Truth and lies, The DADA position in OotP |
 Sep 15 2008, 06:52 PM
Post
#1
|
|
Madame Pince's House Elf  Posts: 4,609 Joined: 5:46pm January 28, 2005 Location: In HP Book Club 4, awaiting the HBP film's release   |
At the beginning of the series, the DADA position is filled by Quirinus Quirrell who seems to be the victim of Snape, who allegedly applies for the position every year, and who is frequently hostile to whichever teacher is the current DADA incumbent. It isn't until HBP that Dumbledore confirms that the DADA position was jinxed so that nobody stays in that position for more than a year.
Some people query why Hogwarts has such a subject in the first place. Draco Malfoy mentions that Durmstrang, Victor Krum's school, merely teaches the Dark Arts, and thinks that teaching DADA is a waste of time. By the end of the series, Amycus Carrow as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, does exactly that. Each of the DADA teachers Harry knew about had unique characteristics, failings and contributions to his education. But they all fail to complete the year. What are the failings and contributions of all DADA teachers? What does 'Professor Dolores Umbridge' have in common with other DADA teachers? Do you think Umbridge really made any contributions to the position? How did her fate compare and contrast with other DADA teachers? Was a jinx really in operation each year? How do you think this jinx works? In what ways did Dumbledore exploit this jinx to get what he wanted? Who appointed Dolores Umbridge as DADA teacher, Dumbledore, the School Governors or Cornelius Fudge? Why didn't Snape get the DADA position this year? And how does Snape get along with Umbridge? What in your view should be taught in DADA lessons? Why does there have to be a practical component to various subjects? What is wrong with teaching theory only? As DADA teacher, Umbridge is first elevated to the position of High Inquisitor and then she is Headmistress. Umbridge 'inspects' several of Harry's teachers. She makes a particular point of 'inspecting' Hagrid with a prior view of getting rid of him, bullies Trelawney and visits such known Dumbledore allies as Flitwick, McGonagall and even the casual teacher, Professor Grubbly-Plank. Why does she not visit other teachers such as Professor Binns or Pomona Sprout. Why does Umbridge make a point of 'inspecting' Snape when he had been co-operating with her? These questions are only to get discussion started. This post has been edited by WaggaWaggaWerewolf: Sep 15 2008, 08:37 PM --------------------  Check out the Beedle the Bard Book Club |
 |
  
 
|
