You know it had to happen
Jun. 23rd, 2003 10:16 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
windandwaterI was setting up to write a nice long rant on OotP, but then I found this. I figure I can shove everything I want to say into a very nice meme.
THERE ARE SO MANY FREAKIN' SPOILERS FOR HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX HERE THAT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT, YOU SHOULD GO AWAY!
*coughs*
Now that there has been due warning:
Last chance to turn back!
1. Describe in five words or less how you feel about Order of the Phoenix. (your initial reaction)
Denial. Shock. Awe. Yay puberty!
2. What are your feelings on Harry's personality? Do you think he is overly cynical, depressed, etc. . . .?
I absolutely loved the new tortured!angry!Harry. I've been waiting to see how Harry would turn out after a summer of thinking about what happened after the TriWizard Tournament. Besides the angst over Cedric's death and the rise of Voldemort, to have to be practically imprisoned with the Dursley's would push almost anyone over the edge. And the fact that everything was kept secret added to it, too. He's not only hitting puberty and all the changes THAT brings, but the intellectual realizations are almost too much.
I loved the irrational anger, I loved the discontent and feeling of being "apart" from everyone else, I LOVED that Harry trashed Dumbledore's office and beat the snot out of Draco with a snitch in his hand. It's the kind of realism that makes this book very enjoyable.
3. Do you think Order of the Phoenix is appropriate for children 13 and younger? Why or why not?
Eh... this is really up to parents to decide. We currently live in a society where violence in media is almost commonplace. But I will admit that this book is VERY dark and there's some themes and imagery in it that I don't think are appropriate for younger children. Harry's 15 in the book... I figure that should go for the readers as well. It depends on the maturity of the child.
4. List your five most hated characters (either in Book 5 or the whole series, non-humans can be included).
-- Umbridge... she teaches me hate. And what's worse, is that she thought she was doing a GOOD thing
-- Fudge... his stupidity and paranoia astounds me. He should die just for that
-- Kreacher... *throttles*
-- Dementors... I see no need for them. It's not really hate, just general dislike and creepiness
-- ... I would have to say Peter Pettigrew, though he has some redeemable qualities
5. Percy turned away from his family. Will he come crawling back to them now or . . .?
I'll have to say that it's not totally unexpected that Percy would end up turning his back on his family. From the beginning we've seen that he's a bit power-hungry and... not exactly ashamed, but not happy, with his background. He's a boy who WANTS so badly to be SOMEBODY that he would step all over anyone to get his way... or lick the shoes of the right people. I have to admit, I didn't think he'd go so far as to not even visit Arthur when he was in St. Mungo's, but still...
I can very well see Percy trying to find a scapegoat for his actions, now that it has been clearly proven that Fudge and the Ministry were very wrong. And I can also see him trying to get back into the good graces of his family.
6. What did you think of the new DADA's punishment? Why didn't Harry nor Lee complain?
When I read that scene, with the words being carved into Harry's hand, I nearly cried. It was SO painful to see him suffer through that almost alone. And the fact that he didn't want to crumple before Umbridge, that he didn't want to cry or show that the punishment affect him at all... his defiance of her at almost every turn made me love Harry more.
7. What do you think of James and Lily now?
I still think they're okay. I'm very glad we got to see some insight to their characters, besides what's been said about them. James as an arrogant brat, I can totally see. Yes, he may have been well-liked, but that doesn't mean he's a saint. His crush on Lily was cute, too. As for Lily, I'm glad she disliked James. It shows that she wouldn't just rollover and do whatever James wanted. They're not all True Love Hearts In Their Eyes with each other.
8. Has your opinion (which is probably not too good) of Petunia Dursley changed? If yes, how so?
It has a little, but it still doesn't excuse her treatment of Harry. While it's damn close to blackmail, if she truly DID care about her sister's son, why would she treat him so badly? Still... I liked that she stood up to Vernon and kept Harry in the house, though she had to be threatened first.
9. What's the meaning of Snape's nickname in your opinion?
Snivellus? There has to be a meaning? Rhymes with Severus, comes from sniveling. Which, I think, is interesting because you generally hear the phrase "sniveling coward" and Snape does seem to be afraid of his past... or at least, very displeased that he was a pushover. Also... this memory is so bad, that Snape had to put it the Penseive so Harry couldn't see it accidentally. It kind of tells you something about him.
