abbotsford christian school · web viewwhat are 2 things that harry often dreams about or remembers...

Harry Potter

&

The Philosopher’s Stone

(Never Tickle a Sleeping Dragon)

Name: _______________________________

English 10 (Fantasy Literature & Composition)

Section 1: Chapters 1-6 (Exposition)

Chapter 1 – Reading Comprehension Questions

1. From whose point of view will this story be told? What is this point of view called? (First Person? Third Person Objective? Third Person Omniscient? Third Person Limited Omniscient?)

2. What is the setting (place and time) of this story?

3. Why can Harry no longer be raised by his own parents? How did Harry survive when his parents did not?

4. What are Professor McGonagall’s objections to Harry being dropped off at the Dursley’s? And, why does Professor Dumbledore insist that this is the best place for him?

5. From whom did Hagrid get his flying motorcycle?


1. What is the first rule for a quiet life with the Dursley’s?

2. What is Dudley Dursley’s main character flaw?

3. What are 2 things that Harry often dreams about or remembers that suggest that the story about his parents dying in a car crash may not be entirely accurate?

4. Describe the 2 magical things that take place in chapter 2, which both suggest that there may be more to Harry Potter than meets the eye?

Chapter 3 & 4 – Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Who is Hagrid? Describe him in some detail. Why does Hagrid love Dumbledore so much?

2. What life-changing information does Harry discover about himself in these two chapters?


1. What is Gringott’s? Who runs it?

2. What is the main purpose of the Ministry of Magic (according to Hagrid)?

3. What are the items on Harry’s School supplies list? How is this list an indication that we are no longer in the ordinary world?

4. How do people at “the Leaky Cauldron” react when they see Harry Potter?

5. Describe Professor Quirrell.

6. How does one get to Diagon Alley?

7. What’s important about vault 713?

8. Harry meets Draco Malfoy when he enters Madam Malkin’s shop. We don’t get his name just yet, but what does Harry learn from him about the wizard world? How does Harry respond?

9. Mr. Ollivander tells Harry that the wand chooses the wizard. What is curious about the wand that chooses Harry?

10. At the end of chapter 5, what advice does Hagrid give to Harry about being successful at Hogwarts? What’s so important about this advice for a young person like Harry?


1. How does Harry feel as the train departs the station for Hogwarts? Why is this a significant detail?

2. Who sits with Harry on the train? What important things about the wizard world does Harry learn from him?

3. How does Harry respond when Draco Malfoy offers him his hand? What’s significant about this event?

Don’t forget to complete the on-going reading activities for section 1. This is the time when you reflect on what you have read in the first few chapters, add names and details to your character profiles, map out where Harry is thus far on his Hero’s Journey, and write down any important quotes, lessons and themes to your theme-tracker journal…

Section 2: Chapters 7-13 (Rising Action)


1. The Sorting Hat sings a song. In the song it gives a brief description of the character traits associated with each of the Hogwarts Houses. List each of the houses below and give a description of the character traits of individuals who belong in each house.

2. Why is belonging to a group so important for students at Hogwarts? How about for students in ACSS? Do you think it would be a good thing if ACSS had a Sorting Hat? Explain.

3. Take an on-line quiz and find out to which Hogwarts house you belong. If you have taken such a quiz before, do it again and see if your results are the same. Do you agree with the results? Why or why not? To which house would you most like to belong? Why?

4. To which House does Harry get sorted? What was the house to which he almost got sorted? Why is it significant that the hat allows Harry to have some choice in the matter?

5. Who is Neville Longbottom? Why was there some doubt about whether or not he would ever become a student at Hogwarts?

6. At the end of chapter 7, the students all sing the Hogwarts theme song. Dumbledore responds by saying, “Ah, music! A magic beyond all we do here!” What does this quote reveal about Dumbledore’s views on magic?


1. Why does Harry believe that Professor Snape hates him?

2. What are the first three questions that Professor Snape asks Harry to answer in his very first potions class? Does Harry know the answer to any of the three questions?

3. At the end of chapter 8, as Harry and Ron leave Hagrid’s hut, Harry is left wondering about a great many things. What are the questions that Harry is considering as he leaves Hagrid’s hut?


