book summary harry potter and the chamber of secrets

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-8

Chapters 9-11

Chapters 12-14

Chapters 15-18

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a 1998 young adult fantasy novel by J.K. Rowling, the second in the Harry Potter series. The story follows Harry’s tumultuous second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including an encounter with Voldemort, the wizard who killed Harry’s parents. Against this fantastic backdrop, Rowling examines such themes as death, fame, friendship, choice, and prejudice. Upon release, the novel became a worldwide bestseller and won several awards, including Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and the Nestlé Smarties Book Award; it was subsequently adapted into a 2002 film directed by Chris Columbus. Citations in this guide correspond with the 2018 Scholastic Inc. edition.

Plot Summary

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In the summer of 1992, 12-year-old wizard Harry Potter lives with his non-magical relatives, the Dursleys , following his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Just over a decade earlier, Harry’s parents were killed by an evil wizard named Voldemort, who mysteriously failed to kill baby Harry, then went into hiding. The Dursleys detest magic and become furious when Harry’s visit from a magical elf named Dobby , who warns Harry not to return to Hogwarts, ruins their dinner party with some of Mr. Dursley’s customers. They lock Harry in his room.

A few days later, Harry’s friends Ron, Fred, and George Weasley rescue Harry from the Dursleys in a flying car, which is a pet project of their father. Harry spends the rest of the summer with the Weasleys. Near the end of the summer, Harry and the Weasleys go shopping for books and supplies. Harry overhears Lucius Malfoy, the father of Draco Malfoy, Harry’s rival at Hogwarts, pawning dark magical artifacts. Later, the Weasleys and the Malfoys get into a heated argument in a bookstore.

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On the day they are supposed to return to Hogwarts, Harry and Ron find themselves unable to pass through the magical barrier to the train platform. They decide to fly the car instead. Arriving at Hogwarts, they crash-land in a magical tree whose branches attack them and the car; Ron’s wand breaks, and they receive a detention.

Term begins. Harry, Ron, and their friend Hermione Granger attend Herbology, Transfiguration, Potions, and Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. The latter is taught by newcomer Gilderoy Lockhart , a handsome but incompetent celebrity author. Harry also practices and plays Quidditch, a sport played on flying broomsticks. During one match, one of the balls malfunctions, injuring Harry. Dobby revisits Harry that night and reveals that he blocked Harry from catching the train and caused the Quidditch injury in the hopes of keeping Harry away from an unspecified danger at Hogwarts.

One day, Harry hears a disembodied voice threatening to kill someone; no one else seems able to hear the voice. A few days later, on Halloween, he hears the voice again. Following it, he finds the caretaker’s cat stiff and lifeless near a message announcing that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened. According to legend, Salazar Slytherin, one of the school’s founders, hid a chamber in the school containing a monster that would rid the school of students born to non-magical parents, against whom Slytherin and his followers, including the Malfoys, are deeply prejudiced.

Several similar attacks occur over the next few months, leaving victims motionless but not dead. Harry, Ron, and Hermione carry out a plan to find out whether Draco is behind the attacks; he is not. Many students come to suspect Harry after learning that he can talk to snakes, a rare ability associated with Slytherin. Their suspicions die down after Hermione is attacked.

One day, Harry finds a diary that belonged to someone named Tom Riddle in an out-of-order women’s bathroom. The diary preserves Riddle’s living memory. Riddle attended Hogwarts 50 years earlier when the Chamber of Secrets was also opened. At that time, Hagrid, Harry’s friend and now Hogwarts’s gamekeeper, was arrested following a tip from Riddle. Hagrid is again arrested, but as he leaves, he directs Ron and Harry to follow spiders into the Forbidden Forest near Hogwarts Castle. In the forest, they learn that the giant spider Hagrid raised in the castle 50 years ago and now living in the forest was not responsible for the attacks.

Riddle’s diary is stolen from Harry, and another message appears, indicating that Ginny, Ron’s sister, was taken into the Chamber of Secrets. Piecing together clues, Harry and Ron find their way to the Chamber of Secrets via the bathroom where they found the diary, dragging Lockhart, now revealed as a fraud, with them. When Lockhart tries to wipe Harry and Ron’s memories, the spell backfires, leaving Lockhart helpless, and part of the underground tunnel collapses, separating Harry from Ron and Lockhart. Moving forward, Harry finds Riddle draining Ginny’s life, allowing him to exist outside of the diary. Harry learns that Riddle opened the Chamber of Secrets and later became Voldemort. Throughout the year, he controlled Ginny, using her to coordinate the attacks, which were performed by a giant snake called a basilisk, which can kill with a stare. However, no one died because they only saw the basilisk indirectly through lenses, reflections, or even ghosts . With help from a magical bird and the Sorting Hat , a sentient hat that sorts students into houses, Harry defeats Riddle and the basilisk.

Afterward, he learns that Lucius Malfoy planted the diary in Ginny’s belongings during the argument at the book shop and that Dobby belongs to the Malfoys. He helps free Dobby, then celebrates as Hermione and the other victims are cured. Dumbledore, the headmaster, offers special awards to Harry and Ron. As the term ends, Harry catches the train back to London.

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The Power & Perils of Fame

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

By j.k. rowling.

'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' is the second installment in the popular Harry Potter book series penned by J K Rowling. This book takes off from the beginning of Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

About the Book

Article written by Mohandas Alva

M.A. Degree in English Literature from Manipal University, India.

After defeating the dark wizard Lord Voldemort in his first year, Harry is pitted against an entirely different set of perils in this book. A house-elf named Dobby warns Harry even before he goes to Hogwarts that his life is in danger, but Harry, who solely looks forward to his time in Hogwarts, decided to attend it anyway.

Key Facts about Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

• Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Published: 2 July 1998 in the UK, 2 June 1999 in the USA
• Literary Period: Contemporary
• Genre: Fantasy
• Point-of-View: Third Person, omniscient
• Setting: 1990s Great Britain
• Climax: When Harry Potter faces Lord Voldemort and the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets
• Antagonist: Lord Voldemort

J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

After the overnight fame that J. K. Rowling garnered for her first Harry Potter book, she was concerned that the second book may not live up to the expectations developed by the first book. She began writing this book soon after the first one and had also made several significant changes to initial drafts. For instance, the working title of this book was actually ‘ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,’  something she changed later and would eventually name the sixth book with this title.

Furthermore, significant details initially written for this book, including the family origins of the character Dean Thomas and an elaborate song describing the circumstances of Nearly Headless Nick ’s death, were omitted during the editing process. This also included adding a deeper character arc to Neville Longbottom , as Rowling saw great potential in his character development for later books. Rowling also took back the manuscript she submitted to Bloomsbury on schedule to revise it further for about six weeks. Rowling has used her expertise in classics and romance languages to create a significant story world for her book. Several magical creatures that appear in this book, like the Basilisk, are creatures that have existed in myths long before this book was written. This book also significantly borrows from Arthurian Legend as Harry, quite similar to King Arthur, and the Sword of Excalibur is able to wield the Sword of Gryffindor.

Books related to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The books most obviously related to ‘ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ are the rest of the books in the Harry Potter Series. ‘ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ‘ is specifically related to this book because it was supposed to be the working title of ‘ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.’ Furthermore, Rowling was supposed to reveal a lot of details that were eventually revealed in ‘ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ owing to the cluttering of significant details. Details include the description of Horcruxes and the Half-Blood Prince himself. Several other connections exist between these two books, including the magical artifacts like the Hand of Glory and the Vanishing Cabinet, which play significant roles in book six. Furthermore, Ginny Weasley plays a significant role in both these books.

Other books related to the Chamber of Secrets include ‘ The Hobbit ‘ by J. R. R. Tolkein and the Narnia Series by C S Lewis, both of which are children’s books containing similar magical beings and creatures. Another significant work of literature with ties to the Chamber of Secrets is the Legend of King Arthur. There are noticeable parallels between Harry and King Arthur, with both of them wielding their respective swords (Sword of Gryffindor and the Excalibur) with undertones insinuating their worthiness and bravery.

The Lasting Impact of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The story of ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ has been a great success since it was first published in 1998. Due to the roaring success of its predecessor ‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ this series was already a household name, and the book took over most best-selling lists in both the UK and the USA. The book went on to win several awards, including The British Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year. This book also paved the way for its successors in a very significant manner through its plot, as it acknowledged Lord Voldemort’s origins and Hagrid’s expulsion from Hogwarts. It also subtly hinted at the magical objects called Horcruxes, which would play an important role in the final books.

The book was adapted into a movie by the Warner Bros. and released in the year 2002. The major cast continued to be the same as that of the first movie adaptation, with a few additions, including Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart. Chris Columbus returned to direct the movie.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Review ⭐

Harry potter and the chamber of secrets character list 🐍, harry potter and the chamber of secrets themes and analysis 🐍, harry potter and the chamber of secrets important quotes 💬, harry potter and the chamber of secrets summary 🐍.

The Harry Potter section of Book Analysis analyzes and explorers the Harry Potter series. The characters, names, terminology, and all related indicia are trademarks of Warner Bros ©. The content on Book Analysis was created by Harry Potter fans, with the aim of providing a thorough in-depth analysis and commentary to complement and provide an additional perspective to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowling , is the sequel to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone . It is the second book in the series of seven Harry Potter books. The book was published in 1998. A film was theatrically released in November 2002.

• 1 Dedication
• 2 Book description
• 3.1 Chapter 1: The Worst Birthday
• 3.2 Chapter 2: Dobby's Warning
• 3.3 Chapter 3: The Burrow
• 3.4 Chapter 4: At Flourish and Blotts
• 3.5 Chapter 5: The Whomping Willow
• 3.6 Chapter 6: Gilderoy Lockhart
• 3.7 Chapter 7: Mudbloods And Murmurs
• 3.8 Chapter 8: The Deathday Party
• 3.9 Chapter 9: The Writing on the Wall
• 3.10 Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger
• 3.11 Chapter 11: The Duelling Club
• 3.12 Chapter 12: The Polyjuice Potion
• 3.13 Chapter 13: The Very Secret Diary
• 3.14 Chapter 14: Cornelius Fudge
• 3.15 Chapter 15: Aragog
• 3.16 Chapter 16: The Chamber of Secrets
• 3.17 Chapter 17: The Heir of Slytherin
• 3.18 Chapter 18: Dobby's Reward
• 4 List of spells first introduced
• 5 List of deaths
• 6.1 English-language
• 6.2 Translations (cover based on Bloomsbury's)
• 6.3 Translations (cover based on Scholastic's)
• 6.4 Translations (alternative covers)
• 6.5 Illustrated Editions
• 6.6 Hogwarts House Edition
• 8 Behind the scenes
• 10 Film adaptation
• 11 Notes and references
• 12 See also

Dedication [ ]

"For Séan P. F. Harris, getaway driver and foul-weather friend"

Escape came in the form of a new pupil at Wydean Comprehensive, Sean Harris, who quickly became a firm friend. In 1982, he drew up outside the family home in his blue Ford Anglia and whisked Jo Rowling away from the grim stillness of Tutshill to the concerts and bars of Bristol. He would park under the Severn Bridge and together the pair dreamed up better futures for each other. Harris’s blue Ford Anglia would become immortalised in Rowling’s fiction as Ron Weasley’s family car and he would be described in the dedication in her second book as "getaway driver and foul weather friend".

