Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Essay Questions

How is the idea of good versus evil complicated in this sequel?

In the previous installments of Harry Potter, there are clear caricatures of good vs. evil. However, in this novel, Rowling explores the idea that good people can make mistakes and do bad things. Harry Potter and his friends have so far understood Gryffindor to symbolize all that is good, but Harry Potter’s godfather, Sirius Black, has a history that complicates this understanding, especially with the introduction of Peter Pettigrew. The central figures in the Harry Potter universe had until now not yet considered the grey area of morality, until the characterization of two of James Potter’s friends complicates the central theme of good and evil. They understand now that it isn’t quite as easy for people to do everything right, since even Sirius Black, who was actually innocent, was willing to kill Peter.

How does the novel suggest tackling one's greatest fears?

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban comments on the universality of fear, showing how much change can come from overcoming your greatest fear. Lupin introduces the class to Boggarts, a mysterious shape-shifting creature that takes the form of whatever the person who faces it fears the most. In order to conquer the Boggart, students must curse it with the incantation, Riddikulus, while thinking of a way to subvert their fear and turn it into something humorous. So, according to the novel, the answer to fear is joy, lightheartedness, and humor. One must think of one's fears as "ridiculous" in order to conquer them.

How do Dementors embody the idea of fear?

Dementors are shown as dangerous creatures that suck the souls of the person that they pursue. They remind the person of the horrors of their past and essentially make them fear everything. The dementors play a very important role as they show the potency of fear and the consequence if one is unable to conquer it. Their presence permeates throughout the text and haunts many of the characters. They change the physical world around them, making everything feel freezing cold and dead, thus providing a physical equivalent to fear.

Compare the idea of morality and the idea of justice.

In this text, moral values of right and wrong are compared with the concrete ways that these ideals are implemented. We learn that everything is not what it seems and the justice system can be easily deceived or subverted by nefarious influences—for example, when Lucius Malfoy intimidates the Ministry into executing Buckbeak. Sirius Black epitomizes morality in the sense that he did everything for his best friend to the point that it almost cost him his life. In this moment, the justice system fails to meet the standards of morality and hence there is a contrast between the two. By showing this dichotomy, the author wishes to show the distinction between justice and morality.

There are three Animagi introduced in this novel, and Professor McGonagall is known to turn into a tabby cat at will. How do these characters' unique transformations inform their personalities?

Sirius turns into a big, black dog. Though the dog is threatening-looking and capable of great harm, it has the capacity, like Sirius, to be a loyal, affectionate friend. Peter Pettigrew transforms into a rat, which reflects his tendency to betray those closest to him. James Potter turned into a stag, which reflects his noble yet at times toxically masculine personality. McGonagall's character is known to be sharp, independent, and at times cold—much like a cat.