1. Why does Harry hate Malfoy so much? In chapter 9, during Broomstick riding lessons, why do Harry and Draco get into a showdown? How does the altercation turn out? What does this event reveal about Harry’s character?

2. For what magical ability does Harry discover he has some natural talent?

3. Why does McGonagall introduce Harry to Wood?

4. When Harry and Ron sneak out to go meet Malfoy in the night, why does Hermione Granger tag along? What is she most worried about? What does this reveal about her character?

5. Who are the 4 Gryffindor students wandering the halls of Hogwarts after dark, when they’re supposed to be in their rooms? Who almost catches them? What important discovery do they make at the end of the chapter?


1. Why does Hogwarts feel more like home to Harry than the Dursley’s ever did?

2. What event leads to the development of a solid friendship between Ron, Harry and Hermione?


1. What major success does Harry enjoy in Chapter 11?

2. Why do Harry, Ron, and Hermione believe that Severus Snape was trying to kill Harry?

3. Why is it significant to note that Hagrid constantly defends professor Snape?


1. What rare and expensive gift does Harry receive for Christmas?

2. Who else gives Harry gifts for Christmas?

3. What magical object does Harry stumble upon when he tries to escape from Snape and Filch in the middle of the night?

4. Write out the inscription on the mirror in reverse. What does the inscription say?

5. What does Harry see when he gazes into the mirror? What does Ron see?

6. What would the mirror of Erised show if you were looking into it?

7. What words of wisdom does Dumbledore have for Harry at the end of this chapter?


1. How do Ron, Hermione and Harry respond to Neville’s mistreatment at the hands of Malfoy in the beginning of chapter 13? What does this reveal about each of their characters?

2. Who is Nicolas Flamel? What is the power of the Philosopher’s Stone?

3. What individual victories do Ron, Neville, and Harry celebrate in this chapter?

4. Describe the encounter that Harry witnesses between Snape and Quirrell. What does the encounter reveal about Snape’s character?

5. As this chapter comes to a close, what do Ron, Hermione, and Harry believe to be the only thing standing between Snape and the Philosopher’s Stone?

6. Central Conflict: Now that we’re two-thirds of the way through the novel, what would you say is the central conflict in this story? What is the main problem that Harry must overcome in life in order to achieve his dreams and goals? To go along with this, what are the means by which Harry will overcome the obstacles in his path? How will he be able to overcome the conflicts and the enemies that threaten to destroy him?

Write a paragraph response to this question, using details from the story to support your assertions.

Don’t forget to complete the on-going reading activities for section 2. This is the time when you add details or new names to your character profile chart, map out where Harry is thus far on his Hero’s Journey, and write down important quotes, lessons and themes in your theme-tracker journal.

Section 3: Chapters 14 – 17 (Climax and Resolution)


1. Ron, Harry, and Hermione go to visit Hagrid at the beginning of this chapter. What information are they hoping to obtain from him?

2. What secret do they discover Hagrid has been hiding? And, who else discovers Hagrid’s secret?

Chapter 15

1. How do Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco and Neville serve their detention? What are they searching for?

2. What fantastic beasts do Harry, Hagrid, and Hermione meet in the woods? What do the “beasts” tell them?

3. What terrible sight do Harry and Draco witness in the woods?

4. Who comes to Harry’s rescue, and what information do we learn about Harry’s rescuer and his kind?

Chapter 16

Describe the various “tests” that Ron, Harry, and Hermione must pass on their night-time quest. There are several of them. Explain how the three friends overcome each obstacle.

Chapter 17

1. Summarize the key events of the final chapter of the story. (Point form is okay)

2. A biblical understanding of “love”, exemplified in Jesus Christ’s willingness to “lay his life down for his friends” is evident in several characters throughout this story. For each of the following characters, explain how these people showed a self-sacrificing love for others. Be sure to provide specific and relevant evidence from the story to support your assertions.

a) Harry’s mom and dad

b) Neville Longbottom

c) Harry Potter

d) Ron and Hermione

e) Severus Snape

f) Nicolas Flamel

Don’t forget to complete the on-going reading activities! After each section, reflect on what you have read in the assigned chapters. Add details or new names to your character profile chart, map out where Harry is thus far on his Hero’s Journey, and write down important quotes, lessons and themes in your theme-tracker journal.

