An Analysis: Prisoner of Azkaban

This analysis will be organized by theme in order to make it slightly easier to follow. The themes that will be discussed in this analysis will be: a) justice, b) responsibility, c) morality, d) time, e) friendship, f) neglect/abuse as well as g) generally problematic instances.

Sources within the book will be formatted as (Chapter, Page Number) and instances of more than one theme present in the example will have the second and/or third theme along with the chapter and page number. For example: (1,2,a)

JUSTICE

“He had bowed to Malfoy, who was now patting his beak, looking disdainful. -- “I bet you’re not dangerous at all, are you?” he said to the hippogriff. “Are you, you ugly brute?” (Chapter 6, Page 147, c)

Buckbeak then proceeds to attack Malfoy, which I would consider instant justice or instant karma. Hagrid had told the students that Hippogriffs were very proud creatures that didn’t take well to insults and have very obvious foot long talons… What did Malfoy expect?

“Yeah, let’s go,” said Harry, sitting up, “and I can ask him how come he never mentioned Black when he told me all about my parents!” (Chapter 11, Page 269, c)

Now that Harry knows a little more about the “official” story of Black and his parents - he himself feels betrayed. Because Hagrid, Dumbledore, and the Ministry have all kept these immense secrets about his own life from him. Though they’re doing it for presumably, good reasons and good intentions. Harry now has an overwhelming feeling to get justice for his parents through him confronting and/or capturing Black. And anyone who’s kept this from him.

“Have you ever seen anything quite as pathetic?” said Malfoy. “And he’s supposed to be our teacher!” Harry and Ron both made furious moves toward Malfoy, but Hermione got there first -SMACK!” (Chapter 15, Page 367, c)

The lack of justice for Buckbeak obviously affects all of the trio but Hermione especially since she’s invested the most time and effort into the case. She also has the biggest sense of morality of the three. So, Malfoy and his goons mocking the situation (that they helped happen in the first place), to the extent of mocking Hagrid’s grieving, sets the typically level headed girl off on him.

“There was a jumble of indistinct male voices, a silence, and then, without warning, the unmistakable swish and thud of an axe. Hermione swayed on the spot. “They did it!” she whispered to Harry. “I d-don’t believe it - they did!” (Chapter 16, Pages 414-415)

A testament to the books theme of justice or lack thereof. Lucius Malfoy has the ministry in his pocket - while good commentary on the justice system as a whole, it does also show that evidence means nothing when put next to money and intimidation.

“But make it quick, Remus. I want to commit the murder I was imprisoned for …” (Chapter 18, Page 439)

At least Sirius does have a decent sense of justice; he knows he’s a fugitive and therefore a criminal, he just wants to be in prison for actually being guilty of something in the first place.

“Get off me,” Harry spat, throwing Pettigrew’s hands off him in disgust. “I’m not doing this for you. I'm doing it because - I don’t reckon my dad would’ve wanted them to become killers - just for you” (Chapter 19, Page 472, c)

While I do believe Harry wouldn’t want his parents’ good friends to become murderers - I also just think he wants Pettigrew to suffer the way Sirius did in Azkaban - because at his heart Harry is an upstanding young man.

RESPONSIBILITY

Harry mentions that Sirius was featured on muggle news, so the wizarding world can and does get involved with the muggle world when it comes to one of their (supposed) criminals escaping. I’m glad that they’re at least warning people of someone they think is dangerous but … they just let Harry suffer with the Dursley’s for what? Character development? (Chapter 2, Page 46, c)

Mr. Weasley tries to tell Harry about Sirius’ alleged motives in order to warn him and hopefully make Harry more cautious to protect him. Arthur Weasley protects and loves Harry as his own and I just want to highlight the fact that him and Molly take responsibility for him. {Molly on the previous page Mrs. Weasley kissed all the children, Hermione and Harry included; she gave Harry an extra hug}. (Chapter 5, Page 91, c)

“-They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds,” Dumbledore continued, “and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises - or invisibility cloaks,” he added blandly.” (Chapter 5, Page 115, f)

I understand why Hogwarts and The Ministry of Magic is planting dementors at the school, given that a high profile criminal is on the loose. I do find it strange that they decided that soul sucking ghost-like things to guard them was… a good idea. I do think that it’s nice to see Dumbledore actually take some responsibility for the boys considering he gave them the cloak and he knows they’ll try something with it.

“-they’ve messed up your schedule. Look - they’ve got you down for about ten subjects a day. There isn’t enough time. “I’ll manage. I’ve fixed it all with Professor McGonagall.” (Chapter 6, Page 122, c, d)

While Hermione is probably one of the most responsible students ever to walk the halls of Hogwarts… I just want to know the thought process of giving a 13-14 year old child an item that CONTROLS TIME and can lead to catastrophic consequences.

“I reckon he might’ let yeh ride him! - Go on, then!” roared Hagrid, slapping the hippogriff’s hindquarters.” (Chapter 6, Page 145, e)

While this does attest to how close Hagrid and Harry are. Letting a student ride a potentially dangerous creature on the first day of class is questionable at best even if it’s Hagrid.

“Orange. Tell me, boy, does anything penetrate that thick skull of yours? Didn’t you hear me say, quite clearly, that only one rat spleen was needed? Didn’t I state plainly that a dash of leech juice would suffice? What do I have to do to make you understand, Longbottom?” Neville was pink and trembling. He looked as though he was on the verge of tears. “Please sir,” said Hermione, “please< I could help Neville put it right -” “I don’t remember asking you to show off, Miss Granger.” (Chapter 7, Page 156, f)

The students have to learn proper potion making… but publicly humiliating them and then denying another student to help is plain cruel. And ultimately unhelpful - it won’t help the student to learn properly, if anything, it’ll deter them from wanting to correct themselves because Snape will just ridicule them and give them backhanded compliments.

