Book Talk
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
What is the genre of this book and how do you know?
This book is fantasy and I know this because Harry Potter has a lot of magic in it.
Who is the author? Have they written anything else? Have you read anything else by this author?
The author is J.K. Rowling and she has written other books. I have read multiple books from the Harry Potter series, but I have not read her other books.
Discuss the plot of the story briefly.
Harry starts a new year at Hogwarts with his friends, but the only problem is that someone is out to kill him. Sirius Black had broken out of Azkaban, a feat that had never happened before. Death eaters were sent to Hogwarts to keep an eye on the school in case he went there, but they are also searching in other places, not just the school. One day in Hogsmede, Harry overhears some of the teachers conversing about Sirius being his godfather. There also is a new teacher that Harry grows close to while he helps Harry learn different things. In the end they find out who Peter Pettigrew is and they save Black with Hermione's time-turner.
Who is the protagonist? Who is the antagonist?
The protagonist is Harry and the antagonist is Sirius Black in the beginning, but towards the end it was Peter Pettigrew
What is the main conflict? Explain.
The main conflict is that Sirius had escaped Azkaban and is after Harry, and Harry also wants to discover the role he played in his parents death.
How was the conflict resolved?
Harry met Black and found out that it wasn't him that played part in his parents' death, but Peter. They then try to capture him, but it doesn't work. Sirius' name was not cleared though.
Quote one passage from the novel that illustrates something important for the protagonist. Explain.
"An' then he says, 'Give Harry ter me, Hagrid, I'm his godfather, I'll look after him."
This is what Harry heard when he was eavesdropping on the teachers' conversation. As Hagrid says this he figures out that Sirius is his godfather and feels betrayed that no one told him. He also feels upset that a family member got his parents' killed.
How does the protagonist change throughout the novel?
As Harry progresses through the novel, he shows that he is brave and loyal to his friends and family. In the beginning Harry shows that he is not a door mat and will not take any insults towards the people he loves, his family. He defends them even though he didn't really know them. When Ron gets dragged into the Whomping Willow, Harry rushes to save his friends. He just goes by instinct.
Discuss the major theme of the book. What is the author trying to teach the people who read this book?
I think the biggest theme in this book would be to stay loyal to your friends and family. Harry shows that he would do anything for them and that he trusts them with his life. He would sacrifice himself for the safety of others.
How does this book apply to your life in some way?
This book shows that I should be courageous and always stay loyal to those that are good to you.
Would you recommend this book to anyone? Why or Why not?
I would recommend this and any other Harry Potter book because they're amazing, and they teach good lessons, and are a good source of entertainment.