Book description [ ]

Cover of the US edition, by Mary Grandpré

"Ever since Harry Potter had come home for the summer, the Dursleys had been so mean and hideous that all Harry wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry . But just as he is packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange impish creature who says that if Harry returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor and a spirit who haunts the girl's bathroom. But then the real trouble begins - something is attacking Hogwarts students, making them rigid like statues. Could it be Draco Malfoy , a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid , whose mysterious past reveals dark secrets? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects ... Harry Potter himself!"

Chapter 1: The Worst Birthday [ ]

Harry sitting on a bench, unaware of someone in the bushes

Harry Potter has returned to the Dursleys for the summer holiday in mid- 1992 , and things are very bad for him. Over the summer, the Dursleys have become so fearful of Harry's new-found magical abilities that they have locked away all of Harry's magical supplies (e.g. his wand , his broomstick , spellbooks, etc.) immediately after his arrival home. They have also banned Harry from saying words such as "magic" in the house , as is evident in Uncle Vernon 's outburst about Harry saying "say the magic word" (meaning "please"). Harry begins to worry about what his teachers at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will think if he heads back to them without back homework done, and whether or not he'll be banned from the Gryffindor House Quidditch team since he has not been able to practise. The Dursleys have, however, let him keep his pet snowy owl Hedwig , but have put a padded lock on her cage to keep her inside day and night to avoid suspicion from the neighbours. Naturally, this does not go well for the bird. Every time she gets bored, her screech rings throughout the house, causing an irritated Vernon to warn Harry that if he cannot control her, she will have to go.

On July 31 (Harry's twelfth birthday), Harry has never felt so lonely, for he misses Hogwarts and his best friends there, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger . Neither of them have written to him all summer, not even to send birthday wishes. The Dursleys seem to have also forgotten his birthday, as they are busy preparing for a dinner party for one of Uncle Vernon's clients, Mr Mason , from whom Vernon is hoping to get a huge order. The only thing that the Dursleys care about is that Harry has to stay in his room for the night, making no noise and "pretending he doesn't exist". While Uncle Vernon and his son Dudley are preparing to drive into town to buy dinner jackets, Harry goes out into the garden in order to stay out of his Aunt Petunia 's way as she is cleaning, singing happy birthday to himself. He stares into the hedge and sits bolt upright when he sees a pair of enormous green eyes staring back at him from among the leaves. When Dudley comes waddling over and starts mocking him for not receiving a party on his birthday, Harry gets annoyed and scares him away by pretending to think out loud of a spell meant to make the bush bare. Unfortunately, Petunia comes out when Dudley calls for her and beats her nephew with a soapy frying pan. She then gives Harry some chores to do while Vernon and Dudley are gone, and once he is finished, it is almost a half-hour before the Masons are due to arrive. Harry goes up to his room without making a sound during the party as promised, but when he gets there, someone else is on his bed.

Chapter 2: Dobby 's Warning [ ]

Dobby bowing to Harry Potter

The thing on his bed, a house elf named Dobby who was behind the mysterious eyes Harry saw, tells Harry that he must not go back to Hogwarts , as it will be dangerous because terrible things are going to happen there. The elf, however, can't tell him what things, and continues to be vague because every time he gets close to letting something slip he starts hurting himself. In the process, he makes a lot of noise, which is noticed by the group downstairs. When he hears Uncle Vernon coming upstairs (claiming that Dudley must have left the TV upstairs on), Harry hides the elf in his closet right before Vernon comes in and scolds his nephew for making such a racket which has messed up the punchline of his " Japanese golfer joke ". He lets Dobby out as soon as his uncle leaves, and insists that he has to go back to Hogwarts since that's where he has friends despite them not writing to him. But to his surprise, Dobby then reveals that he has stopped letters being sent to Harry, and offers them to him if Harry will stay away from Hogwarts. Harry refuses and, making a frustrated Dobby run downstairs and use a Hover Charm to smash the dinner party's pudding.

Harry is blamed for the incident once Dobby Disapparates , and Uncle Vernon shoos the shocked Masons into the dining room while Harry cleans up, promising to deprive the boy of an inch of his life. The evening is almost saved until an owl from the Ministry of Magic is promptly received (scaring away Mrs Mason , who is mortally afraid of birds) with a warning saying that Harry has violated the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery , though he is not actually punished (possibly because it is only his first offence). After realising that Harry is not allowed to do magic outside of Hogwarts grounds, Uncle Vernon locks Harry in his room . Vernon reasons that if Harry uses magic to get himself out, he will be expelled anyway.

Chapter 3: The Burrow [ ]

The flying Ford Anglia

The Dursleys' punishment lasts for three days, until Ron , Fred , and George Weasley , worried about not hearing from Harry all summer, borrow their father's flying Ford Anglia and come to the rescue. They break the metal bars off Harry's window and help him to pick the lock to his door so he can get his Nimbus 2000 and trunk. The Dursleys discover his escape attempt, but by the time they can intervene, Fred, George, Ron and Harry have got everything of Harry's and have flown away. On the flight to the Burrow, Harry explains Dobby's warning. They all agree that it is very fishy and speculate that Dobby most likely belongs to the Malfoys who sent Dobby to Harry as a joke, since the Malfoys are an old wizarding family of great wealth. Fred and George tell Harry that Lucius Malfoy formerly worked for Voldemort but claimed that the Dark Lord bewitched him after Voldemort lost his powers. Harry is taken to the Burrow , the Weasleys' home, and he finds the house truly amazing. Since Ron, Fred and George took the car without permission, they are yelled at by Molly Weasley , who was waiting in the kitchen. After their scolding, she makes them breakfast and has the three Weasley boys (and Harry who volunteered) de-gnome the garden, refusing to use a technique from Gilderoy Lockhart's Guide to Household Pests , and do it their own way. Arthur Weasley soon comes home and is honoured to meet Harry after they are introduced to each other. Molly, his wife, yells at him for enchanting the car. Ginny Weasley , who was enrolling at Hogwarts that year, is very obviously enamoured with Harry and spends most of the chapter hiding from him.

Chapter 4: At Flourish and Blotts [ ]

Gilderoy Lockhart showing off his book

Harry stays at the Burrow until his departure for Hogwarts. The Weasleys make it clear that they all like Harry. For example, Arthur insists that Harry sit next to him during meals where Molly, who constantly deplores the state of his hand-me-down clothes and how thin he is, insists that he eat extra food. During that period, he and the Weasleys travel to Diagon Alley with Floo Powder to get their school supplies. Harry has difficulty with the smoke around him and says "Diagon Alley" unclearly, and thus he accidentally lands in a shop in the ill-reputed Knockturn Alley instead. The shop is Borgin and Burkes , specialising in objects related to Dark magic . There he sees Lucius Malfoy , father of Draco Malfoy , Harry's arch rival from school, selling items imbued with Dark magic to a dark arts salesman, Mr Borgin . Lucius Malfoy explains that the Ministry has been conducting raids on wizard houses to uncover illegal artefacts, so he is selling his more problematic possessions. He also expresses his disdain for a rumoured Muggle Protection Act , which he (rightly) assumes Arthur Weasley is behind.

Harry leaves the shop and is found by Hagrid and taken back to Diagon Alley to reunite with the Weasleys and Hermione Granger , who is also there with her parents . In Flourish and Blotts , he and the Weasleys meet the famous wizard/author Gilderoy Lockhart , who announces that he will be taking over as Hogwarts's new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. He then forces Harry to have his picture taken with him for the main page of the Daily Prophet . They also meet Draco and Lucius Malfoy there. The elder Malfoy continuously taunts and insults Arthur and his family and eventually Arthur lunges at him. During the fight, Malfoy grabs one of the Weasleys' second-hand books and, after Hagrid breaks the fight up, throws the book back at Ginny in contempt.

Chapter 5: The Whomping Willow [ ]

The flying Ford Anglia caught in the Whomping Willow

It is time to return to Hogwarts, Harry and the Weasleys arrives at King's Cross Station on the Ford Anglia, after several delays (Fred and George forgetting their broomsticks, and Ginny forgetting her diary.) On the way to the Hogwarts Express , when Harry and Ron try to go through the barrier to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters after everyone else went through, the barrier is mysteriously sealed against them. Having missed the train, Harry and Ron thus decide to fly Mr Weasley's flying Ford Anglia to Hogwarts. They end up getting spotted by many Muggles and crash into the Whomping Willow , the impact breaking Ron's wand . The giant tree starts pounding the car. The battered car manages to escape, ejecting Harry, Ron, and their luggage, before quickly driving off into the Forbidden Forest .

After they make it to the castle, Professor Snape catches the boys and attempts to have them expelled for being sighted and breaking wizard law to get to the castle. Albus Dumbledore , however, says he will send a letter to Harry and Ron's families. Still, Professor McGonagall gives a warning and separate detentions to both boys. She also tells them that Ginny had been sorted into Gryffindor , providing them with Endless Sandwiches and disallowing them from attending the Start-of-Term Feast .

Chapter 6: Gilderoy Lockhart [ ]

A baby mandrake root

The next day, Ron receives a Howler from his mother during breakfast in the Great Hall. Then, Minerva McGonagall hands out timetables and the first class is Herbology with the Hufflepuffs . In the class, Professor Sprout teaches how to transplant Mandrake seedlings, which have restorative properties when mature. The next class is Transfiguration , where Ron has problems with his broken wand, even when he repaired it with some Spellotape. Later, the trio have their first lesson with Gilderoy Lockhart , appointed as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. His way of teaching is a complete disaster. Much to Harry's chagrin, he receives constant attention from Lockhart and Colin Creevey , a first year student. Both constantly interact with him on the base of his fame (Colin treats Harry as a celebrity and Lockhart hopes to actually bring him to that state).

Chapter 7: Mudbloods And Murmurs [ ]

Ron Weasley vomiting slugs

The Gryffindor Quidditch team has a very early practice on Saturday morning, where they are treated to an hour-long introduction to a new training programme Oliver Wood spent the summer working on. Soon after the actual practice starts, the Slytherin Quidditch team , with new Nimbus 2001 broomsticks, arrives, and an argument over field time ensues. During the confrontation, Malfoy is revealed to be the new Slytherin seeker, and the one responsible for getting the Slytherin team new brooms. Hermione says that nobody on their team had to buy his way in, they made it on pure talent. to which Malfoy calls Hermione a Mudblood , for which the Gryffindor team react angrily and Ron tries to curse him. However, his damaged wand causes the curse to backfire and he is rushed to Hagrid's cabin when he starts vomiting slugs. Ron and Hagrid both explain to Harry that Mudblood is a very insulting name for Muggle-Borns like Hermione. They also explain that there are some wizards like the Malfoys who think they are better than everyone else because they are Purebloods. After they return to the castle, Professor McGonagall assigns Harry and Ron their detentions. Harry is made to help Lockhart answer his fan mail, while Ron polishes the school's prizes and trophies. During his detention, Harry hears a disembodied sinister voice which Lockhart cannot hear.

Chapter 8: The Deathday Party [ ]

Petrified Mrs Norris

In return for distracting Argus Filch just when he is about to give Harry severe punishment, Harry promises he will come to Nearly Headless Nick 's Deathday Party on Hallowe'en . He brings Ron and Hermione along as well. While there, they meet Moaning Myrtle. The three of them quickly get sickened by the ghostly party and return to the Great Hall .

Before they get to the Hallowe'en feast , Harry hears the voice again (which Ron and Hermione also cannot hear) and follows it to the second floor, where he finds the bathroom flooded and Mrs Norris , Filch's cat, hanging from a torch bracket, petrified and next to her, a threatening message is written on the wall, reading " THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE" . Then, students leaving the Hallowe'en Feast surround them. And Malfoy yells: "Enemies of the Heir, beware! You'll be next, Mudbloods!"

