"Better a fallen rocket than never a burst of light."
~ Tom Stoppard, The Invention of Love

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1999)

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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