Topics for Further Study
- Write a two-page essay comparing the Ministry of Magic to your own government. Identify the successes and failures in both. Highlight instances of power abuse similar to those by Cornelius Fudge or Dolores Umbridge. Also, point out areas of progress led by figures like Albus Dumbledore or Arthur Weasley.
- Compare your school to Hogwarts. In his fifth year, Harry faces extremely challenging standardized exams. Provide examples of characters for whom the tests were effective and those for whom the exams did not fairly reflect their talent or intelligence. Discuss Rowling's stance on standardized testing. How does your school or community assess student progress? Outline the benefits and drawbacks in both worlds in a one-page summary.
- Professor Umbridge and the Ministry of Magic frequently censor and control the information available to Hogwarts students and the wizarding community, particularly through the newspaper, the Daily Prophet. The Ministry tries to manage the narrative about Voldemort's return, even going so far as to deny known truths to maintain peace. In a one-page essay, compare these governmental tactics with those you observe today, especially in the context of terrorism and global threats. Explore how and why your government might control threatening information. Discuss the benefits and dangers of such information management.
- Analyze Professor Snape's role in Harry Potter's life. While he often singles out Harry and treats him unfairly, he also provides valuable advice during Occlumency lessons: "Fools who wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, who cannot control their emotions … stand no chance against [Voldemort's] powers…. Control your anger, discipline your mind!" How might this guidance have helped Harry in the novel? Additionally, what does Rowling want readers to think about Snape? Although Dumbledore and most of the Order of the Phoenix trust him, Harry does not. What role will Snape play in Harry's future? How should readers interpret his character? Write a brief essay sharing your thoughts.
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