Chapter 9: The Writing on the Wall [ ]

Moaning Myrtle crying

Filch and Snape try to get Harry in trouble for what happened, but Dumbledore says that it is powerful dark magic that no second year student could perform. They decide that Professor Sprout's mandrakes will be used, once they are mature enough, to create a draught that can revive Mrs Norris . Hermione wants to research the Chamber, so she persuades Professor Binns (the History of Magic teacher) into telling the class about it. He explains that one of the founders of Hogwarts, Salazar Slytherin , got into an argument with the others about whether Muggle-borns should be admitted. When the rift grew too large, he left the school. According to legend, as a going-away present to the school, he built a secret chamber that could only be opened by his true heir. This " Chamber of Secrets " contains a monster that only the Heir of Slytherin can control and that, once released, would purge the school of all Muggle-borns. Binns unsuccessfully tries to assure the class that the Chamber does not actually exist and that the school has been searched many times in vain.

Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger [ ]

Harry's arm is boneless after Gilderoy Lockhart tried to mend his arm

Harry, Ron and Hermione decide that the heir is probably Draco Malfoy , since everyone in his family have been sorted into Slytherin House, he is a Pureblood supremacist, and because his father worked for Voldemort. To try to confirm it, Hermione proposes to use Polyjuice Potion , which can change a person into somebody else for an hour. After getting Lockhart's signature to check out the book Moste Potente Potions from the Restricted Section that has the recipe, Hermione warns them that the potion will take a month to brew, supposing they gather all the necessary ingredients (two of which can only be found in Snape's private inventory). Since no one comes into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, the three of them decide it is the best place to brew the potion unnoticed. Hermione begins working with the ingredients they have.

During the month that it takes the Polyjuice Potion to brew, a Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin takes place. During the match, one of the Bludgers stakes after Harry and focuses completely on him. Since Bludgers are supposed to attack each and every player, the crowd immediately realises that this Bludger has been tampered with. Harry still manages to catch the Golden Snitch and allow for Gryffindor to win thanks to the Slytherin Seeker Draco Malfoy wasting his time insulting Harry and not paying attention to his surroundings where the Snitch was hovering slightly above his left ear. However, before Harry could catch the Snitch, the Bludger broke Harry's arm, and Lockhart, attempting to fix it, gets rid of all the bones in his arm instead. Madam Pomfrey gives Harry Skele-Gro potion to counter this and Harry is forced to stay in the Hospital Wing overnight.

During that night, Dobby visits Harry and reveals that it was he who made the Bludger chase after Harry, and was also responsible for the barrier of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters not letting him in for in hopes of Harry leaving or never arriving at Hogwarts. He also reveals that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened before and immediately punishes himself, as he is not supposed to reveal anything. After Dobby disappears, Dumbledore , McGonagall , and Madam Pomfrey enter with Colin Creevey , who has also been petrified. He was found with a camera containing film that has been burnt to the melting point. Dumbledore just observes the camera saying, "The Chamber of Secrets has indeed been opened again."

Chapter 11: The Duelling Club [ ]

Petrified Nearly-Headless Nick

After Harry heads to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom the next morning and explains the details he learned from Dobby, Hermione comes up with a plan of Harry and Ron providing a distraction in Potions so she can steal the remaining ingredients for the Polyjuice Potion from Snape's private stores. Shortly afterwards, when McGonagall comes around with the sign-up list for the students who will remain in the school during Christmas , learning that Malfoy , Crabbe , and Goyle have signed up, Harry, Ron, and Hermione do this as well, since this gives them the perfect opportunity to use their Polyjuice Potion. With Harry providing a distraction during Potions class by throwing a Filibuster firework into Goyle's cauldron, it creates the necessary disturbance allowing Hermione to succeed without trouble, though Snape still suspects Harry's involvement with this incident after finding the firework. Harry later signs up for a Duelling Club which, to Harry's great displeasure, is taught by his two least favourite teachers, Lockhart and Snape. During a practice battle in the first meeting, Draco Malfoy conjures a snake to attack Harry. Lockhart tries to banish it, but all he manages is to set it loose on the students. Harry sees that the snake is advancing on a Hufflepuff student named Justin Finch-Fletchley and instinctively tells it to stop, which-to Harry's great surprise-it does. He expects Justin to be grateful Justin and the others are less than ecstatic about it. All they saw was Harry speaking Parseltongue , the language of snakes, and since they cannot understand it, it seemed to them that he was egging the snake on. Harry learns that Parseltongue is a very rare gift that is closely associated with Salazar Slytherin . Due to this, Harry becomes the number one suspect among students for being the heir of Slytherin . Hermione even tells him that since Salazar Slytherin lived so long ago, he might actually be a descendant. When a Herbology lesson is cancelled, Harry has a talk with Hagrid, who reveals that the school's roosters are being mysteriously killed. Seconds after leaving Hagrid, Harry runs into a petrified Justin Finch-Fletchley and a black, also petrified, Nearly-Headless Nick. Peeves alerts the whole school, and a Hufflepuff student called Ernie Macmillan claims that Harry has been caught red-handed.

Chapter 12: The Polyjuice Potion [ ]

Harry Potter transforming into Gregory Goyle

For the first time, Harry is taken to Dumbledore's office, and there he witnesses Fawkes —Dumbledore's phoenix —bursting into flames and then being reborn from the ashes. Dumbledore says that he does not believe Harry to be behind the attacks, a belief reinforced by Hagrid backing Harry's alibi, but a large portion of the school is now sure that Harry is Slytherin 's heir. When Christmas arrives (Harry's gifts: a toothpick, fudge in a tin, a copy of Flying with the Cannons , a new quill , a jumper and plum cake), with the Polyjuice Potion ready and Hermione having acquired some spare Slytherin robes to use (since they can't use their regular clothes while transformed), they give to Crabbe and Goyle two chocolate cakes containing "sleeping pills" that made Crabbe and Goyle fall asleep after eating the cakes. Harry and Ron take their hairs (and shoes, because Crabbe and Goyle have larger feet) and assume their form. Hermione tries to use a hair she thought belongs to Millicent Bulstrode , but it is actually her cat's hair and Hermione is transformed into a cat/human hybrid. Hermione is forced to spend a few weeks in the Hospital Wing . As Crabbe and Goyle, once Draco leads them to the Slytherin common room, Harry and Ron interrogate an unsuspecting Malfoy and discover that even though he wishes he were, Draco is not the Heir of Slytherin . They also hear that Lucius Malfoy mentioned that the last time the chamber was opened, fifty years ago, a Muggle-born student died and whoever was responsible was expelled. Malfoy also mentions his father's secret stash of illegal artefacts.

Chapter 13: The Very Secret Diary [ ]

A dwarf singing a valentine

Weeks later, Ron and Harry overhear Argus Filch complaining about his workload and leaving. They arrive at Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom to find it flooded. Myrtle, a sulking ghost , explains that she had flooded it because somebody flushed a diary down the toilet and onto her. Harry picks it up; he discovers that it once belonged to somebody called T.M. Riddle, but the diary is completely blank. Ron remembers from his detention that Riddle had won an award for special service to the school fifty years before, as he had another slug attack on the trophy. Hermione deduces that since this coincides with the last time the Chamber was opened, Tom Riddle might have received his prize for catching whoever was responsible for the attacks back then. Even though all attempts to extract information from the diary fail, Harry feels a strange compulsion to keep it. On Valentine's Day , Ron and Harry are dismayed to find out Lockhart has spread dwarves dressed as cupids throughout the school to receive and deliver Valentines as a morale booster due to believing that he made the attacks stop. One cupid-dwarf manages to deliver one (a singing valentine) to Harry. While struggling to avoid him, the embarrassed Harry trips and falls, having ink spilled all over the contents of his bag. Ginny notices the diary and assumes a horrified expression. Draco Malfoy also tries to steal the diary as Harry is picking up his stuff, but an angered Harry stuns him, ignoring that Percy Weasley was also there trying to handle the situation, which results in Percy reprimanding Harry. Later, Harry realises that even though ink is spilled all over the diary, it is not stained at all. He tries writing to the diary and, to his surprise, Riddle writes back. He explains that he was the one who caught the person who opened the Chamber of Secrets the last time, and he can show Harry what happened. Harry agrees and gets sucked into a "recording" of Riddle's memory. Transported back to 13 June 1943 , he witnesses the school's previous headmaster, Armando Dippet , informing Riddle that the school will be closed, since now a Muggle-born girl has died. Riddle is apprehensive of this, since it would mean getting sent back to the Muggle orphanage he grew up in and grown to hate. Dippet guesses that Riddle is Muggle-born as well, but Riddle corrects him by revealing that he's actually half-blood , having been left at the orphanage after his witch mother died, but not before requesting her son's first name to be Tom, after his Muggle father , and his middle name to be Marvolo, after his wizard grandfather . When dismissed by Dippet and a 50-years-younger Dumbledore, Harry follows Riddle down into the dungeons, where Riddle catches a 50-years-younger Hagrid fiddling with a young Acromantula in a cupboard. Accusing the giant of harbouring the monster behind the death of the Muggle-born girl in question, Riddle reports Hagrid to Dippet, despite Hagrid protesting that that his Acromantula, who he has seemingly named Aragog , has never killed anyone. Having seen this, Harry now believes that Hagrid was the one who opened the Chamber fifty years before and he is responsible this time.

Chapter 14: Cornelius Fudge [ ]

The 12 signs

Harry, Ron and Hermione decide not to ask Hagrid about it, hoping that the attacks have stopped-and indeed, almost four months after the attack on Justin and Nearly-Headless Nick , the disembodied voice keeps quiet and the attacks seem to have ceased. However, odd things keep happening: Harry returns to his dormitory one day to find it a mess. Ron deduces that somebody has been looking for something, and Harry eventually notices that Tom Riddle's Diary is gone. This greatly befuddles them, knowing that only a Gryffindor student or a staff member could know the password to enter the dormitory . The next day, the scheduled Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff is cancelled due to yet another attack and Harry hears the voice again. This time Minerva McGonagall calls for Harry and Ron personally, and leads them to the Hospital Wing , where they see Hermione petrified. She was found near the library with a Ravenclaw prefect , holding a small circular mirror. This proves that Harry is not the Heir of Slytherin, since he would never attack one of his friends. Harry and Ron decide they now must talk to Hagrid. With the now constant supervision on students, this is not easy, but they manage to do it by using Harry's invisibility cloak . When they reach Rubeus Hagrid's cabin Harry and Ron manage to hide just before Cornelius Fudge , who is the Minister for Magic, and Dumbledore arrive at the scene. Fudge announces that Hagrid, who to the best of his knowledge opened the Chamber of Secrets the last time, will be sent to Azkaban prison as a precaution. They are shortly joined by Lucius Malfoy , who declares that he and the other governors of Hogwarts have unanimously voted to suspend Dumbledore, despite the obvious logic that this would only worsen the situation. Both Hagrid and Dumbledore give last words to Harry and Ron: Hagrid says that if anybody wants the truth they should "follow the spiders" and Dumbledore says that he will only truly have left the school when none there remain loyal to him. He also stresses that if anybody at Hogwarts needs help, it will always be available to those who ask for it.

