588: The Chamber of Drills (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 1 and 2)

Join us as we begin Chapter-by-Chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! Harry's abuse rises to new levels, the Dursleys obtain Death Eater status, and Dobby complicates Harry's life despite his good intentions. From horcruxes to house-elves, from animal cruelty to servitude, there's lots to unpack from on this weeks' episode!

We reflect on reading Chamber of Secrets for the first time and what we're expecting to get out of our re-read

Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 1: The Worst Birthday

7-Word Summary: The Day Harry Was Beaten By Family

We deeply analyze the Dursley's mistreatment of Harry and add animal cruelty to the list of offenses

Wouldn’t Petunia know that Harry can’t do magic outside of school? Perhaps she does not want to reveal her knowledge of the wizarding world to Vernon?

How could Harry overcome the Dursleys’ restrictions except for the rescue from the Weasleys?

How does Dumbledore allow for this level of abuse to go on for so long?

Don't use THAT word (MAGIC)... are the Dursleys the Death Eater equivalent in the Muggle world?

Can we glean anything positive from Dudley remembering Harry's birthday?

Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 2: Dobby's Warning

7-Word Summary: Surprises await Harry in his bedroom tonight 

We analyze the Mystery of Dobby's Ownership

When would Lucius Malfoy have begun planning to unleash the Diary Horcrux?

Connecting the Threads: we compare the behavior of Dobby in this book to Kreacher in Order of the Phoenix

What is our general consensus on Dobby? Helpful or super, super annoying?

Harry and Dobby: both are servants in their respective households, both are bound by magical contracts and both are treated horribly!

Next week: we're off for Thanksgiving... (or are we)?

Quizzitch: In Chapter 3 of Chamber of Secrets, what is the last of Harry's possessions to leave Privet Drive?

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