The Harry Podcast

Where once the idea of racists proudly marching around announcing their racism once seemed like it could only be a reference to the Nazis, it now feels like a commentary on modern politics.

In this episode, David and Madeline discuss the use of humor and sexuality in the chapter, and Madeline has a very hot take about Veela.

Your hosts discuss international wizarding culture as seen through Harry’s eyes, especially as personified in the two title characters.

Your hosts discuss the different types of magical teleportation and how the author intentionally repeats descriptive language to great effect.

Your hosts discuss the wonderful Weasley family, and how each member is characterized in this chapter, with a particular focus on Molly and Percy.

Madeline and David discuss the cruel prank that Fred and George play on Dudley, as well as how class plays a leading role in the culture clash between Weasleys and Dursleys.

Your hosts discuss Harry’s coping strategies for living with the Dursleys this year, and how the power dynamics between him and Uncle Vernon have shifted.

David and Madeline discuss how this chapter serves as a bridge between narratives and the series as a whole, as well as the symbolism of Harry’s scar and why it’s important in this moment.

Welcome to Season Four! In this episode, your hosts explore the wonderfully creepy setting of this chapter and how it acts as a primer for the events of this book in a very clever way, as well as serving as commentary on Voldemort’s relationship with Wormtail, and society’s relationship with veterans and PTSD.

Madeline and David briefly discuss JK Rowling's recent online posts where she outed herself as a transphobe and a bigot. Having wrestled with this for some time, we have come to the conclusion that we can condemn her personally while still upholding the Harry Potter series as an example of everything she is speaking out against--inclusivity, opposition to bigotry and hatred, and solidarity with the downtrodden. We understand if you believe it is wrong to support a bigot by buying HP books, or films. We believe it is okay to continue discussing them on their literary merits, and we hope you'll stay awhile and listen. If not, best of luck to you. We're glad you stopped by.