Chapter 15: Aragog [ ]

Aragog's home

Harry and Ron decide to follow the spiders as per Hagrid's advice, after Harry notices the spiders during a Herbology lesson. Walking with Fang as their guide along the trails of the spiders, which are strangely all fleeing Hogwarts, takes them into the Forbidden Forest . Even though Ron is deeply arachnophobic, Hermione having been petrified and that they may be able to help through this investigation gives him the willpower to go along anyway. There, they encounter Arthur Weasley 's car, which had apparently taken to driving through the forest like a wild animal. The two boys follow the spiders deeper into the forest all the way into a webbed lair . There, they are met by a now adult but ageing Aragog , who reveals that Hagrid is innocent and explains his past from being given to Hagrid as an egg by a distant traveller to his accusation as the Chamber's resident monster until his transfer to the Forbidden Forest and his founding of his colony with Mosag. When Harry asks of the monster that killed the girl in 1943, Aragog states it is an ancient creature that all spiders as well as giant ones fear and that they never mention its name nor speak about it, even when Hagrid asked many times, and adds that the dead girl was found in a bathroom. Harry and Ron thank him and turn to leave, but Aragog halts them, deciding to leave them as dinner for his children. Mr Weasley's Ford Anglia comes blasting through the layers of spiders, however, and enables the boys and Fang to escape. Ron is furious that Hagrid has endangered their lives until Harry explained his logic. After this, Harry and Ron feel that they have reached dead ends everywhere, until one possible last hope occurs to them. Recalling Aragog's statements of the dead girl in the bathroom Harry deduces that Moaning Myrtle might have been that victim. Of course, with the school under such security, it will be almost impossible to sneak in the girls' bathroom near where the first attack occurred.

Chapter 16: The Chamber of Secrets [ ]

Basilisk skin

Days later, Professor McGonagall informs the students that the Mandrake Draught will soon be ready. Later that same day, Harry and Ron manage to trick Lockhart - who is leading them to their next class - into letting them go by stroking his ego. Just as they pat themselves on the back, they get caught by Professor McGonagall, and Harry has to make up an excuse - they were going to see Hermione in the Hospital Wing , where visitors were now barred. They now have to go along to make their story appear convincing, but rather than simply hanging around Hermione's petrified form, this time Harry notices a piece of paper tightly clutched in her hand. This piece of paper reveals what Hermione had found out before she was attacked. She had discovered, based on strong circumstantial evidence, that the monster in the Chamber of Secrets is a Basilisk , one of the giant "Kings of all Serpents", thus explaining the mysterious voice that only Harry could hear, as he can speak Parseltongue . The Basilisk kills people by looking it in the eye, but no one died because nobody had directly looked at its deadly gaze: Colin Creevey saw it through his camera, Justin Finch-Fletchley saw it through Nearly-Headless Nick (who was already dead and since he couldn't die "again", he was only petrified), Mrs Norris saw a reflection of it in the waters of the flooded bathroom, and Hermione and Penelope Clearwater each used a mirror to look around corners after Hermione has figured things out. Harry finds out in the paper that spiders flee from it and how a rooster's crowing is potentially fatal to the Basilisk (which explains Hagrid's roosters having been killed during the year). On the note is also scribbled a single word, "pipes", which means that the serpent moves around through the plumbing (which helps them to realise that the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom). Having solved the mystery, Harry and Ron decide to go to the staff room and report to the teachers. When they get there, they overhear the teachers talking about another attack having occurred. Harry and Ron decide to hide to hear more details, and learn that Ginny has been kidnapped by the Basilisk, and the heir of Slytherin has left another message under the previous one: " HER SKELETON WILL LIE IN THE CHAMBER FOREVER". Harry and Ron also hear that Hogwarts will be closed tomorrow. The teachers then force Lockhart to deal with the monster, as he has been claiming he could handle whatever is responsible for the attacks. Looking very crestfallen, he leaves for his room. Harry and Ron decide that if Lockhart is going to deal with the monster they might as well tell him what they know. They go to his room, only to find him frantically planning to run away. When questioned on why such a talented wizard as himself is leaving, Lockhart admits that he is a fraud who put Memory Charms on the people who really did the things that he claimed to have done in his books. He then attempts to put a Memory Charm on the two boys as well, but they manage to disarm him and, under wand threats, take him to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.

Moaning Myrtle explains her death, saying the last thing she saw was a pair of enormous eyes by one of the sinks, whose tap has never worked. Harry finds a snake carved on the tap and then opens the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets by speaking Parseltongue to it. Harry, Ron and Lockhart slide down a large pipe and find themselves in maze-like tunnels far under the school. Down there, they encounter a snake skin left by the Basilisk. Just then, Lockhart feigns fainting and he steals Ron's wand. Victoriously proclaiming that he will erase Harry and Ron's memories and tell everybody they lost their sanity at the sight of Ginny's mangled body, Lockhart casts the Memory Charm. Ron's broken wand causes the charm to backfire, erasing Lockhart's memory and causing a portion of the ceiling to cave in. This traps Harry in the direction of the chamber and Ron in the direction of the castle. Ron has no choice but to stay behind and clear a path through the rocks while Harry continues in search of Ginny. Harry then encounters a wall with stone snakes on it, opens it by speaking Parseltongue, and enters the Chamber.

Chapter 17: The Heir of Slytherin [ ]

Tom Riddle's diary

Harry finds himself standing at the end of a long dimly-lit giant hall. At the far end by the foot of Slytherin's statue, he finds Ginny lying on the ground, pale and cold. He drops his wand and runs to her, trying to get a response from her, but to no avail. Tom Riddle approaches them, holding Harry's wand , and explains that his presence in the present is because he is a memory, which had been preserved in his own diary for fifty years. He then reveals what has happened: Riddle had opened the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago and planned to purge the school of Muggle-borns ; however, when he learned that the school was going to close down due to the attacks and that Dumbledore (then the Transfiguration teacher) was keeping a closer watch on him, he had no choice but to cease the attacks and frame Hagrid for doing it. He eventually left behind a diary containing the memory of his sixteen-year-old self in hopes that it would, one day, fall into the hands of an unsuspecting victim who would help him to finish his work.

The diary ends up with that Ginny. Riddle had written back sympathetically and Ginny grew to confess her fears, hopes and feelings to him. She essentially poured some of her soul into him, which was exactly what he wanted. He gradually grew more powerful and eventually managed to pour some of his soul back into her, possessing her and using her body to open the Chamber of Secrets, releasing the Basilisk that launched the new series of attacks and to write the threatening messages on the walls. However, Ginny became suspicious of the diary and tried to dispose of it by flushing it down the toilet in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. This is when Harry found it. When Ginny saw Harry with the diary on Valentine's Day , she panicked and worried that Riddle had told Harry about her role in the attacks, so she stole it back from his dormitory. It began taking control of her again, but this time with the intention of killing Harry, so he had Ginny write her own farewell on the wall and come down to wait, luring Harry to the rescue and, consequently, his doom. Riddle is angered that Harry managed to defeat the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort as a mere baby. When Harry asks Riddle why he cares about it, Riddle reveals that "Voldemort is his past, present and future." He then writes the air with Harry's wand his full name, TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE , then waves the wand and the letters rearrange themselves into, I AM LORD VOLDEMORT.

Harry then realises that Lord Voldemort was only a pseudonym and that his real/birth name was Tom Marvolo Riddle. Riddle explains that he couldn't bear to use the name of a Muggle father who abandoned him before his wizard son could be born, right when he found out that his wife was a witch descended from Salazar Slytherin . So he scrambled that name to create a new one, which he knew people would fear when he became the "greatest sorcerer in the world". Harry retorts that he must be mistaken, because the greatest sorcerer in the world, as everybody knows, is Albus Dumbledore . Even when Voldemort was at the peak of his power he was afraid of Dumbledore, and now he is barely alive. Riddle replies that Dumbledore has been driven out the castle by the mere memory of him. Harry yells that Dumbledore is not as gone as Riddle seems to believe. In this display of loyalty he summons Fawkes the phoenix to him, who also brings with it the Sorting Hat , both assets that Riddle deems extremely useless.

Riddle then summons the Basilisk and commands it to kill Harry. However, Fawkes is not as defenceless as one might initially think, and pecks out the Basilisk's eyes, thus preventing its gaze from killing. The basilisk can still hear and smell Harry, however, and remains very dangerous, so Harry, in desperation, puts on the Sorting Hat, wishing against hope for help. Instead of an answer, a heavy sword with a hilt embedded with rubies falls on Harry's head from inside the hat. After several missed strikes from the blinded Basilisk, it strikes again, right at him this time, but Harry plunges the sword into the roof of the Basilisk's mouth, killing it. However, one of its poisonous fangs sinks into his arm, injecting a deadly poison. While Riddle gloats over his "win", Harry takes Riddle's diary and plunges the Basilisk fang into the diary. Ink begins pouring out of the book like blood as Riddle's memory is destroyed. Ginny immediately stirs and wakes up. Harry is now moments from death, when Fawkes weeps on the wound, and since phoenix tears have incredible healing properties, Harry is instantly cured. Harry and Ginny travel back through the Chamber to find Ron and Lockhart ; Lockhart has no idea of who or where he is. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Lockhart grab onto Fawkes and fly up the tunnel, out of the Chamber (another phoenix specialty, as they can lift very heavy loads). They return up to the Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom, where the Entrance seals shut again, and head to McGonagall's office.

Chapter 18: Dobby 's Reward [ ]

Albus Dumbledore holding the Sword of Gryffindor

At McGonagall's office, Harry, Ron, and Ginny find Dumbledore , McGonagall, Arthur and Molly Weasley , who are delighted to see them alive. Harry worries that Ginny will get blamed for being the person behind the attacks, but to his great relief Dumbledore rightly deduces that Voldemort is the culprit and only used Ginny's body. After Ginny leaves to get a much-needed rest, Harry and Ron both receive two hundred house points each for Gryffindor and both get an Award for special services to the school, and then Dumbledore asks to speak with Harry alone. Harry expresses his concern that he belonged in Slytherin . Dumbledore reveals that Voldemort transferred some of his powers to Harry when he gave him his scar, explaining his ability to speak Parseltongue . He asks Harry why he thinks the Sorting Hat put him in Gryffindor if he has so many Slytherin qualities, and Harry admits that the only reason it did was because he had asked it to. Dumbledore confirms this and tells Harry that "it is our choices, rather than our abilities, that reveal who we truly are". He points out to the sword Harry had drawn out of the hat - Harry now notices it has Godric Gryffindor 's name on it. Dumbledore says that only a true Gryffindor would be able to draw it out.

Lucius Malfoy then barges into McGonagall's office, outraged that Dumbledore has returned to the school after being dismissed. Dumbledore calmly responds that the governors had asked him to return once they heard that Arthur Weasley 's daughter was attacked. Apparently they had been blackmailed by Malfoy to vote for Dumbledore's dismissal in the first place under Malfoy's threat of cursing their families. Dobby follows Lucius into the room, thus showing that his masters are the Malfoys . Dumbledore and Malfoy have a calm but venomous interchange (respectively), during which Dumbledore and Harry (with the help of Dobby 's unspoken hints) essentially expose Lucius sneaking Riddle's diary (one of his illegal artefacts) into Ginny 's school things during the fight with Arthur at Flourish and Blotts . This is supposed to frame Ginny for the attacks, with heavy implications on the Muggle Protection Act Arthur Weasley has been suggesting. Malfoy dares Dumbledore to prove his accusation, and while the Headmaster has insufficient evidence to do that, he cautions Malfoy against orchestrating any further such plots, otherwise he is certain that Arthur Weasley would do whatever it took to trace it back to Malfoy.