On-going reading activities

After each section, reflect on what you have read in the assigned chapters. Add details or new names to your character profile chart, map out where Harry is thus far on his Hero’s Journey, and write down important quotes, lessons and themes in your theme-tracker journal.

A. Character Profile Chart

Name of Character

Physical Description

Characteristics / Personality

Type of Character

Harry Potter

-skinny

-glasses

-scar on his forehead shaped like a lightning bolt

-loyal

-excited about becoming a wizard

-curious

-Courageous

-Protagonist (main character)

Name of Character


Personality traits and examples

Type of Character

Name of Character


Personality Traits and examples

Type of Character

B. Hero’s Journey

List and give details about each stage of Harry’s Hero’s Journey. List all important events and their impact on Harry’s development as a hero. Explain each event in some detail. What happened? When? Where did the event take place? Who was involved? Page numbers are helpful as well.

1. The Ordinary World

2. The Call to Adventure

3. Refusal of the Call

4. Meeting the Mentor(s)

5. Crossing the Threshold

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies

7. Approach to the inmost cave

8. The Ordeal

9. Reward

10. The Road Back

11. Resurrection

12. Return with the Elixir

C. Theme Tracker / Worldview

a) Write down any important quotes or lessons that Harry has learned so far in the story. Who said the quote? How / why is it important? Keep track of page numbers too!

-Possible Themes may include the writer’s underlying messages about such topics as friendship, loyalty, respect, courage, discrimination, doing the right thing when the right thing’s not the easy thing, integrity, justice, forgiveness, identity and belonging, redemption, etc.

-What do you think are the main themes in this story? Where do you see the author’s views about these themes “coming through?”

Key Quotes (Who says these words of wisdom?)

Uses of Magic

When, why, and how is magic used? How is magic used differently by the “good” characters as compared the “bad” characters in the story?

Ethical Choices

Are there lessons about right and wrong being taught in this story? What are those lessons? Are good and evil clearly defined? Where and when do you see the “good” characters using their abilities for service, to help or to save, and where and when do you notice the “bad” characters using their abilities for selfish gain, or to harm others?

Appendix A

The Hero’s Journey – 12 Stages Explained

1. Ordinary World

This is where the Hero's exists before his present story begins, oblivious of the adventures to come. It's his safe place. His everyday life where we learn crucial details about our Hero, his true nature, capabilities and outlook on life. This anchors the Hero as a human, just like you and me, and makes it easier for us to identify with him and hence later, empathize with his plight.

2. Call to Adventure

The Hero's adventure begins when he receives a call to action, such as a direct threat to his safety, his family, his way of life or to the peace of the community in which he lives. It may not be as dramatic as a gunshot, but simply a phone call or conversation but whatever the call is, and however it manifests itself, it ultimately disrupts the comfort of the Hero's Ordinary World and presents a challenge or quest that must be undertaken.

3. Refusal of the Call

Although the Hero may be eager to accept the quest, at this stage he will have fears that need overcoming. Second thoughts or even deep personal doubts as to whether or not he is up to the challenge. When this happens, the Hero will refuse the call and as a result may suffer somehow. The problem he faces may seem too much to handle and the comfort of home far more attractive than the perilous road ahead. This would also be our own response and once again helps us bond further with the reluctant Hero.

4. Meeting the Mentor

At this crucial turning point where the Hero desperately needs guidance he meets a mentor figure who gives him something he needs. He could be given an object of great importance, insight into the dilemma he faces, wise advice, practical training or even self-confidence. Whatever the mentor provides the Hero with, it serves to dispel his doubts and fears and give him the strength and courage to begin his quest.

