Study Questions and Essay Topics for
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

1 -- Authors usually spend a great deal of time "wordsmithing" the first sentence of a book, in order to make it grab the readers attention and interest — definitely the first paragraph. Describe the "Deathly Hallows'" first sentence and tell how it makes you feel. "The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow, moonlit lane."

2 -- Readers often begin reading a book with a particular "mind-set" of: what it will be about, what kind of story it will be, and whether or not they will enjoy reading it. Tell, and give examples, of what "mind-set" you had when you first began reading the story? Did it change during your reading?

3 -- The "hero" or main character will normally have to face at least one "trial" during the story; which, the author usually "sets up" in the first chapter. Give at least two examples, from the first chapter, of what Harry will be facing and how difficult it will be.

4 -- In the subsequent five chapters, Rowling continued to set-up, not only the problems, but the tools to be used and the possible solutions. In not more than three or four sentences each, tell what the author conveyed about "problems, tools and solutions" for each of:

1. Chpt 2– "In Memoriam" (Dumbledore);
2. Chpt 3– "The Dursley's Departing" (the Dursley's);
3. Chpt 4– "The Seven Potters" (companions);
4. Chpt 5– "Fallen Warrior" (George and Moody); and
5. Chpt 6– "The Ghoul in Pajama's" (Ron and Hermione).

5 -- An author must describe not only what the person looks like, but what they are like as well. List three to five of your own words which describe the personality of each of the following persons: Voldemort, Lucius Malfoy, Albus Dumbledore, and Molly Weasley.

6 -- Of the many similarities and differences between Harry and Regulus Black, list at least three of each.

7 -- Complete the following analogies and relationships:

1. Harry is to Lily –AS– Albus is to _____
2. Voldemort is to Hogwarts, –AS– Grindelwald is to _____
3. Dobby is to Harry, –AS– Kreacher is to _____
4. Harry is to Quidditch –AS– Regulus is to _____
5. Voldemort is to Muggle's –AS– the Ministry is to _____
6. Umbridge is to Selwyn –AS– Voldemort is to _____
7. Grindelwald is to "Right to Rule" –AS– Voldemort is to "_____"

8 -- In fiction, themes are basically: the book's view about life and how people behave, not intended to teach or preach, and are rarely presented directly. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself. List the three or four most significant (to you) themes in Deathly Hallows, and give your rationale for selecting them.

9 -- Whose personality, in your opinion, changed the greatest amount over Harry's seven years at Hogwarts: Harry, Hermione, Ron, Draco, or Dudley? Use examples from the books to defend your opinion.

10 -- Making value judgments about others in an arrogant, condescending way; then, acting in a way which causes them embarrassment or harm is called --- Bigotry. It is similar to being "prejudiced" but worse. List and give examples of two character's bigotry - besides Voldemort and Umbridge.

Extra Credit -- Each of the kids said they thought a different "Hallow" was the most important. Tell which one you think is the most important and give an example why. (The wand, the stone or the cloak)