/08/2010 11:51:05 PM
- 1467 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
- 1499 Views
Chapters 7-9. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:11:59 PM
- 955 Views
Characters.
30/07/2010 02:07:20 PM
- 1445 Views
Re: Characters.
30/07/2010 02:50:07 PM
- 1392 Views
Lupin vs. Snape
30/07/2010 06:10:07 PM
- 1482 Views
Re: Lupin vs. Snape
30/07/2010 06:12:06 PM
- 1575 Views
Other things you want to comment on.
*NM*
30/07/2010 02:13:36 PM
- 828 Views
30/07/2010 02:51:13 PM
- 1465 Views


Good spell and great scene with the Bogart.
30/07/2010 06:19:16 PM
- 1528 Views
Chapters 10-12. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:12:18 PM
- 733 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
02/08/2010 12:50:56 PM
- 683 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
02/08/2010 01:36:49 PM
- 1711 Views
I caught that too.
02/08/2010 02:50:03 PM
- 1385 Views
Re: I caught that too.
02/08/2010 02:53:48 PM
- 1517 Views
I suspect....
03/08/2010 03:17:32 PM
- 1662 Views
Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,... *NM*
02/08/2010 12:52:30 PM
- 817 Views
The Marauder's Map seems to be able to do more on this first view than later on...
02/08/2010 01:23:19 PM
- 1610 Views
Re: The Marauder's Map seems to be able to do more on this first view than later on...
02/08/2010 01:40:47 PM
- 1531 Views
I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
02/08/2010 02:44:13 PM
- 1515 Views
Re: I think she did a good job of getting the map out of Harry's hands
02/08/2010 02:46:38 PM
- 1672 Views
It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:47:55 PM
- 1438 Views
Re: It's not that the map was wrong - on the contrary (book 4 spoilers).
02/08/2010 02:57:55 PM
- 1580 Views
No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:28:11 PM
- 1531 Views
Re: No, you and Aria seem to be right - only Harry himself is depicted in miniature.
02/08/2010 03:31:14 PM
- 1445 Views
Agree about the Twins and my take on Harry's impression of James.
02/08/2010 02:50:11 PM
- 1490 Views
Re: Other things - the Marauder's Map, background story on Sirius and the Potters,...
02/08/2010 01:36:56 PM
- 1441 Views
Chapters 13-15. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:12:57 PM
- 820 Views
Characters.
03/08/2010 05:25:47 PM
- 1496 Views
Re: Characters.
03/08/2010 05:29:32 PM
- 1591 Views
OK. I don't like how one-sided the Slytherins are.
08/08/2010 02:30:22 PM
- 1573 Views
Agreed.
08/08/2010 02:37:18 PM
- 1513 Views
Re: Agreed.
08/08/2010 02:45:30 PM
- 1502 Views
There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
08/08/2010 03:08:51 PM
- 1508 Views
Re: There are only three named girls in his year in Gryffindor, that I'm aware of.
08/08/2010 03:12:23 PM
- 1500 Views
But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
08/08/2010 03:06:53 PM
- 1703 Views
Re: But the Sorting Hat decides, and they can't refuse students that I'm aware of...
08/08/2010 03:10:28 PM
- 1512 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
03/08/2010 05:26:12 PM
- 784 Views
Crookshanks.
08/08/2010 02:22:36 PM
- 1509 Views
I knew I saw this somewhere.
09/08/2010 08:16:01 PM
- 1426 Views
Re: I knew I saw this somewhere.
09/08/2010 09:01:18 PM
- 1564 Views
Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
11/08/2010 04:20:18 PM
- 1591 Views
Re: Did they come out and explain Crookshanks?
11/08/2010 04:21:37 PM
- 1414 Views
Thanks, thought I was loosing it... well, maybe I am, but I can still read.
11/08/2010 04:26:31 PM
- 1653 Views

The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss. *NM*
03/08/2010 05:26:37 PM
- 810 Views
Re: The Quidditch Cup, and anything else you want to discuss.
03/08/2010 05:36:35 PM
- 1566 Views
I really enjoyed the first quidditch match.
03/08/2010 05:40:37 PM
- 1432 Views
Chapters 16-18. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:11 PM
- 831 Views
Characters.
04/08/2010 04:16:39 PM
- 1562 Views
Plotting and writing.
04/08/2010 04:18:52 PM
- 1417 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
04/08/2010 04:19:15 PM
- 933 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
04/08/2010 05:19:45 PM
- 1435 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
08/08/2010 03:09:23 PM
- 1593 Views
Re: Other thoughts.
08/08/2010 03:11:43 PM
- 1546 Views
Chapters 19-20. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:27 PM
- 790 Views
Characters.
05/08/2010 02:40:22 PM
- 1328 Views
Re: Characters.
05/08/2010 02:45:53 PM
- 1785 Views
See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:04:24 PM
- 1868 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:13:21 PM
- 1606 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 03:54:31 PM
- 1970 Views
Re: See my sudden realizations on Snape... (spoilers books 4, 6 & 7)
05/08/2010 05:01:52 PM
- 1793 Views
Something I've only just realized about Snape... (massive book six and seven spoilers)
05/08/2010 02:53:15 PM
- 1591 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM*
05/08/2010 02:40:42 PM
- 684 Views
Re: Plotting and writing.
05/08/2010 02:48:02 PM
- 1682 Views
I think it's a good thing she explains her clues.
05/08/2010 03:09:59 PM
- 1536 Views
Other thoughts. *NM*
05/08/2010 02:41:01 PM
- 747 Views
killing
05/08/2010 02:48:33 PM
- 1420 Views
Chapters 21-22. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:13:42 PM
- 758 Views
Plotting and writing.
06/08/2010 05:04:14 PM
- 1340 Views
And everything else you noticed and want to comment on. *NM*
06/08/2010 05:04:46 PM
- 844 Views
Overall thoughts. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:14:03 PM
- 798 Views
Overarching plot and themes. *NM*
28/07/2010 01:18:27 PM
- 747 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
- 818 Views
More of a question, really
01/08/2010 10:40:23 PM
- 1475 Views
I think this is situational and a sad commentary on his home life.
02/08/2010 03:01:49 PM
- 1324 Views
Well, but the question still remains
02/08/2010 03:04:01 PM
- 1427 Views
I suppose this is more or less the right place for this.
04/08/2010 11:59:45 PM
- 1552 Views
I had totally forgotten about that choir and the Ray Bradbury reference.
05/08/2010 12:37:09 AM
- 1379 Views
Okay, so possibly a Shakespeare reference also used by Bradbury. Whatever.
*NM*
05/08/2010 12:37:56 AM
- 740 Views

Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
09/08/2010 06:46:26 PM
- 1407 Views
Re: Since I'm being scolded, I'll try to focus.
09/08/2010 07:16:37 PM
- 1609 Views
Suggestions for the re-read.
28/07/2010 06:14:49 PM
- 1604 Views
I knew I was gonna forget something.
28/07/2010 06:55:50 PM
- 1573 Views

Perhaps
29/07/2010 09:29:53 AM
- 1493 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
- 650 Views
<Tattoos "Poor Impulse Control" on your forehead>
29/07/2010 11:00:07 AM
- 1575 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
- 1519 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
- 1486 Views
I think I should make clear, just in case, that I don't mean immediately.
03/08/2010 05:11:26 PM
- 1441 Views
Yes
03/08/2010 05:13:10 PM
- 1445 Views