While I
find The Sorcerer’s Stone to be an
enjoyable yarn, I think The Chamber of
Secrets is a step up for the series.
It broadens the world and its conflicts, bringing in new creatures, new
characters, and new threats. I really
liked reading it again.
Harry’s
second year at Hogwarts brings, what else – an evil plot that needs
foiling! Harry, Ron, and Hermione
investigate the rash of mysterious attacks throughout the school, reportedly
caused by a legendary monster under the thrall of the so-called “heir of Slytherin.” Along the way, Harry gains a greater
understanding of blood prejudice in the wizarding world, the idea that
“Muggle-borns” (wizards from non-wizard families) are less deserving of
learning magic than “pureblood” wizards – the heir of Slytherin has it out for
Muggle-born students, as do some of Harry’s classmates. Harry also learns more about Lord Voldemort,
learning more about himself in the process.
While
J.K. Rowling’s work leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to inclusion, I do
like how she writes the theme of the wizarding world’s interest in blood
purity, with Squibs facing derision and Muggle-borns facing prejudice. In this book, it starts with knowing comments
from the Malfoys, moves into slurs, and culminates in violent attacks. It’s a compelling introduction to what will
be a major thread throughout the series, and the new information we learn here
about the eventually-revealed heir of Slytherin ties in well with that.
There are
plenty of other bits and bobs introduced in this book with varying degrees of
success. Lockhart is a super-fun
character – I enjoy meeting a wizarding world celebrity – and Lucius Malfoy is
an excellent sinister addition. We get
new elements of the world, like the Polyjuice Potion and the creature in the
Chamber. But then, there are also
characters like Moaning Myrtle and Dobby, both of whom can be more than a
little grating.
I like
the central mystery overall (even if we see more of Harry’s go-to move of
“doggedly suspect one of my least-favorite people.”) Most everything surrounding the Chamber of
Secrets and the attacks on Muggle-borns is suitably creepy, the use of the
magical diary is a neat concept well-executed, and as with my reread of The Sorcerer’s Stone, I’m impressed with
how well everything comes together. The
big clues to the culprit’s identity are nicely foreshadowed without being
overly-obvious, and lots of little, seemingly-throw-away things wind up
factoring into the major action.
Something
else stood out to me with this book.
I’ve talked before about how it sometimes feels like Harry is the hero
by writer fiat, but I finally put it together here: he’s not the hero because of what he can do,
he’s the hero because he continually chooses
to put himself in that position. Whether
or not he actually possesses the skills, knowledge, and/or experience that the
situation calls for, he dives in anyway, always the one to say, “I’ve got to do something.” It’s definitely a Gryffindor move, and his
bravery is usually rewarded with some unexpected help, but it also resonates
with Dumbledore’s remark that we’re defined by our choices more than our
abilities.
Warnings
Violence,
scary moments, in-universe slurs, disturbing images, a little gross-out humor,
and strong thematic elements.
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