10. What do you think of the character death? Do you think s/he will return?
I live in denial. Happily. I pay outrageous rent, but I get to see Sirius happy and alive. I firmly believe that because there was no body, his death is uncertain. Also, he fell through the veil in the archway. There was way too much focus on that arch and the room itself for it NOT to be something special.
Actually, I went into shock when I read that scene. Sirius' death was so utterly pointless. Yes, it gave Harry a reason to go charging after Bellatrix into the main hall and thus set up the fight with Voldemort and Dumbledore, but... Sirius didn't have to DIE, dammit! I actually thought it might be Arthur, but that was too early in the book. Then I was worried Ron or Neville would be the one to die. Sirius...
Goddamn. Harry's already had so much horrible bullshit happen to him, and he gets yet ANOTHER person he cares for taken away?! All I can see from this is that Harry's going to start shutting himself off from those he loves, just to protect them.
11. Do you think fanfiction will be hurt by Book 5? Do you see any new pairings arising? Do you see any huge ships falling apart?
Well, I just think this will bring a new surge of writers in. Mary Sues shall abound, as they usually do. Also, there's so much that HAPPENS in OotP, so many revelations and character changes that fanfics will be written a bit differently if they want to stay canon.
As for the ships... I would have to say that the Harry/Draco has taken a mighty blow. Draco is such an insufferable and unredeemable brat in this book. He's so one-dimensional that now he's not good enough for Harry. I only hope he gets a bit more character... *waves flag*
Sirius/Remus... they're so totally canon. It's too cute. They live together, they gave Harry a gift together, they finish each other's sentences... *happy sigh* Caught a bit of Sirius/James, too and it made me giggle. Oh, and I was TOTALLY seeing Harry/Neville... and it makes me squee.
If we're going for canon ships... I thought there would be more Ron/Hermione stuff. Yes, they act very cutely with each other, but after GoF, I really expected more. I was tickled to see that Hermione keeps in contact with Victor though. I am DAMN glad Harry/Cho is dead. I disliked Cho when she was first introduced, and now I just think she's a bitch. She is not deserving of Harry! Harry/Luna... eh. I can see them as friends and she's pretty cool and crazy, but I don't think she and Harry click that way.
12. What was your favourite chapter in Order of the Phoenix? Why?
Oh, I can't say I have a favorite chapter. I need to reread many more times before that. I don't really want to pick out a particular chapter, since I like looking at the book as a whole.
13. Talk about Fred and George's "flight."
Perfect. Fred and George had been showing signs of disgruntlement and unhappiness about staying in school... the fact that they could help Harry AND go down in Hogwarts history was superb. Though, I can't help but feel that JKR is trying to get extra characters out of the way for something...
14. Give some thoughts on Ron.
Alas, poor Ron, we knew you well. I like that Ron became prefect and got on the Quidditch team. Now it's his turn to have a bit of the spotlight after being in Harry's "shadow". He still hasn't quite broken free of his brothers yet though, but he's doing a good job of it. But, it's rather sad to see that Ron's life is turning up much better than Harry's. I think the contrast is wonderful.
But, I can also see Harry hating, or at least coming at odds with Ron. We've already seen what Harry's like when he loses his temper, and his actions when he found out Ron became prefect are very telling.
15. What did you think of Dumbledore's explanation?
I could understand his point of view, but now we have a very dangerous Dumbledore. It's all stuff that I had figured out already (the prophecy was somewhat lame), but to hear Dumbledore actually TELL Harry was nice to see. And I felt bad for him a bit, especially since he seemed sure Harry would hate him. Still... he was really dumb and much heartbreak could've been avoided if he had come clean sooner.
16. Do you feel satisfied by this book?
Satisfied? Yes and no. I can see that we're reaching what may be the beginning of a downward spiral, since this is the fifth book. Finally questions are laid out and answered, but there's still that lingering feeling of missing SOMETHING important.
17. How anxious are you now for Book 6?
Very, dammit. I better not have to wait years and years again.