“Teachers found excuses to walk along corridors with him, and Percy Weasley (acting, Harry suspected, on his mother’s orders) was tailing him everywhere like an extremely pompous guard dog. To cap it all, Professor McGonagall summoned Harry into her office, with such a somber expression on her face Harry thought someone must have died.” (Chapter 9, Page 207, c)

As annoying it must be to be followed and looked after, everywhere you go. At least the Hogwarts administration are trying their best to protect Harry since he is their responsibility while he’s in their care.

“I am no longer your teacher, so I don’t feel guilty about giving you back this as well. It’s no use to me, and I daresay you, Ron, and Hermione will find uses for it.” (Chapter 22, 533, e)

I love that Lupin can compartmentalize being Harry’s teacher so therefore can’t condone or encourage his shenanigans. But as Harry’s “cool uncle” Lupin … everything is on the table. The friendship from Lupin and James now extends to Harry.

MORALITY

“You’ll get the stuffing knocked out of you, won’t you? - I shall monitor your behavior carefully during Marge’s visit.” (Chapter 2, Page 25, f)

It’s a little weird that Vernon and Petunia chose a reformatory school as a cover story but also that Harry even has to essentially blackmail his aunt and uncle in order to get a permission slip signed.

“I won’t have this namby-pamby, wishy-washy nonsense about not hitting people who deserve it. A good thrashing is what’s needed in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred. Have you been beaten often? - “Petunia, I’d write if I were you. Make it clear that you approve the use of extreme force in this boy’s case.” (Chapter 2, Page 30, f)

I guess Marge and Vernon’s moral compasses line up - beating children into submission. And being proud of it.

“You will write an essay, to be handed in to me, on the ways you recognize and kill werewolves. I want two rolls of parchment on the subject, and I want them by Monday morning. It is time somebody took this class in hand.” (Chapter 9, Pages 214-215, g)

Snape is aware that these kids’ teacher is a werewolf; and he’s asking these kids to essentially hunt down their teacher. Because he’s never moved past (essentially) high school and has the emotional maturity of a rotting corpse.

“-but I gotta tell yeh, I thought you two’d value yer friend more’n broomsticks or rats. Tha’s all.” (Chapter 14, Page 343, e)

Hagrid has told the boys off for abandoning Hermione (as he should) for frivolous things when she’s been visiting Hagrid, helping his case and doing extra course work. Talking about her problems and crying to Hagrid about her two selfish friends.

FRIENDSHIP

“Both Ron and Hermione had decided to remain at Hogwarts, and though Ron said it was because he couldn’t stand two weeks with Percy, and Hermione insisted she needed to use the library, Harry wasn’t fooled; they were doing it to keep him company, and he was very grateful.” (Chapter 10, Pages 236 - 237)

One of the few, great things about these books is the portrayal of true friendship between the trio. Ron and Hermione just want Harry to have a nice holiday.

NEGLECT/ABUSE

“-Harry, but they are prepared to take you back next summer as long as you stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas and Easter holidays.” Harry unstuck his throat. “ I always stay at Hogwarts for Christmas and Easter holidays” - “and I don’t ever want to go back to Privet drive.” (Chapter 3, Page 56, g)

We the audience know that the Dursley’s would rather not have to take care of Harry and this proclamation from Harry should’ve raised some flags for Fudge. Yet, he pushes the “family” narrative and that they all have love for each other without knowing a single thing about this family.

“It was common knowledge that Snape wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, but even Harry, who hated Snape, was startled at the expression twisting his thin, sallow face. It was beyond anger: it was loathing. Harry knew that expression only too well; it was the look Snape wore every time he set eyes on Harry.” (Chapter 5, Page 116, g)

And you’re telling us, the audience, that NO ONE; not staff nor student finds this concerning? Like, they never bring it up to whatever administration Hogwarts has, which I guess would be Dumbledore. Which now that I think about it, makes sense why Snape is never reprimanded for noticeably disliking a student to the point it affects them and those around that student.

“The story of the Boggart assuming Snape’s shape, and the way that Neville had dressed it in his grandmother’s clothes, had travelled through the school like wildfire. Snape didn’t seem to find it funny. His eyes flashed menacingly at the very mention of Professor Lupin’s name, and he was bullying Neville worse than ever.” (Chapter 8, Page 176)

With this in mind … there is no way that NOT ONE staff member is not concerned enough that a students worst fear is a professor, to report that? Does Hogwarts and the Wizarding World just have a pro bullying, no refuge situation going on?

“Five more points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all.” (Chapter 9, Page 213)

Okay, but did she or did she not answer the question Snape asked? Please, do everyone a favor… and remove your ego from your ass.

“Are you insane?” said Harry, his voice easily as croaky as Black’s. “ Of course I want to leave the Dursley’s! Have you got a house? When can I move in?” (Chapter 20, Page 476)

How fucked a living situation does one have to be in, for you to be so excited about moving in with a man that until a couple of minutes ago, you thought was a murderer that got your parents killed?

Some general observations from the book that do not fit under a specific theme:

Hogwarts doesn’t provide safety goggles in a game that most definitely affects a person’s sight with how fast some of these players go on their brooms.

Lycanthropy has been all but been confirmed to be an allegory for HIV/AIDS. Lupin was bitten when he was young and affects him for the rest of his life. It also puts everyone around him at risk (a very misconstrued myth that people with the disease can infect anyone around them, but this lines up with the time period the books were written and set in).