Claim OwnershipThe Harry Podcast
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This is a show where your hosts, David and Madeline, analyze and discuss each chapter of the Harry Potter series from a literary perspective. We look at writing style, character development, plot, and connections between moments. We give you our own ideas, perspective, and questions about the text, and urge you to ask questions and come up with your own analysis as well.
79 Episodes
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In this very short pilot episode, we discuss the scope of the podcast, and give a disclaimer about our earliest episodes. New listeners will definitely want to start here.
The hosts take a look at the first chapter of Philosopher's Stone, examining plot elements, characters, and the way the author chooses to introduce the story and the world of Harry Potter.
We delve into chapter two of the book, discussing the shift in perspective and the many new characters we're introduced to.
Your hosts discuss the clever way the author writes a certain character unraveling emotionally, and how everyone else reacts to this.
We discuss the first real revelatory moment of the series, as well as all of the characters' reactions to it. How they respond may say a lot about them.
Your hosts investigate the reader's first entry point into the wizarding world, and how it is described through Harry's eyes.
David and Madeline discuss Rowling's excellent characterization of the Weasley family and others we meet in this chapter.
We settle on a new and improved format for the show, and discuss the feasibility and shortcomings of a House-based system such as exists at Hogwarts. We recommend that new listeners begin with this episode.
Madeline and David discuss the divisive character of Severus Snape, and how he is first presented to the reader.
We discuss the character development of Neville, Harry, and Malfoy, and how the latter's rivalry begins to escalate. We also go into Hermione's first serious interaction with the story, and how she is first presented.
David and Madeline talk through Hermione's character shift from the previous chapter to this one, and the first demonstration of fairly good teamwork by our trio.
Your hosts discuss the rather strange first Quidditch match of the series, Rowling's particular issue around writing sports games, and some key information that the heroes receive.
We discuss Harry's understandably damaged psyche, the power of a certain Mirror, and Dumbledore's strange influence on our protagonist's actions.
The hosts discuss a certain 14th century French manuscript scribe, his posthumous legendary status as an alchemist, and why we're not (that) pretentious for referring to the book as "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." Darn you, Scholastic!
David and Madeline discuss the entirely self-contained storyline of this chapter, and why it's important to the rest of the book.
Your hosts discuss the skilled foreshadowing present in the chapter through vague predictions presented as humorous. Also, what kind of school sends children into the woods to fight an unidentified unicorn-killing monster??
We draw substantial comparisons between the events of this chapter and those of Greek myth, as well as the Romantic archetype in general. All three of our protagonists' skills and strengths are utilized to their fullest extent, and they begin to learn how to complement each other.
In the Season 1 finale episode, we examine Harry's first encounter with Voldemort, Dumbledore's motivations, and the enormity of his influence on Harry's behavior. There is a happy ending for now, but what does it all mean?
In the Season Two opener, your hosts talk about the power dynamics of the Dursleys' new living arrangements.
Your hosts, along with guest co-host Corey Thibodeau, discuss the many ins and outs of the more exciting half of Harry's 12th birthday in this special July 31st episode.
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