'Halfway' Post

What is the setting of the novel?

The setting of the novel begins in the muggle world, 4 Pivet Drive, Little Whinging, England, or more specifically, the Dursley's home. The Dursely's home may look like a nice and regular to place to live on the outside but on the inside Harry is forced to live in a "dark cupboard" (page 21) under the stairs. The second half of the story takes place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The scenery as they arrived at Hogwarts left a big impression on Harry. "Perched atop a high mountain on the other side [of a black lake], its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers." (page 119). The setting plays a vital role in this novel. If it had taken place anywhere else the story simply would not have made any sense. The story revolves around two worlds; the wizarding world and the muggle world. If those two wolds didn't exist, there would be no story to begin with. 




Choose a character who is starting to change and explain how the change is being made and what purpose it serves. Are the changes the character is making, plausible or realistic (could/would actually happen in real life)? Why/Why not?

Hermione Granger's character develops significantly as the novel progresses. In the beginning, she is portrayed as an annoying perfectionist, a goody-two-shoes, and a bookworm. She's first seen talking to Harry and Ron on the train ride to school.

Hermione develops into a likeable character and good friend. In chapter 10, Harry and Ron save Hermione from a troll. Afterwards, Hermione blatantly lies to the teacher to keep Harry and Ron from getting into trouble, and with that a new friendship is born. Hermione's decision to support her friends rather than obey the rules displays a change and growth within her character. 

"Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery and – oh Harry – be careful!" (page 308)