Harry Potter Discussion Questions

[Clovis]

1. Why is there so much focus on The Dursley’s in the first couple of chapters of the book?
2. Why do you think everyone is so fearful to even say the name Voldemort? What is it about his name that holds such power?
3. Harry is quick to believe Hagrid when he tells him that he is a wizard and he has been accepted in Hogwarts. Why do you think he did not question this much? Do you think he actually believed Hagrid, or do you think he clung onto the hope that there was something better out there for him?
4. If it weren’t for the fact that Voldemort was a Slytherin, do you think the Slytherin house would have had such a bad reputation?

[Adriana]

Clovis wrote: "1. Why is there so much focus on The Dursley’s in the first couple of chapters of the book?
2. Why do you think everyone is so fearful to even say the name Voldemort? What is it about his name that..."

1. I think that it helped people to know what was going on at that moment, how Harry's daily life was before going to Hogwarts. I really don't remember, it has been like three years since I re-read Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone

2. Idk. People just thought something bad would happen if they pronounced the name.

3. Well, he didn't believe he was a wizard obviously. The thing is that Hagrid was so kind to him and Harry'd rather be with anyone than the Dursleys.

4. If it weren't for Voldemort I think some people would still hate Slytherin because of the Malfoys and that pure-blood stuff. I really like Slytherin tbh. People usually forget that Merlin was also there.

[Autumn]

Any ever read books written by someone in the USA, about Hogwarts, but different characters, that also were wizards and witches? I've read them long ago never finished reading but can't think of weird name or titles, he couldn't publish them for money, to close to p actual Potter books? Thank you

[Autumn]

The scene was the US

[Dalila]

Clovis wrote: "1. Why is there so much focus on The Dursley’s in the first couple of chapters of the book?
2. Why do you think everyone is so fearful to even say the name Voldemort? What is it about his name that..."

I haven't read the books in years but:

1: The information about the Dursley family and home are crucial to understand Harry deprived childhood and the way it shaped his character.
2: In the wizard world, words are powerful, they cast spell with them (and a wand). Children are taught since early childhood not to say his name. They are afraid of him like muggles are afraid of the bogeyman.
Voldemort is a real villain, he did so many violent acts and had an army with him. He represents the darkest times in their history. This is a time that people want to forget and are still afraid of.

3:Becoming a wizard is an adventure of a lifetime and maybe like every abuse child he imagined a better world to live in. Hagrid brings hope and escapism.

4:I think Slytherin would have been the same with or without Voldemort. Maybe a less extreme but still very proud of their clean upbringing.

[Z]

I have the same questions

[[deleted user]]

WHY ARE THE WEASLEYS POOR? Arthur works at the ministry, so he must get paid a decent amount, Molly could easily get a job with all her children either moved away or at hogwarts, and I know you can't just conjure up food, but Hermione clearly states that you can multiply food, so if you have one potato, you can make it seven potatoes! Someone please explain!

[Jade]

Sophia wrote: "WHY ARE THE WEASLEYS POOR? Arthur works at the ministry, so he must get paid a decent amount, Molly could easily get a job with all her children either moved away or at hogwarts, and I know you can..."

This is so confusing to me as well. It is hard to imagine poverty existing at all when you can just cast spells for almost everything.

[Pieter]

1. I think it emphasized the contrast of his life at the Dursley's with his life at Hogwarts. It was also a good backstory, because if they just plopped him off at Hogwarts at the beginning it would be kind of weird. I also think it made us root and sympathize with him.

2. I think it was mainly out of fear and superstitions.

3. Well I think Hagrid was some sort of proof to him. If a crazy tall man enters your house and gives your annoying cousin a tail, you would probably believe in magic too.

4. It's hard to imagine a HP without Voldemort, considering he is the main enemy/conflict. Either way though, there is still Draco, Pansy, and other Slytherin brats that would make up the Slytherin house. However, I do think that evil would be associated less with the house but instead mischief.