5. Crossing the Threshold

The Hero is now ready to act upon his call to adventure and truly begin his quest, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional. He may go willingly or he may be pushed, but either way he finally crosses the threshold between the world he is familiar with and that which he is not. It may be leaving home for the first time in his life or just doing something he has always been scared to do. However the threshold presents itself, this action signifies the Hero's commitment to his journey, whatever it may have in store for him.

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies

Now finally out of his comfort zone the Hero is confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that test him in a variety of ways. Obstacles are thrown across his path; whether they be physical hurdles or people bent on thwarting his progress, the Hero must overcome each challenge he is presented with on the journey towards his ultimate goal.

The Hero needs to find out who can be trusted and who can't. He may earn allies and meet enemies who will, each in their own way, help prepare him for the greater ordeals yet to come. This is the stage where his skills and/or powers are tested and every obstacle that he faces helps us gain a deeper insight into his character and ultimately identify with him even more.

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave

The inmost cave may represent many things in the Hero's story such as an actual location in which lies a terrible danger or an inner conflict which up until now the Hero has not had to face. As the Hero approaches the cave he must make final preparations before taking that final leap into the great unknown.

At the threshold to the inmost cave the Hero may once again face some of the doubts and fears that first surfaced upon his call to adventure. He may need some time to reflect upon his journey and the treacherous road ahead in order to find the courage to continue. This brief respite helps the audience understand the magnitude of the ordeal that awaits the Hero and escalates the tension in anticipation of his ultimate test.

8. Ordeal

The Supreme Ordeal may be a dangerous physical test or a deep inner crisis that the Hero must face in order to survive or for the world in which the Hero lives to continue to exist. Whether it be facing his greatest fear or most deadly foe, the Hero must draw upon all of his skills and his experiences gathered upon the path to the inmost cave in order to overcome his most difficult challenge.

Only through some form of "death" can the Hero be reborn, experiencing a metaphorical resurrection that somehow grants him greater power or insight necessary in order to fulfill his destiny or reach his journey's end. This is the high-point of the Hero's story and where everything he holds dear is put on the line. If he fails, he will either die or life as he knows it will never be the same again.

9. Reward (Seizing the Sword)

After defeating the enemy, surviving death and finally overcoming his greatest personal challenge, the Hero is ultimately transformed into a new state, emerging from battle as a stronger person and often with a prize.

The Reward may come in many forms: an object of great importance or power, a secret, greater knowledge or insight, or even reconciliation with a loved one or ally. Whatever the treasure, which may well facilitate his return to the Ordinary World, the Hero must quickly put celebrations aside and prepare for the last leg of his journey.

10. The Road Back

This stage in the Hero's journey represents a reverse echo of the Call to Adventure in which the Hero had to cross the first threshold. Now he must return home with his reward but this time the anticipation of danger is replaced with that of acclaim and perhaps vindication, absolution or even exoneration.

But the Hero's journey is not yet over and he may still need one last push back into the Ordinary World. The moment before the Hero finally commits to the last stage of his journey may be a moment in which he must choose between his own personal objective and that of a Higher Cause.

11. Resurrection

This is the climax in which the Hero must have his final and most dangerous encounter with death. The final battle also represents something far greater than the Hero's own existence with its outcome having far-reaching consequences to his Ordinary World and the lives of those he left behind.

If he fails, others will suffer and this not only places more weight upon his shoulders but in a movie, grips the audience so that they too feel part of the conflict and share the Hero's hopes, fears and trepidation. Ultimately the Hero will succeed, destroy his enemy and emerge from battle cleansed and reborn.

12. Return with the Elixir

This is the final stage of the Hero's journey in which he returns home to his Ordinary World a changed man. He will have grown as a person, learned many things, faced many terrible dangers and even death but now looks forward to the start of a new life. His return may bring fresh hope to those he left behind, a direct solution to their problems or perhaps a new perspective for everyone to consider.

The final reward that he obtains may be literal or metaphoric. It could be a cause for celebration, self-realization or an end to strife, but whatever it is it represents three things: change, success and proof of his journey. The return home also signals the need for resolution for the story's other key players. The Hero's doubters will be ostracized, his enemies punished and his allies rewarded. Ultimately the Hero will return to where he started but things will clearly never be the same again.

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