Parker’s Letter Essay #3: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I just finished half of the book (400 pages) of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This novel was written by J.K. Rowling and in total it is 853 pages. The genre of this book is fantasy because it mainly resorts to wizardry and magic.

I chose this book because I remember watching the movies a long time ago and wanted to see what the differences between the book and the movies are. I also heard that this series is very good so I read some of the other books and wanted to continue reading them, but that was awhile ago. So far, this book started off with a dilemma and some action to really kick start the story and to determine what the main problem will be. In this book there are multiple problems Harry and his friends have to face in order to be given the proper training they really need. Read to find out what the other suspenseful problems are.

Harry Potter the boy who lived and his many friends some including Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna Lovegood want to get rid of the new defense against the dark arts teacher because he teaching methods are completely unhelpful and she is more strict then any teacher there. One example is when Harry managed to get a detention and the way she “made sure” he wouldn’t do it again was carving the words he had to write over and over, again in his arm. But the many students of Hogwarts figured out that if they were to defeat Voldemort or he-who-shall-not be named is to provide the training the teachers will not. They discover this hidden room and Harry had a great idea to study and practice spells in this magical room so they are ready to face him. I haven’t finished yet so I don’t know the outcome of what’s going to happen next.

I noticed how J.K Rowling managed to do so well with helping the reader imagine what it’s like being in a castle through her words and the characters actions (the movies also help too). I really enjoyed the nature of the dialogue throughout what I’ve read. It helps me understand more about what the characters are feeling and having to stress about knowing the most powerful wizard in the world is going to be fighting them in the most epic battle yet. I was satisfied with the pictures at the beginning of every chapter because it explains/shows what the chapter is going to be about. In result makes it more exciting to see what will happen next.

This passage occurs on page 389 and 390. In this passage Harry is discussing with Hermione about how they need somewhere to fight and practice. I chose this book because it proves that J.K. Rowling uses description words to very well describe the castle and helps the reader determine what the setting looks like.

“We need somewhere to learn to fight….he thought. Just give us a place to practice…somewhere they can’t find us….

“Harry,” said Hermione sharply, as they wheeled around after their third walk past.

A highly polished door had appeared in the wall. Ron was staring at it, looking slightly wary. Harry reached out, seized the brass handle pulled open the door, and led the way into a spacious room lit with flickering torches like those that illuminated the dungeons eight floors below.

The walls were lined with wooden bookcases, and instead of chairs there were large silk cushions on the floor. A set of shelves at the far end of the room carried a range of instruments such as Sneakoscopes, Secrecy Sensors, and a large, cracked Foe-Glass that Harry was sure had hung, the previous ear, in the fake Moody’s office.”

I rate this book a 9-10 (so far) because it’s been kind of dull and since I’m half way through there hasn’t been that much action yet. But I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next.

From, Parker

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2 thoughts on “Parker’s Letter Essay #3: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

  1. Parker,
    I read the first few Harry Potter books and enjoyed them but unlike a lot of people I did not feel compelled to finish the series. Either I’m not a series person or a fantasy person (or perhaps both). I know you were rushing to read up to a certain point of the book in order to write this letter-essay today, and your rushing to complete the assignment is evident in your Reflection, which does lack elaboration. Remember when we reflect we write and pause and ask ourselves questions and keep going until we hit a dead end, which is really a good place to be because that’s usually when we discover a new thought. You also don’t explain in detail why you included that quoted passage. I know you know what to do.
    Sincerely,
    Mr. Jockers

  2. I really liked your letter essay mostly because I am a huge fan of the series but one recommendation I have is for you is to explain the importance of the passage after typing the passage. Also you explained the passage very well.
    Andrew W

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