Knowing that a master can release his house-elf by giving them some clothes, Harry tricks Malfoy into freeing Dobby by giving Malfoy one of his own socks, which he promptly passes to Dobby as rubbish to get rid of. Malfoy's retribution is thwarted by the now free Dobby, who then thanks Harry profusely and disappears. The petrified people are cured, Hagrid is released from Azkaban, Lockhart is sent to a hospital and Lucius Malfoy is fired from his post as school governor. The book ends with Harry at King's Cross, crossing the barrier back to the Muggle world and Ginny mentioning to Harry, Fred , and George that Percy has a girlfriend, and she is Ravenclaw 's perfect, Penelope Clearwater .

List of spells first introduced [ ]

List of deaths [ ]

Rumours [ ]

• Many fans noted that Dumbledore said that Voldemort was the last remaining ancestor of Salazar Slytherin , instead of descendant . J. K. Rowling said this was a "deliberate mistake". This could support the theory that time travel will recur in the series (see "Rumour" note for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ). This mistake was fixed on further printings, though, so it's more likely to be a mistake that slipped past the editors than an actual hint. Some versions have put it back after Rowling's comment, perhaps overlooking the tongue-in-cheek nature of the term "deliberate mistake". This line was left out of the film.
• It was implied in the book that Ginny had sent Harry his singing valentine . Some members of the on-line fandom have questioned this conclusion, suggesting it being a prank by the Weasley Twins or a genuine overture from Moaning Myrtle as other possibilities. Rowling, herself, however, confirmed in an interview that the valentine was sent by Ginny. [1]

Film adaptation [ ]

The book was also adapted into a film, the second Harry Potter film of the series. The movie Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was released on November 15th, 2002. It was directed by Chris Columbus and the trio was starred by Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint and Emma Watson .

Notes and references [ ]

• ↑ The Leaky Cauldron and Mugglenet interview Joanne Kathleen Rowling, available via Accio Quote!

See also [ ]

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (soundtrack)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (character index)
• Second year
• Harry Potter
• 1 Tom Riddle
• 2 List of spells
• 3 Harry Potter

Summary Guru

• BOOK SUMMARIES

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry potter and the chamber of secrets: summary, plot, characters, literary analysis & more.

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling, first published in 1998, is the second installment in the acclaimed series. This novel, like its predecessor, was a remarkable critical and popular success.

It follows the young wizard, Harry Potter, as he returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year. When the Chamber of Secrets is opened, a sinister force endangers the students.

The story explores themes of identity, bravery, and the power of friendship. With beloved characters, including Ginny Weasley and the enigmatic Tom Riddle, the book continues to enchant readers with its captivating world and gripping narrative. 

This review will delve into the plot, characters, themes, and literary aspects of this magical adventure.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" continues the adventures of the young wizard Harry Potter during his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Table of contents.

The plot revolves around Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It starts when house elf Dobby tries to make sure that Harry doesn’t come back to Hogwarts.

Mysterious events occur, including the reopening of the Chamber of Secrets, believed to be the work of the Heir of Slytherin (Salazar Slytherin). Harry, along with his friends Ron and Hermione, investigates the Chamber’s secrets.

They uncover the malevolent influence of Tom Riddle’s diary and face a deadly basilisk. The novel’s climax involves a showdown with the basilisk, saving Ginny Weasley, and the revelation of Tom Riddle’s true identity. The plot is marked by suspense, danger, and the triumph of good over evil.

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” introduces a diverse cast of characters, both familiar and new, to enrich the enchanting world of Hogwarts.

The main characters include Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Dobby the House-elf, Tom Riddle, Draco Malfoy, and Lucius Malfoy.

Harry Potter

The protagonist, a young wizard returning for his second year at Hogwarts, faces new challenges and mysteries, uncovering the Chamber of Secrets.

Ron Weasley

Harry’s loyal and humorous best friend, Ron, plays a vital role in the quest to solve the Chamber’s mysteries.

Hermione Granger

The intelligent and resourceful Hermione aids Harry and Ron in their adventures, offering her expertise and bravery. She is the one who always finds a way to protect Harry.

Ginny Weasley

Ron’s sister becomes a central character, facing peril and influencing the story’s outcome. She is the one who ends up alone in the chamber of secrets.

Dobby the house-elf

Malfoy’s house elf named Dobby is a big part of the story. Dobby’s loyalty to Harry and determination to protect him have a significant impact on the plot.

Tom Riddle (Tom Marvolo Riddle later known as Lord Voldemort)

A dark presence from the past, Tom Riddle’s diary harbors secrets and poses a grave threat to Hogwarts.

Draco Malfoy

A rival and adversary, Draco’s actions contribute to the tension and challenges Harry faces.

Lucius Malfoy

Draco’s father, a wealthy and influential figure, plays a sinister role in the unfolding events, further complicating the plot.

The book explores several themes, including the power of friendship. Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s unwavering loyalty to each other is evident throughout the book, helping them overcome challenges and solve mysteries.

The theme of friendship is central as Harry, Ron, and Hermione face danger together, exemplifying their unbreakable bond and support for each other. Their combined strengths and determination ultimately save the day.

Identity and Courage

The characters grapple with their identities and muster the courage to confront their fears. Harry’s identity as a Parselmouth, Ginny’s possession by Tom Riddle, and Dobby’s quest for freedom all reflect this theme.

Prejudice and Pure-Blood Supremacy

The novel delves into the prejudice against Muggle-borns and the notion of pure-blood supremacy, embodied by characters like Lucius Malfoy. This prejudice adds depth to the story’s conflicts and moral dilemmas.

Coming of Age

As the characters mature, they face increasingly complex challenges. This theme is evident in Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s growing independence and their ability to make important decisions and take responsibility for their actions as they navigate the dangers of the Chamber of Secrets.

Genres in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” incorporates various genres to create a rich and engaging narrative. It primarily falls under the genres of fantasy and young adult fiction.

The fantasy elements, such as magic, mythical creatures, and a magical school, transport readers to a captivating world. The young adult fiction genre enables readers to relate to the characters’ coming-of-age experiences and moral dilemmas.

The story’s magical elements, including spells, mythical creatures, and a wizarding school, immerse readers in a fantastical world where the extraordinary is commonplace. This genre contributes to the sense of wonder and adventure.

The novel is infused with mystery as the characters try to unravel the secrets of the Chamber of Secrets and the Heir of Slytherin. The unfolding enigmas and clues keep readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth.

The plot is driven by the characters’ quest to solve the mysteries and confront the dangers lurking within Hogwarts. This adventure genre infuses the narrative with excitement, suspense, and action.

As the characters grow, they face complex challenges and moral dilemmas. This genre allows readers, particularly young adults, to relate to the characters’ journeys of self-discovery and personal growth as they navigate the challenges of the magical world.

Language used in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

J.K. Rowling’s writing style is characterized by its vivid and immersive language, which brings the magical world to life.

The author employs descriptive language to create a rich atmosphere, from the eerie depths of the Chamber to the enchanting Diagon Alley. Rowling skillfully uses dialogue to convey emotions, building a connection between readers and the characters.

Literary devices in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

In the book, various literary devices are skillfully woven into the narrative to enhance the storytelling. These devices include foreshadowing, symbolism, and allegory. Foreshadowing hints at future events, creating anticipation and suspense.

Symbolism, like Tom Riddle’s diary, represents deeper themes, and allegorical elements shed light on issues such as prejudice and discrimination within the wizarding world. These literary devices add layers of depth and meaning to the story.

In “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” J.K. Rowling utilizes similes to vividly illustrate various situations and emotions, enhancing the reader’s engagement.

For example, when the threat to Harry’s life intensifies, the narrative describes it as “hanging over him like a sword of Damocles,” emphasizing the imminent danger. This simile engages the reader’s imagination, providing a tangible sense of the peril that surrounds Harry.

By comparing the threat to a well-known historical reference, Rowling deepens the reader’s understanding of the ominous situation, heightening suspense and empathy.

J.K. Rowling employs metaphors in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” to convey deeper meanings and enrich the narrative. Nearly Headless Nick, the ghost, serves as a metaphor for the blurred boundary between life and death in the wizarding world.

His “nearly headless” state represents the uncertainty and ambiguity that exists in the afterlife, a theme that resonates throughout the series. The metaphor of Nearly Headless Nick adds complexity to the story, prompting readers to ponder the nature of existence in the wizarding realm.

J.K. Rowling uses analogies to help readers grasp complex ideas. One such analogy can be found when Harry sticks a sword into the Sorting Hat to pull out Godric Gryffindor’s sword.

This action can be seen as an analogy for how individuals must reach within themselves to find their inner strength and courage when faced with adversity.

This analogy makes the idea of finding one’s inner strength relatable and tangible for readers, as they can connect it to Harry’s heroic journey and his realization of the power he possesses to protect himself and others.

J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” is replete with vivid imagery that transports readers into the enchanting world of magic. The author masterfully creates sensory experiences throughout the narrative.

For instance, the foreboding and ghostly presence of Moaning Myrtle in the haunting bathroom scenes offers a vivid and eerie mental image. The descriptions of Harry spending time with Ron’s sister, Ginny, elicit warm and tender imagery, invoking feelings of affection.

The scenes on the Hogwarts Express, Aunt Petunia’s mundane household, and interactions with Muggle-born students are rich in imagery, painting a tapestry of contrasting worlds and experiences, engaging the reader’s senses and emotions.

There are several symbolic elements that connect to larger themes. The threat to kill Harry, stemming from the Chamber of Secrets, symbolizes the recurring presence of danger and the ongoing battle between good and evil.

The Chamber itself serves as a symbol of hidden secrets and the consequences of prejudice within the wizarding world.

These symbols tie into the broader themes of bravery, prejudice, and the ongoing struggle to protect the wizarding community from dark forces, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Personification

Rowling employs personification to enhance the depth of the characters and settings. When Harry realizes the truth about Tom Riddle’s diary, the diary is personified as a malevolent entity with its own intentions and agency.

This personification magnifies the eerie and ominous nature of the diary, making it a more compelling antagonist.

Additionally, when Harry stabs the diary with the tooth of the basilisk, it personifies the diary as a living entity, eliciting a sense of triumph and resolution.

This technique imbues inanimate objects with emotions and characteristics, making the story more engaging and the diary’s destruction more satisfying. Personification enriches the narrative by giving life to the magical elements of the story.

In “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” hyperbole is a powerful literary device used to emphasize the magnitude of events and emotions. An example can be seen in Harry’s plight, where he’s often described as “the only remaining family” to the Dursleys, which exaggerates the intensity of his mistreatment.

Additionally, the Quidditch match where Harry flies spectacularly captures attention and enhances the sense of exhilaration, highlighting Rowling’s use of hyperbolic language to intensify the narrative’s excitement and dramatic moments.

J.K. Rowling employs various types of irony throughout the book to add depth and complexity to the story. Verbal irony is present when Gilderoy Lockhart, known for his self-proclaimed expertise, unintentionally reveals his incompetence.

Situational irony arises when Harry, who is falsely accused of being the “heir of Slytherin,” ironically becomes the savior of Hogwarts by defeating the basilisk. These instances of irony add both humor and complexity to the narrative, underscoring the theme of unexpected twists and reversals.

