The Cursed Castle - Discussion 2

[Prof. Tarma Amelia Black]

We've gotten further into our activity, The Cursed Castle, and discussed some of the people in it, if only alluding to them and/or solving anagrams with their names. However, as stated previously, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets has a plethora of characters, some wholesome and some not so savoury .

For this discussion, search your memory and tell us two characters in the book -- one who appears to be wholesome and one who is not so savoury. Why is this? You may mention someone previously mentioned as long as you have different explanations as to why you feel that way.

You’ll earn 20 beans when you answer with 100 or more words.

Post your response below by 11:50 PM HOL-time on the 4th of April to get your beans!

[River Fenwick]

Wholesome character, you ask? Well, that absolutely has to go to Rubeus Hagrid! Hagrid shows over the course of all the books that he’s loyal, protective, and trusting even when he shouldn’t be. However, in this book in particular, I believe it highlights an impressive amount of patience on his part while facing false accusations (which, as we learn, was not even the first time...poor guy), which I fear I wouldn’t have the poise for. If I were going to Azkaban for something I didn’t do, I’d make sure I actually deserved it by the time I set foot in there. Plus, the relationship between him and Aragog, as highlighted in the book, seals it in for me, since you’d have to be on a whole different level of wholesome if you can befriend/raise a beast like Aragog.

As for a character that’s not so savoury...well, who else could I hand it to other than Lucius Malfoy? He had practically set in motion the plot of the book, putting everyone at Hogwarts through a great deal of hoops to jump through after the mess he played his part in causing. Honestly, he deserved the book’s ending, and I have never felt more satisfied with a character crashing down stairs.

[Kaylee Oatsong]

Hello,

I feel like the most wholesome character in the book might be Ron Weasley, since he doesn't hesitate to help Harry to reveal the existence of the Chamber of Secrets, despite his huge fear of spiders. He doesn't hide what he truly feels, and of course, we absolutely cannot forget that he's the most loyal friend ever! We should also acknowledge the fact that he tried (and failed miserably) to defend Hermione after Draco insulting and calling her a 'mudblood'. It's also highlighted throughout the whole series that he's the most trustworthy, kind, and wholesome character!

Then, the total opposite of wholesomeness, is for sure our very despised Marcus Flint. Even though he isn't quite present in the book, all the chapters he's been in proves that he deserves this title. He will absolutely do anything to win the Quidditch Cup, even breaking the rules and hit his competitors to finally touch the Cup he's always wanted, which is quite inhumane. He's also a very racist fella, laughing along with Draco and his squad when he called Hermione slurs.

Kaylee Oatsong

[Janne Halla]

Perhaps my favourite wholesome character is Neville Longbottom. At the start, he seems shy and a bit unsure of himself, but he’s always kind and tries his best. He doesn’t laugh at others or try to show off. Instead, he supports his friends and keeps going even when things are hard. He shows real courage, even if he’s scared, and that makes him feel very genuine. He has one of the best character arcs, I think.

A character who is not so savoury is Gilderoy Lockhart. He seems friendly and impressive at first, but it quickly becomes clear that he isn’t what he pretends to be. He cares a lot about his image and wants people to admire him. Instead of being honest, he takes credit for things he didn’t do. When something dangerous happens, he doesn’t act bravely and tries to avoid the situation. This makes him seem selfish and not very trustworthy.