Prior to this semester I didn't know what a close read was. But
after doing a close read the first week of class it has opened up a different
perspective when I now read books or watch movies. I'm not just focusing on
what's going on with the people that are talking, I’m making myself be aware of
everything else that is going on. The theme that I choose to do was a close
read.
Prior to starting the second Harry Potter book I
was skeptical about reading it one because it's never really caught my interest
with the books or movies and second cause I've never read or seen the first
movie thus giving me no background knowledge of what is going on. This leads me
into the scene that I'm going to close read and it starts with the first couple
of pages in the book. The scene starts out with Dudley saying to Harry
"Pass the frying pan" Harry replies with saying "you've
forgotten to say the magic word" now this in my eyes seems like Harry is
just being a jerk and trying to start a fight. But that is far from the truth.
Dudley gasped and then falls to the floor, meanwhile Mr Dursley jumps to his
feet and turns on Harry saying WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU, ABOUT SAYING THE 'M' WORD
IN OUR HOUSE? Harry tries to get a word in but is interrupted by Mr Dursley
"I WARNED YOU, I WILL NOT TOLERATE MENTION OF YOUR ABNORMALITY UNDER THIS
ROOF." I thought that manners were going to be a big thing in this family
with the start of that conversation but it immediately took a turn towards
Harry. From that it makes it seem as if they are very afraid of Harry and what
he could potentially do to them. But in my eyes if he was going to do anything
to them he would have done it a while ago.
To start with, I’m a little confused as to while you’re talking about the Chamber of Secrets when the assignment is to read the first book. Don’t get me wrong, the second one is my favorite so read away! But whatever your reasons are, I’ll still comment on your post by saying that you are absolutely right about the Dursley’s. They are terrified of Harry! These people are so snooty and “muggle-ly” that even the mention of magic, even the magicians that perform at birthdays, is enough to make all of their blood run cold. I also want to comment on your final statement: in a way, you are right. If Harry wanted to hurt them, he would have…If he really knew how to. Harry, in CoS, isn’t even a second year yet. He doesn’t have enough magical knowledge to really do much damage to anyone. Not only that, but if he did use magic he’d get expelled and he sure as crap does not want that to happen!
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