Juxtaposition

J.K. Rowling skillfully employs juxtaposition to highlight stark contrasts and evoke thought-provoking scenarios. When Moaning Myrtle warns Harry of impending danger, her haunting presence contrasts with the ordinary world of Hogwarts, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Similarly, Harry’s time spent with Justin Finch-Fletchley, a Muggle-born student, emphasizes the stark contrast between those who value diversity and harmony at Hogwarts and the prejudice that threatens it.

Juxtaposition deepens the narrative by emphasizing the tensions and differences within the wizarding world, prompting readers to contemplate these contrasts.

In the second book, paradoxical situations and statements abound, adding depth to the narrative. One such paradox is the seemingly innocuous act of damaging Ron’s wand, which inadvertently leads to dire consequences.

This paradox highlights the unforeseen impacts of seemingly minor actions. Additionally, the mysterious presence of Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, remains paradoxical as he is portrayed as both a figure of authority and as someone hesitant to acknowledge the gravity of the Chamber’s threat.

These paradoxes serve to underscore the intricate web of the wizarding world and the multifaceted characters, prompting readers to ponder the complexities of the story’s events.

J.K. Rowling incorporates various allusions, enriching the narrative with intertextual references. For instance, the dinner party hosted at Professor Lockhart’s home alludes to extravagant social gatherings reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties, which serves to emphasize Lockhart’s flamboyant and boastful personality. The basilisk’s fangs, which play a significant role in the story, evoke the imagery of mythical serpents in ancient legends, adding a layer of mythological allusion. These allusions enrich the story by connecting it to a broader cultural and literary context.

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” contains allegorical elements that represent broader themes and concepts within the wizarding world. For instance, the Chamber of Secrets itself can be seen as an allegory for the hidden prejudices and dark history that lurk beneath the surface of Hogwarts.

The concept of a spell backfiring serves as an allegory for the unintended consequences of one’s actions, underscoring the theme of personal responsibility.

These allegorical elements add depth to the narrative by inviting readers to explore deeper meanings and draw parallels to real-world issues.

Onomatopoeia

J.K. Rowling employs onomatopoeic words to create auditory dimensions in her narrative. For example, during the action-packed scenes in the book, the author uses words like “whiz,” “bang,” and “clang” to immerse readers in the sounds of magical spells, duels, and the chaos within the wizarding world.

These onomatopoeic words enhance the reader’s engagement and provide a vivid and dynamic experience of the story’s action sequences.

The author employs repetition strategically to emphasize key themes and emotional impact. The recurring motif of “the Chamber of Secrets” itself, echoed throughout the book, underlines the mystery and danger associated with this mythical place.

Repetition of phrases like “heir of Slytherin” and “Mudblood” serves to intensify the themes of prejudice and discrimination within the wizarding world, amplifying the emotional impact as characters confront these biases. Repetition creates a sense of urgency, and unease, and reinforces the core themes of the novel.

The Use of Dialogue 

Dialogue is a fundamental narrative tool in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” It conveys character traits, exemplifies themes, and builds narrative tension.

Characters like Professor Dumbledore employ dialogue to impart wisdom and guidance, enhancing the novel’s themes of mentorship and personal growth. The banter between Harry, Ron, and Hermione showcases their loyalty and the theme of friendship.

In the Dueling Club scenes, dialogue heightens tension as characters confront danger, mirroring the broader themes of courage and adversity within the wizarding world.

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” includes some instances of wordplay, though not as prominently as other literary techniques. For example, when Nearly Headless Nick humorously describes his condition as “nearly headless,” it provides a clever play on words.

Additionally, Gilderoy Lockhart’s extravagant use of adjectives, such as “scintillating” and “mesmeric,” adds a touch of humor and wordplay to his character, emphasizing his vanity and exaggeration.

Rhetorical Devices

In “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” J.K. Rowling skillfully employs rhetorical devices to create a persuasive effect within the narrative.

Rhetorical questions, often raised by characters and narrators, prompt readers to consider the mysteries and dangers surrounding the Chamber of Secrets, effectively engaging their curiosity and investment in the story.

Parallelism subtly underscores the cyclical nature of the Chamber’s threats and historical prejudices, persuading readers to reflect on the lasting impact of these issues.

These rhetorical devices are crucial in immersing readers in the narrative and encouraging them to contemplate its deeper themes.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: FAQs

This section provides answers to common questions relating to this work.

What is the short summary of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets?

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” follows Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, where dark forces are unleashed from the Chamber of Secrets, endangering Muggle-born students. Harry and his friends uncover the truth and confront the evil within, battling prejudice and ancient legends.

What is the main point of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets?

The main point of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” is the exploration of prejudice and discrimination, as well as the importance of courage, friendship, and standing up against dark forces. It delves into the consequences of hatred and the power of unity.

Who is the heir of Slytherin who opened the Chamber of Secrets?

The heir of Slytherin who opened the Chamber of Secrets is revealed to be Tom Riddle, a manifestation of Lord Voldemort’s teenage self, who uses a diary to manipulate events and release a deadly basilisk.

Summing up: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Summary, Plot & More

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling, the second installment in the beloved series, presents a captivating blend of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes.

The plot revolves around the re-opening of the Chamber of Secrets and the dangers it poses to Hogwarts students.

Harry, along with his loyal friends, embarks on a quest to unveil the truth behind this dark mystery. The story delves into themes of friendship, prejudice, and the courage to confront one’s fears. Rowling’s rich language and vivid imagery transport readers to the magical world, making it an engaging and emotionally resonant tale.

This book’s appeal lies in its ability to captivate both young and adult audiences, offering an enchanting escape into a world of wonder and adventure while exploring meaningful lessons about life, friendship, and the battle against darkness.

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” is yet another testament to Rowling’s storytelling prowess, leaving an enduring impact on readers of all ages.

Other Notable Works by J.K.Rowling

If you are interested in Harry Potter novels, you may be interested in other works by J.K.Rowling including:

• “ The Casual Vacancy ” (2012): This novel explores the intricacies of human relationships and the secrets hidden within a seemingly ordinary small town after the unexpected death of a local council member.
• “ The Cormoran Strike Series ” (written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith):
• “ The Cuckoo’s Calling ” (2013): The series begins with a private investigator, Cormoran Strike, solving the mystery of a supermodel’s apparent suicide.
• “ The Silkworm ” (2014): Strike investigates the murder of a controversial novelist.
• “ Career of Evil ” (2015): A serial killer with a personal vendetta against Strike sends gruesome body parts to his office, launching a relentless hunt.
• “ Lethal White ” (2018): Strike and his partner, Robin, are entangled in a political and personal mystery.
• “ Troubled Blood ” (2020): They investigate a decades-old cold case involving a missing doctor, leading to a tangled web of secrets.
• “ The Ickabog ” (2020): A charming children’s book that tells a fable-like story, featuring a legendary beast and themes of bravery, truth, and the power of community.

J.K. Rowling’s diverse writing ventures have something for readers of all ages and tastes.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is a captivating continuation of the series, filled with magical creatures, mysteries, and the exploration of Harry's past and the history of Hogwarts.

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"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" Summary

By J.K. Rowling

fantasy | 260 pages | Published in 1999

Estimated read time: 4 min read

One Sentence Summary

Harry Potter discovers a hidden chamber at Hogwarts and battles a mysterious monster.

Table of Contents

Brief synopsis, plot overview and setting, main characters, chapter summaries, main events, themes and insights, reader's takeaway.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is the second installment in the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. The story is set at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Harry Potter returns for his second year. He discovers that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened, unleashing a series of mysterious and dangerous events. With the help of his friends Ron and Hermione, Harry embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the chamber's secrets and to save the school from impending peril.

The story takes place in the magical world of Hogwarts, where Harry Potter, along with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, attends school. The atmosphere is filled with magic, spells, and the underlying presence of dark forces. As the trio navigates through the challenges of school life, they encounter the mysteries surrounding the Chamber of Secrets, a hidden chamber within the school that is rumored to house a deadly creature.

The main characters in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" include:

