FF Tuesday November 15

FSEM 100

Rose Taylor: Notes for Tuesday, November 15 2011
We began class by analyzing the quote, “witch burning in the 14th C. was completely pointless- discuss” (Rowling 1). Rowling describes not only Harry’s essay using this quote, but also describes and emphasizes the roles of prejudices throughout the whole novel. Remus Lupin, for example, is highly discriminated against because he is a werewolf. He is forced to resign when word gets out that he is a werewolf, but these prejudices are pointless because being a werewolf does not affect him as a teacher. We also paralleled the persecution of 14th C. witches to the persecution of Sirius and how he would forever be hiding from the ministry.

In previous classes, we have discussed the traditional static characters most fairytales possess. Rowling defied the traditional archetypes in the Harry Potter series and created characters that were complex and dynamic. She borrowed some characteristics and traits from traditional character archetypes, but no character could be pinned down as “good” or “bad”. Sirius Black was the villain throughout most of the plot. His character develops from being the chief villain to being violent and barbaric when he attacks Ron to being fatherly and warm as he assumes the role of Harry’s godfather. Remus Lupin also takes on the role of “foster father” to Harry. He is warm and kind and seems to develop a special bond with Harry out of loyalty to James. As Lupin’s character develops, we see a shockingly dangerous and barbaric facet of his character. When he transforms into a werewolf at the end of the novel, he is an obvious danger to the children despite his warm teacherly human personality. Severus Snape is the one main character that remains the most static and devoid of transformation throughout the novel. Although Snape does not undergo any huge psychic change, we do see the depth of the character that is often written off as just a mean teacher. He rescues Harry and Hermione out of teacherly obligation rather than concern and compassion and is still fixated on punishing them even after the whole ordeal was over. Even the animal characters were very complex. Buckbeak seems to be an afterthought at the beginning, but later becomes essential to the story. He is innocent in some ways and intimidating in others, but always loyal and loving towards Hagrid. Crookshanks appears to be a typical feline at first but later is revealed to be intelligent and calculating.

We also discussed the relationship between Harry and his late father, James. They shared some material things, like the invisibility cloak and the Marauder’s map, that give Harry a sense of connection to his father. They also were alike in appearance and shared many of the same aptitudes. Harry and James were very different in personality. Harry grew up constantly mistreated by the Dursleys, which makes him more compassionate and understanding to the plights of others. James never knew adversity in his youth, so he did not learn compassion to the extent that Harry did. James was popular in school but could be arrogant and a bully. Harry is famous, but not necessarily popular. Even in the wizarding world he is frequently mistreated by teachers like Snape and by students like Draco. The idea of James gives Harry a sense of morals. Because Harry never knew his father he has an ideal image of James, which he is constantly trying to live up to. Harry becomes independent from James when he realizes that he conjured the life saving patronus, not his father. He gains confidence in his image separate from James and in his own magical abilities.

Nick Shepherd: Notes for Thursday, November 10 2011
In Class Writing

We began our class on Thursday with a focus for the book Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. Our individual writing was split between the class with the significance, positive, and negative rolls of The Invisibility Cloak and The Maurader's Map. The points differentiated between the two were discussed first with the cloak. Students brought up how Harry was almost caught by Snape in the act of using the cloak, attacking Malfoy by becoming invisible, and that it was passed down by his father so it became a confidence boost for Harry. The other half of our class shared how the Maurader's Map was significant to Harry. Created by Moony and Padfoot, the map could only be used with a riddle. Hermoine says, “it can be dangerous to Harry if its in someone else's hands.” Much of our class stated Harry would not find out certain information if it were not for the map. Also brought up was the big connection with Harry's parents throughout the novel. Discussion

Once our individual work was through, we had a group discussion. The focus was representation of gender in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, the difference between men and women in stereotypes of masculine and femininity, and what characters showed this most often? Once our classmates finished the group work, the comparisons of each character was broken down in a similar fashion like the one below.

Stereotypes or Deviations

Ron- Fear, Superstitions				Hagrid- Outdoorsy, Compassionate, Expressions

Hermoine- Initiative, Courage, Expressions		Mcgonagall- strict

Harry- Courage					Ms. Weasley- motherly

Discussion Leader

Finishing up class, we had Megan present her power point for Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. The focus was on J.K Rowling and an article of comparison towards the novel. An essay, The Education of a Wizard written by Pat Pinsent was discussed. Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban was compared to A Wizard of Earthsea and what types of audience each was directed towards. While both were supposed to be for children, Harry Potter quickly became an attraction to all types of audiences. That was then said to be why the novels became so popular throughout the world.