THERE ARE SO MANY FREAKIN' SPOILERS FOR HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX HERE THAT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT, YOU SHOULD GO AWAY!
*coughs*
Now that there has been due warning:
Last chance to turn back!
1. Describe in five words or less how you feel about Order of the Phoenix. (your initial reaction)
Denial. Shock. Awe. Yay puberty!
2. What are your feelings on Harry's personality? Do you think he is overly cynical, depressed, etc. . . .?
I absolutely loved the new tortured!angry!Harry. I've been waiting to see how Harry would turn out after a summer of thinking about what happened after the TriWizard Tournament. Besides the angst over Cedric's death and the rise of Voldemort, to have to be practically imprisoned with the Dursley's would push almost anyone over the edge. And the fact that everything was kept secret added to it, too. He's not only hitting puberty and all the changes THAT brings, but the intellectual realizations are almost too much.
I loved the irrational anger, I loved the discontent and feeling of being "apart" from everyone else, I LOVED that Harry trashed Dumbledore's office and beat the snot out of Draco with a snitch in his hand. It's the kind of realism that makes this book very enjoyable.
3. Do you think Order of the Phoenix is appropriate for children 13 and younger? Why or why not?
Eh... this is really up to parents to decide. We currently live in a society where violence in media is almost commonplace. But I will admit that this book is VERY dark and there's some themes and imagery in it that I don't think are appropriate for younger children. Harry's 15 in the book... I figure that should go for the readers as well. It depends on the maturity of the child.
4. List your five most hated characters (either in Book 5 or the whole series, non-humans can be included).
-- Umbridge... she teaches me hate. And what's worse, is that she thought she was doing a GOOD thing
-- Fudge... his stupidity and paranoia astounds me. He should die just for that
-- Kreacher... *throttles*
-- Dementors... I see no need for them. It's not really hate, just general dislike and creepiness
-- ... I would have to say Peter Pettigrew, though he has some redeemable qualities
5. Percy turned away from his family. Will he come crawling back to them now or . . .?
I'll have to say that it's not totally unexpected that Percy would end up turning his back on his family. From the beginning we've seen that he's a bit power-hungry and... not exactly ashamed, but not happy, with his background. He's a boy who WANTS so badly to be SOMEBODY that he would step all over anyone to get his way... or lick the shoes of the right people. I have to admit, I didn't think he'd go so far as to not even visit Arthur when he was in St. Mungo's, but still...
I can very well see Percy trying to find a scapegoat for his actions, now that it has been clearly proven that Fudge and the Ministry were very wrong. And I can also see him trying to get back into the good graces of his family.
6. What did you think of the new DADA's punishment? Why didn't Harry nor Lee complain?
When I read that scene, with the words being carved into Harry's hand, I nearly cried. It was SO painful to see him suffer through that almost alone. And the fact that he didn't want to crumple before Umbridge, that he didn't want to cry or show that the punishment affect him at all... his defiance of her at almost every turn made me love Harry more.
7. What do you think of James and Lily now?
I still think they're okay. I'm very glad we got to see some insight to their characters, besides what's been said about them. James as an arrogant brat, I can totally see. Yes, he may have been well-liked, but that doesn't mean he's a saint. His crush on Lily was cute, too. As for Lily, I'm glad she disliked James. It shows that she wouldn't just rollover and do whatever James wanted. They're not all True Love Hearts In Their Eyes with each other.
8. Has your opinion (which is probably not too good) of Petunia Dursley changed? If yes, how so?
It has a little, but it still doesn't excuse her treatment of Harry. While it's damn close to blackmail, if she truly DID care about her sister's son, why would she treat him so badly? Still... I liked that she stood up to Vernon and kept Harry in the house, though she had to be threatened first.
9. What's the meaning of Snape's nickname in your opinion?
Snivellus? There has to be a meaning? Rhymes with Severus, comes from sniveling. Which, I think, is interesting because you generally hear the phrase "sniveling coward" and Snape does seem to be afraid of his past... or at least, very displeased that he was a pushover. Also... this memory is so bad, that Snape had to put it the Penseive so Harry couldn't see it accidentally. It kind of tells you something about him.