Chapter 1: The Worst Birthday Harry spends a miserable summer at the Dursleys' before being rescued by Ron and his twin brothers in a flying car. Chapter 6: Gilderoy Lockhart The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart, is introduced, and his incompetent nature becomes evident. Chapter 9: The Writing on the Wall The first message written in blood on a wall appears, signaling the opening of the Chamber of Secrets. Chapter 12: The Polyjuice Potion The trio brews a Polyjuice Potion to transform into Slytherins and interrogate Draco Malfoy about the Chamber of Secrets. Chapter 16: The Chamber of Secrets Harry enters the Chamber of Secrets alone to save Ginny Weasley and encounters Tom Riddle's memory. The appearance of ominous messages written on the walls in blood, hinting at the opening of the Chamber of Secrets. Harry's encounter with Dobby, a house-elf, and the revelation of the Chamber's existence. The petrification of students and the ensuing fear and tension within Hogwarts. The revelation of Tom Riddle's involvement and Harry's battle with the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. Friendship and Loyalty The unwavering loyalty and support of Ron and Hermione highlight the theme of friendship and its importance in overcoming challenges. Prejudice and Discrimination The discrimination against non-pureblood wizards and the treatment of house-elves reflect the prevalent theme of prejudice in the magical world. Courage and Bravery The characters' courage in the face of danger, particularly Harry's willingness to confront the unknown in the Chamber of Secrets, underscores the theme of bravery. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" captivates readers with its blend of magic, mystery, and adventure. Through the characters' bravery and friendship, the story imparts valuable lessons about loyalty, courage, and the fight against prejudice. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, true friendship and unwavering resolve can prevail. In "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," J.K. Rowling skillfully weaves a tale of magic, friendship, and courage, drawing readers into the enchanting world of Hogwarts while addressing themes of loyalty, prejudice, and bravery. The book's engaging plot and relatable characters make it a compelling read for both young and adult audiences, leaving a lasting impression of the enduring power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets FAQ Who is the author of 'harry potter and the chamber of secrets'. The author of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' is J.K. Rowling. What is the genre of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'? The genre of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' is fantasy. What is the main plot of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'? The main plot of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' revolves around Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he discovers a hidden chamber within the school that holds dark secrets. Who are the main characters in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'? The main characters in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' include Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Gilderoy Lockhart, and Tom Riddle. Is 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' suitable for children? 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' is generally suitable for children, but parents should consider the age and maturity of their child due to some dark and intense themes. Books like Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets The Invisible Man By H.G. Wells The Lord of the Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien Brave New World By Aldous Huxley SCIENCE FICTION Stranger in a Strange Land By Robert A. Heinlein In My Own Words Younger Readers Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Throughout the summer holidays after his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter has been receiving sinister warnings from a house-elf called Dobby. Now, back at school to start his second year, Harry hears unintelligible whispers echoing through the corridors. Before long the attacks begin: students are found as if turned to stone. Dobby’s predictions seem to be coming true. Publishers: UK Print – Bloomsbury US Print – Scholastic eBook – Pottermore Digital Audiobook – Pottermore UK Illustrated – Bloomsbury US Illustrated – Scholastic  UK MinaLima edition – Bloomsbury US MinaLima edition – Scholastic Privacy Overview Cookie Duration Description cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets J. k. rowling, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions. Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Introduction Harry potter and the chamber of secrets: plot summary, harry potter and the chamber of secrets: detailed summary & analysis, harry potter and the chamber of secrets: themes, harry potter and the chamber of secrets: quotes, harry potter and the chamber of secrets: characters, harry potter and the chamber of secrets: symbols, harry potter and the chamber of secrets: theme wheel, brief biography of j. k. rowling. Historical Context of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Other books related to harry potter and the chamber of secrets. Full Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets When Written: 1995-1998 Where Written: Edinburgh, Scotland When Published: 1995 Literary Period: Contemporary Genre: Children’s fantasy Setting: England; Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Climax: Harry kills the basilisk and defeats Tom Riddle Antagonist: Tom Riddle/Voldemort Point of View: Third-person Extra Credit for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Borgin and Burke’s Magical Items. Three objects that Harry notices in Borgin and Burke’s store in this book make important reappearances in the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince : the Vanishing Cabinet, the Opal Necklace, and the Hand of Glory . Pileup. For the film, fourteen real Ford Anglias were destroyed to create the scene in which Harry and Ron crash into the Whomping Willow. Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets Summary, Characters and Themes The second book in the Harry Potter series is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . In this book, Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year only to find a sinister plot unfolding. Mysterious messages appear warning of an opened Chamber of Secrets and the impending doom of non- magical students. As attacks begin petrifying students, Harry, Ron, and Hermione must uncover the truth about the Chamber and the dark force attempting to purge Hogwarts. Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts is anything but peaceful.  His miserable summer with the Dursleys is interrupted by Dobby, a house-elf desperate to keep Harry from returning to school due to looming danger. Harry ignores the warnings and reunites with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, but trouble immediately finds them. Mysterious voices haunt Harry, a flying car nearly gets them expelled, and a sinister message appears on the wall proclaiming the Chamber of Secrets has been opened.  Legend tells of this chamber, built by Hogwarts founder Salazar Slytherin, which houses a monster only his heir can control – a monster meant to purge the school of students not born to magic. Students begin falling victim to the monster, petrified into a statue-like state. Suspicion surrounds Harry, particularly when he reveals his ability to speak Parseltongue (snake language), a rare trait associated with dark wizards.  It seems everyone believes he might be Slytherin’s heir. Determined to prove their innocence, Harry, Ron, and Hermione unravel clues. They brew Polyjuice Potion to disguise themselves and interrogate Draco Malfoy, suspecting his family is involved.  They learn that a girl named Myrtle was killed when the Chamber was last opened, and her ghost now haunts a school bathroom. Hermione’s research reveals the Chamber’s monster is a basilisk, a giant serpent whose direct gaze is fatal.  This explains the petrified victims–they only saw the creature’s reflection. Before they can act on their discovery, Ron’s sister Ginny Weasley is kidnapped and taken into the Chamber. Harry and Ron, aided by the incompetent Professor Lockhart, find the secret Chamber entrance.  Lockhart proves to be a fraud, attempting to erase their memories.  His spell backfires, causing a cave-in that separates Ron from the others. Harry enters the Chamber alone, finding Ginny unconscious and a ghostly manifestation of Tom Riddle.  Riddle reveals he opened the Chamber years ago, framing Hagrid, and is now using Ginny’s life force to become corporeal.  He is Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter Still grappling with his identity as both a wizard and Voldemort’s nemesis, Harry faces new anxieties over his ability to speak Parseltongue, a trait linking him to dark magic.  This leads to self-doubt and isolation as suspicion turns against him. However, he overcomes this, proving his unwavering courage, loyalty to his friends, and the strength to face Voldemort again, foreshadowing their future battles. Ron Weasley Ron remains Harry’s steadfast friend, though his loyalty is tested at times.  This book highlights both his insecurities, like his family’s relative poverty, and his bravery. He stands up for Hermione against Malfoy’s prejudice, and confronts his arachnophobia to help Harry.  Ron starts to emerge as a distinct character and a force in his own right. Hermione Granger Hermione’s brilliance is crucial as always. Her resourceful research uncovers the truth about the basilisk.  But it’s her vulnerability when petrified that humanizes her, demonstrating the stakes of the danger they face. It also solidifies her friendship with Harry and Ron, who will do anything to save her. Ginny Weasley In this book, Ginny is mostly a victim, but her shy crush on Harry and her susceptibility to Riddle’s diary establish key themes for later in the series.  She becomes a symbol of how even the strong-willed can fall prey to dark forces. Gilderoy Lockhart A hilarious addition, Lockhart is the embodiment of narcissistic fraud. His incompetence contrasts sharply with Harry’s authentic heroism. He exposes the lure of fame and the importance of genuine skill and integrity within the wizarding world. Tom Riddle/Voldemort Even as a ghostly memory, Voldemort remains chillingly powerful. We begin to see his manipulative nature, his obsession with blood purity, and his link to Slytherin. This book provides critical pieces of his backstory, further establishing him as Harry’s true adversary. Though his antics are initially more comical than critical, Dobby’s fiercely misplaced loyalty introduces the theme of house-elf mistreatment. His character will continue to grow, offering an exploration of prejudice and the fight for freedom within the magical world. Draco Malfoy Draco embodies the prejudice inherent in Slytherin and pure-blood supremacist ideology.  He revels in the suspicion falling on Harry, fueling the conflict. While still mostly a bratty antagonist, his actions gain a more sinister edge with the introduction of the Chamber of Secrets. His father Lucius looms as well, hinting at a bigger web of dark wizarding influence. Hagrid, the gentle giant wrongly accused when the Chamber was first opened, remains fiercely loyal to Harry.  He represents those maligned for being different, and his unjust treatment showcases the bias within the wizarding world. Albus Dumbledore Wise and enigmatic as ever, Dumbledore subtly guides Harry even when not directly present. He harbors a deep understanding of Voldemort, but also places trust in Harry’s potential, allowing him the space to learn and face his own challenges. The Hogwarts Ghosts Nearly Headless Nick, Moaning Myrtle, and others add both whimsy and hints of Hogwarts’ long history .  Through them, we get glimpses of the school’s past and see how even death doesn’t always sever ties to the magical world. Myrtle, in particular, plays a key role as the victim of the basilisk in the Chamber’s previous opening. Colin Creevey A minor, yet memorable figure, Colin represents the awestruck fascination many feel towards Harry. His constant picture-taking is both comical and a reminder of Harry’s fame and the burden that comes with it. The Weasley Family The Weasleys provide warmth, normalcy, and a sense of belonging that Harry desperately craves. Mr. Weasley’s interest in Muggle items highlights his open mind, contrasting other pure-blood supremacist attitudes. Mrs. Weasley is a mother figure for Harry, offering love and a refuge from the Dursleys. The Dangers of Prejudice Chamber of Secrets starkly portrays the damaging consequences of prejudice, particularly those based on blood purity.  The villainous motivations of Salazar Slytherin, and later Tom Riddle, are rooted in the belief that magical lineage is the sole determinant of worth. This prejudice fuels discrimination against “mudbloods” (wizards born to non-magical parents), creating divisions and mistrust.  The novel highlights that fear, often rooted in ignorance and a desire for power, is the driving force behind prejudice. Through Hermione’s petrification and the persecution of Hagrid, the book demonstrates the very real danger prejudice poses, reminding readers that true strength lies in diversity and acceptance. Identity and the Power of Choice Harry once again grapples with understanding who he truly is, both as a wizard and in the context of his growing connection to Lord Voldemort. His Parseltongue ability raises doubts amongst his peers and fuels self-questioning.  The diary of Tom Riddle preys on these fears, almost tempting Harry to accept the darkness within himself. However, throughout the novel, it’s Harry’s choices that ultimately shape his identity.  He consistently chooses courage, loyalty, and compassion, proving that even when fate presents dark possibilities, it’s our decisions that truly define us. The Corrupting Nature of Power and Fame Gilderoy Lockhart stands as a satirical symbol of the alluring but ultimately hollow nature of fame.  He’s a charismatic fraud, having stolen the accomplishments of others to build his image. His self-serving nature, fueled by a desperate desire for adoration, leaves him cowardly and incompetent. He’s a sharp contrast to the selfless heroism Harry displays.  The novel emphasizes that true power lies not in accolades, but in the courage to act with integrity. Lockhart’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced ambition and demonstrates the importance of valuing genuine talent and virtue over superficial glory. The Importance of Friendship and Loyalty The friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione is a cornerstone of this book and the entire series.  Their bond strengthens throughout their shared trials in “Chamber of Secrets.” Ron overcomes fears and prejudices to defend Hermione, while Hermione’s intellectual strength is invaluable in their pursuit of the truth. Their unwavering loyalty is tested when Harry becomes the primary suspect, but they stand by him, trusting his character over circumstance.  The novel highlights that true friendship provides support, courage, and the understanding that even in the darkest hours, we are not truly alone. The Blinding Power of Deception Deception plays a significant role in the Chamber of Secrets’ narrative.  Tom Riddle’s manipulation of Ginny Weasley through his diary exemplifies how appearances can be misleading.  The diary appears innocent, but holds extraordinary power. Likewise, Gilderoy Lockhart’s entire existence is a carefully crafted web of lies, obscuring his cowardice and incompetence.  This theme highlights the importance of critical thinking, questioning those in positions of power, and looking beyond surfaces. It emphasizes that evil can present itself in beguiling ways, and true wisdom lies in discerning the truth. A team of Editors at Books That Slay. Passionate | Curious | Permanent Bibliophiles Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Book Summary, Ending, Quotes & Review 2024 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is about the second year of Harry Potter at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When mysterious attacks occur, Harry must delve into the deep, dark secrets of the school's past to solve the mystery. With the help of his friends Ron and Hermione, he faces new challenges and encounters magical creatures. Table of Content Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets Book Summary Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for his second year with a sense of anticipation. However, strange occurrences soon disrupt the school. Students are found petrified, and the terrifying legend of the Chamber of Secrets resurfaces. Harry, Ron, and Hermione suspect that Draco Malfoy is behind the attacks, but they struggle to find evidence. They encounter Dobby, a house-elf, who tries to warn Harry about the dangers he faces at Hogwarts. Dobby's meddling with Harry's life leads to his being trapped at the Dursleys' home. Eventually, using a flying car, Harry and Ron make a daring escape to attend school. The car gains a mind of its own, causing chaos but safely delivering the boys to Hogwarts. They are reprimanded by the school's staff. As the year progresses, the attacks continue. Harry discovers a mysterious diary that once belonged to Tom Riddle. Through the diary, he communicates with a younger incarnation of Lord Voldemort, who shows Harry how the Chamber was opened fifty years earlier. A series of clues lead Harry to the entrance of the Chamber of Secrets. In the heart of the dungeon, Harry finds a monstrous basilisk and Tom Riddle, whose memory has been manipulating events from within the diary. Armed with the Sorting Hat and Godric Gryffindor's sword, Harry battles the basilisk. The creature strikes him with a poisonous fang, but Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, provides healing tears that save Harry's life. Ginny Weasley, under the influence of Tom Riddle's diary, had opened the Chamber and released the basilisk. Harry returns to find Ginny unconscious, and with Tom's defeat, the spell over her is broken. Dumbledore and the professors restore the petrified students and declare the crisis over. Hagrid, who had been wrongfully accused, is released from Azkaban and returns to Hogwarts. The school year concludes with the students celebrating in the Great Hall. Harry is hailed as a hero once more. He parts ways with his friends, eager to return to the Dursleys' home for the summer. Harry's experiences have deepened his understanding of the magical world and the dangers that lie within it. He looks forward to his third year at Hogwarts, knowing that new adventures await. Throughout the story, Harry's courage and determination are tested against dark forces. With the support of his friends, he confronts his fears and uncovers the truth about the Chamber of Secrets. The theme of choices and their impact on one's character is prevalent. Harry's decision to face danger head-on reflects his true nature, which is ultimately what defines him as a wizard and a person. