ENGL  3305:  Children’s  Literature  Proctor/Fall  2017  

Harry  Potter  Discussion  Questions    1.  This  magical  fantasy  begins  with  people  celebrating  the  triumph  of  good  over  evil.  Why  is  this  an  unusual  way  to  begin  an  epic  story?  What  does  this  opening  reveal  about  Harry’s  fight  against  Voldemort,  the  fight  of  good  against  evil?   2.  What  is  so  unique  about  the  wand  that  “chooses”  Harry  when  he  visits  Mr.  Ollivander’s  shop?  What  connection  does  this  wand  establish  between  Harry  and  Voldemort?  What  does  this  reveal  about  the  differences  between  good  and  evil  in  this  story?    3.  “There  is  no  good  and  evil,  there  is  only  power,  and  those  too  weak  to  seek  it”  (Rowling  291).      a.  In  what  ways  is  Quirrell  correct?  Explain  using  examples  from  the  novel.    b.  Dumbledore’s  character  does  not  seek  the  power  that  Voldemort  does.  Does  Dumbledore  restrain  himself  out  of  weakness  or  strength?  Explain  using  examples  from  the  novel.    4.  When  Harry  awakes  in  the  Hogwarts  infirmary  he  is  full  of  questions  about  what  happened  in  the  dungeons.  While  he  does  not  answer  each  inquiry,  Dumbledore  does  provide  Harry  with  some  clarity  about  what  took  place.  According  to  Dumbledore,  what  protects  Harry  in  this  final  confrontation  with  Quirrell?  How  does  this  protect  Harry?    5.  “Through  the  medium  of  fantasy,  writers  are  able  to  explore  complex  ideas  on  a  symbolic  level  that  would  otherwise  be  difficult  to  convey  to  young  readers.  Fantasy  is  perfectly  suited  to  the  thoughtful  exploration  of  philosophical  issues  at  a  level  that  can  be  understood  and  appreciated  by  the  child  reader.  Fantasy  deliberately  challenges  our  perceptions  of  reality  and  forces  us  to  explore  new,  uncharted  realms  of  thought”  (Russell  216).    a.  Do  you  think  that  Harry  Potter  and  the  Sorcerer’s  Stone  fits  this  description?  Why  or  why  not?  b.  What  complicated  issues  do  you  think  children  can  explore  more  readily  by  reading  and  processing  this  story?