10. What do you think of the character death? Do you think s/he will return?
I live in denial. Happily. I pay outrageous rent, but I get to see Sirius happy and alive. I firmly believe that because there was no body, his death is uncertain. Also, he fell through the veil in the archway. There was way too much focus on that arch and the room itself for it NOT to be something special.
Actually, I went into shock when I read that scene. Sirius' death was so utterly pointless. Yes, it gave Harry a reason to go charging after Bellatrix into the main hall and thus set up the fight with Voldemort and Dumbledore, but... Sirius didn't have to DIE, dammit! I actually thought it might be Arthur, but that was too early in the book. Then I was worried Ron or Neville would be the one to die. Sirius...
Goddamn. Harry's already had so much horrible bullshit happen to him, and he gets yet ANOTHER person he cares for taken away?! All I can see from this is that Harry's going to start shutting himself off from those he loves, just to protect them.
11. Do you think fanfiction will be hurt by Book 5? Do you see any new pairings arising? Do you see any huge ships falling apart?
Well, I just think this will bring a new surge of writers in. Mary Sues shall abound, as they usually do. Also, there's so much that HAPPENS in OotP, so many revelations and character changes that fanfics will be written a bit differently if they want to stay canon.
As for the ships... I would have to say that the Harry/Draco has taken a mighty blow. Draco is such an insufferable and unredeemable brat in this book. He's so one-dimensional that now he's not good enough for Harry. I only hope he gets a bit more character... *waves flag*
Sirius/Remus... they're so totally canon. It's too cute. They live together, they gave Harry a gift together, they finish each other's sentences... *happy sigh* Caught a bit of Sirius/James, too and it made me giggle. Oh, and I was TOTALLY seeing Harry/Neville... and it makes me squee.
If we're going for canon ships... I thought there would be more Ron/Hermione stuff. Yes, they act very cutely with each other, but after GoF, I really expected more. I was tickled to see that Hermione keeps in contact with Victor though. I am DAMN glad Harry/Cho is dead. I disliked Cho when she was first introduced, and now I just think she's a bitch. She is not deserving of Harry! Harry/Luna... eh. I can see them as friends and she's pretty cool and crazy, but I don't think she and Harry click that way.
12. What was your favourite chapter in Order of the Phoenix? Why?
Oh, I can't say I have a favorite chapter. I need to reread many more times before that. I don't really want to pick out a particular chapter, since I like looking at the book as a whole.
13. Talk about Fred and George's "flight."
Perfect. Fred and George had been showing signs of disgruntlement and unhappiness about staying in school... the fact that they could help Harry AND go down in Hogwarts history was superb. Though, I can't help but feel that JKR is trying to get extra characters out of the way for something...
14. Give some thoughts on Ron.
Alas, poor Ron, we knew you well. I like that Ron became prefect and got on the Quidditch team. Now it's his turn to have a bit of the spotlight after being in Harry's "shadow". He still hasn't quite broken free of his brothers yet though, but he's doing a good job of it. But, it's rather sad to see that Ron's life is turning up much better than Harry's. I think the contrast is wonderful.
But, I can also see Harry hating, or at least coming at odds with Ron. We've already seen what Harry's like when he loses his temper, and his actions when he found out Ron became prefect are very telling.
15. What did you think of Dumbledore's explanation?
I could understand his point of view, but now we have a very dangerous Dumbledore. It's all stuff that I had figured out already (the prophecy was somewhat lame), but to hear Dumbledore actually TELL Harry was nice to see. And I felt bad for him a bit, especially since he seemed sure Harry would hate him. Still... he was really dumb and much heartbreak could've been avoided if he had come clean sooner.
16. Do you feel satisfied by this book?
Satisfied? Yes and no. I can see that we're reaching what may be the beginning of a downward spiral, since this is the fifth book. Finally questions are laid out and answered, but there's still that lingering feeling of missing SOMETHING important.
17. How anxious are you now for Book 6?
Very, dammit. I better not have to wait years and years again.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2003-06-25 06:15 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2003-06-25 07:29 pm (UTC)I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks these things. Feel free to spread the meme!