Join hosts Irvin, Sierra, Sophia, and guest Margarete as they discuss chapter 20 from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Dementor’s Kiss.
In this episode:
- A lengthy discussion of chapter length
- Human Balloon Parade
- Sophia learns how moons work!
- Let’s play the blame game!
- Crookshanks is the real protagonist
- Why does Hermione struggle so much with the Patronus Charm
- Dementors compare soul status
- Chilling lines and descriptions – Happy spooky season!
Recommended reading:
- The Hunt for Happiness: What Harry Gives Up to Cast a Patronus by Sophia
- The Patronus Charm: An Effective Counter to Depression? by Sophia
The pub’s jukebox:
The moon is only technically “full” at a single moment of astronomical alignment (which would make being a werewolf like a really wierd monthly sneeze).
It appears full for around three days, but Lupin isn’t constantly fuzzy, so the effect can be blocked by the ground. It’s just a question of amount. If there’s a mountain in the way, that would be enough. Being inside doesn’t seem to count. So unless the passage under the willow is very deep underground, there’s probably not enough dirt in the way.
(Has anyone tried employing werewolves as miners?)
Next episode, we learn about tides!
Another benefit of having short, punchy chapters is that when things get all time-wimey the reader will find it easier to flip back and check what’s happening when.
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Not everyone’s cycle is well-behaved and predictable. It’s probably also wise to be wary of tracking apps in certain jurisdictions.
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In terms of blame, I’m inclined to give everyone a pass for Lupin not getting his potion that night (though Snape is debatable). But Snape at least reminded everyone, even if he didn’t bring the potion, so Lupin should have stayed in the shack.
Describing dementors as a swarm, or hive-mind just makes me imagine one returning to Azkaban and doing a little butt-wiggle dance to let the others know where the good souls are at.
But I do not like the reminder of dementors being able to communicate. I’m somehow happier thinking of them as mere beasts/monsters, as opposed to beings with self-awareness. Wants. Plans.