November 2010: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Prejudices

In the Chamber of Secrets, we discover that Slytherin had wanted Hogwarts to be a school only for full bloods, with no 'mudbloods' admitted. His prejudice against anyone different from himself creates all sorts of problems. How does this attitude compare with real prejudices people have had throughout history, for example against people of 'mixed blood' regarded as inferior?

Foreshadowing

How does the author use foreshadowing to comment on and prepare the reader for the story's defining conflicts? consider the early introduction of Fawkes, the Dursley's hatred of all things magic, and Ginny's dismay when the cat was petrified.

Loyalty

Loyalty is a key attribute of many characters. Who is the most loyal character in your opinion and why?

animals

What role do animals play in the novel? How important are they?