Study Questions and Essay
Topics
Study Questions
1. Hermione insists
on freeing all of the House Elves at Hogwarts, even the ones who
do not wish to be freed. What role do slavery and enslavement play
in
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix? Who
else in the book, besides the elves, is enslaved? How do notions
of freedom play into the narrative?
2. Harry and
his godfather, Sirius Black, share a very close relationship. What
are their similarities and differences, and how do those factors
affect their friendship?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. What happens to Harry's relationship
with Cho Chang? Why doesn't it work out? How does Harry feel about
the results?
2. Fred and George storm out
of Hogwarts to pursue other interests in the city, namely their
joke shop. How do Ron and Hermione react to Harry's news that he's
funding this venture?
3. The pressure and expectations
of the O.W.L. exams hang over all fifth-year students at Hogwarts.
What does Rowling suggest about the importance of standardized testing?
4. What changes for Harry over
the course of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix?
How has Harry himself changed by the end of the novel?
5. How does Rowling use character
names to indicate character traits? What do the main characters'
names suggest about their personalities?