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets Quotes Harry potter and the chamber of secrets ending explained. At the end of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the mysteries that have plagued Hogwarts are finally unraveled. Harry confronts Tom Riddle and the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. With Gryffindor's sword and Fawkes's healing tears, he defeats the serpent and destroys the diary, which in turn destroys Riddle's memory. Ginny is saved, and the attacks on the students come to an end. Hogwarts celebrates with a joyous end-of-year feast, and Harry prepares to return to the Dursleys' for the summer, knowing that his bravery in the face of danger has solidified his place in the wizarding world. Characters in book Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets Harry Potter : The protagonist, a young wizard with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. Brave and curious, he is determined to uncover the truth behind the Chamber of Secrets. Hermione Granger : Harry's intelligent and resourceful friend. She is a Muggle-born witch known for her quick thinking and extensive magical knowledge. Ron Weasley : Harry's loyal and humorous best friend. He comes from a large magical family and provides valuable support to Harry throughout the story. Ginny Weasley : Ron's younger sister who is a new student at Hogwarts. She plays a significant role in the Chamber of Secrets mystery. Tom Riddle : A dark and enigmatic figure from Hogwarts' past whose memory is preserved in a diary. He communicates with Harry and reveals crucial information about the Chamber. Albus Dumbledore : The wise and respected headmaster of Hogwarts. He is known for his deep understanding of magic and his support for Harry. Rubeus Hagrid : The gamekeeper at Hogwarts who has a soft spot for dangerous creatures. He is a close friend to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Gilderoy Lockhart : The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, known for his charm and his habit of taking credit for others' accomplishments. Dobby : A house-elf who is initially bound to serve the Malfoy family. Dobby is loyal to Harry and tries to protect him by any means necessary. Lucius Malfoy : A wealthy and influential figure in the wizarding world. He has a disdain for Muggle-borns and is the father of Draco Malfoy. Mrs. Weasley : The kind and caring mother of the Weasley family, including Ron and Ginny. She treats Harry as one of her own. Key Lessons Trust Your Instincts : When faced with uncertainty, trust your intuition and take action based on what you feel is right. True Friendship Endures : Loyalty and support from true friends can help you face and overcome the most challenging situations. Bravery is a Choice : Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the choice to confront and overcome it when it matters most. Curiosity is Valuable : Asking questions and seeking knowledge can lead to understanding and the unraveling of important mysteries. Overcoming Prejudice : Judging others based on their heritage or background can lead to false assumptions and missed opportunities for friendship and cooperation. My Personal Opinion Is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets worth reading? Totally! I found it to be an enchanting addition to the series that deepens the magical universe and the characters within it. The ongoing development of the storyline and the introduction of new magical elements are captivating. I was particularly fond of the increased focus on the friendships between the characters. However, I felt that the plot's pacing was occasionally uneven. Some scenes seemed rushed, while others were wonderfully detailed and rich in narrative. The blend of humor and darkness is well-crafted, appealing to a broad audience. I would recommend this book to readers who have a love for magic and fantasy. It is an essential continuation of Harry Potter's journey that will particularly resonate with those who have already been captivated by the wizarding world. ABOUT AUTHOR Hi! I'm Julia Scheeres, a professional wordsmith and book author. As an avid storyteller, I have dedicated my life to crafting captivating narratives that resonate with readers from all walks of life. I publish book summaries, synopses, and book reviews. It serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking insight into captivating literary works, and for authors looking to showcase their talents. Harry Potter Book Summary Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling Harry potter. In his second year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter faces new challenges and dangers. Mysterious voices echo through the castle walls, students are being petrified, and a sinister message scrawled on a wall warns of the Chamber of Secrets being opened. With the help of his friends Ron and Hermione, Harry must uncover the truth behind the attacks and confront a dark force that threatens the entire wizarding world. Table of contents Author & writing background, the chamber of secrets, tom riddle’s diary, the heir of slytherin, dobby the house-elf, gilderoy lockhart, the basilisk, fawkes the phoenix, parseltongue, who is the heir of slytherin, what is the monster in the chamber of secrets, how does harry defeat the basilisk, what happens to ginny weasley, harry potter quotes. J.K. Rowling is a British author and philanthropist, best known for the Harry Potter fantasy series. The idea for Harry Potter came to her while delayed on a train journey. Rowling’s writing style is engaging and imaginative, creating a rich and detailed world of magic and wonder. Her books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide, making her one of the best-selling fiction authors of all time. Key Takeaways A hidden chamber within Hogwarts, created by Salazar Slytherin, one of the school’s founders, intended to purge the school of Muggle-born students. A magical diary that holds a piece of the soul of Tom Marvolo Riddle, who later becomes Lord Voldemort. It possesses Ginny Weasley and uses her to open the Chamber of Secrets. A mysterious figure believed to be the descendant of Salazar Slytherin, responsible for opening the Chamber of Secrets and unleashing a monster upon the school. A house-elf who tries to warn Harry Potter of the danger at Hogwarts and prevent him from returning to school. A famous author and self-proclaimed hero who becomes the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. He is later revealed to be a fraud. A giant serpent that resides in the Chamber of Secrets, capable of killing with a single glance. It is controlled by the Heir of Slytherin. Albus Dumbledore’s loyal phoenix, who plays a crucial role in helping Harry defeat the basilisk and Tom Riddle. The ability to speak to snakes, a rare skill possessed by Harry Potter, which is initially believed to be a sign that he is the Heir of Slytherin. FAQ about Harry Potter Tom Marvolo Riddle, who later becomes Lord Voldemort. A basilisk, a giant serpent capable of killing with a single glance. With the help of Fawkes the phoenix and the Sword of Gryffindor. She is possessed by Tom Riddle’s diary and used to open the Chamber of Secrets, but she is ultimately rescued by Harry. ”It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." "Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself." "Dobby is a free elf, and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends!” Readers also enjoyed The wonderful wizard of oz summary, black beauty summary, anne of green gables summary. Childrens Books Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets By j.k. rowling, harry potter and the chamber of secrets study guide. British author J.K. Rowling said that the idea for the Harry Potter series “fell into her head” in 1990 while she was riding a train from Manchester to London without a pen to write it down. While she started to write it that evening, her progress was delayed for five years. After her mother died of complications from multiple sclerosis, Rowling moved to Portugal where she married and gave birth to her daughter. She then moved to Edinburgh, Scotland as a single mother, where she completed the first Harry Potter book. According to Rowling, she was at that time as “poor as it is possible to be in modern Britain, without being homeless." In 1995, she completed a manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (later titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in American editions). After the manuscript was rejected by many other publishers, Bloomsbury Books agreed to publish it in 1996. Rowling was in the middle of writing the sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , when Bloomsbury published the first book in 1997. As a result of its success in Britain, American publishers started a bidding war for the rights to the series in the United States. Scholastic bought the U.S. publication rights for $105,000, about ten times more than the average foreign rights sale at the time, and promoted the book heavily. When “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” appeared on the American market in 1997 J.K. Rowling became an international celebrity. Overwhelmed by this unexpected success, Rowling experienced writer’s block while attempting to complete Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . She said that she felt unprepared for the amount of publicity she received, and was worried that the second book wouldn’t measure up to the first. But she got through it and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was published by Bloomsbury in the United Kingdom on July 2, 1998, and by Scholastic in the United States on June 2, 1999. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets tells the story of Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is a twelve-year-old wizard who only discovered his true identity the year before. He lives with his aunt, uncle, and cousin, who are what wizards call Muggles, meaning that they have no magical ability. Throughout the series, Harry endures neglect and derision at home, while being hailed as a hero at school. The wizard community admires Harry for having defeated Lord Voldemort, a notorious dark wizard, when he was a baby. His parents perished in that attack, and as an orphan Harry struggles to come to terms with his place in the world. This is primarily a fantasy novel, providing the delights of a unique world with made-up words and rules for everything from sweets to games. It is also a coming-of-age tale in which adolescents clash with authority and struggle to mature. The plot follows the structure of a mystery, with elements of adventure and gothic horror. And Harry’s personal development fits into the literary model of the hero’s journey. This second book develops the darker side of Hogwarts, as we learn that one of the founders, Salazar Slytherin , promoted prejudice against students who were not born to wizards. Harry discovers that Slytherin created a Chamber of Secrets with a monster inside that would purge the school of those he deemed unworthy to practice magic, to be opened only by his heir. When students are attacked, the school panics. Harry finds that his celebrity status quickly reverses into a pariah as his fellow students begin to fear all differences. Harry must confront social isolation and evil simultaneously. The loyalty of his friends ultimately gives Harry the courage to face his nemesis in the Chamber of Secrets. The Harry Potter series was a phenomenal success, selling more than 500 million copies worldwide. While published as children's books, adults embraced them as well, which allowed for a common language across generations. The books caused a sensation in the publishing industry, as fans lined up at bookstores and camped out overnight to purchase each new installment as it appeared. Literary analysis and fan culture became a popular pastime. Harry Potter was not without controversy: Religious groups accused the books of satanic subtext and some literary scholars judged them to be cliched and derivative. The books have been adapted into successful films, video games, and theme parks. Harry Potter is now a brand worth an estimated $15 billion. In recent years, the ethical framework of the Harry Potter series has given the millennial generation a framework for engaging with politics. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Questions and Answers The Question and Answer section for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel. After the boys arrived at the burrow,mrs weasly told her sons to She gets them to the work of de-gnoming the garden . What is impression Lockhart has of Harry? Lockhart likes Harry because he believes that Harry's fame will open doors for him. What age did Harry Potter end? Do you mean how old Harry Potter was when the series ended? Study Guide for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets study guide contains a biography of J.K. Rowling, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. About Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Summary Character List Essays for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. ‘Life’ and ‘Death’ Upside Down in Harry Potter Series Mythical Norms in Kindred and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Segregation and Prejudice in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter and the End of Perfect Tales: Building up to 'Goblet of Fire' Harry Potter and the Human Behind “Lord Voldemort” Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Summary Harry Potter, a young wizard-in-training, is back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year. He soon discovers that the magical Chamber of Secrets has been reopened and an ancient monster is petrifying students. With the help of his best friends Ron and Hermione, Harry must find out who is responsible and stop them before it's too late. Along the way, he uncovers clues about a dark secret from his past that could put him in danger. Want to know more? What is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets about? The main themes of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets are friendship, courage, loyalty, trust, and justice. The book follows Harry as he returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year where he discovers a dark secret in the school that threatens the safety of all his friends. Harry must use his courage and determination to confront the powerful forces that have been unleashed and save his friends from danger. Along the way, Harry learns about the importance of friendship, loyalty, trust, and justice. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Book Club Questions What is the significance of the title, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"? How does Harry's second year at Hogwarts differ from his first year? What new characters are introduced in this book, and what role do they play in the story? How do the events in this book set up future books in the series? What themes are explored through the plot of this book? What was your reaction to the resolution of the climax? How has Harry's relationship with Ron and Hermione changed throughout the course of this book? What lessons do we learn from the character of Dumbledore in this book? How does J.K Rowling use language to foreshadow events and create suspense throughout the novel? Do you think Rowling does an effective job of addressing topics such as prejudice and racism in her writing? What to say about Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets The way J.K. Rowling weaves together the themes of loyalty, friendship and good versus evil is remarkable. The character development of Harry, Ron and Hermione throughout the book is truly inspiring. The Chamber of Secrets is a great example of suspenseful storytelling that keeps readers eager to turn the page. I love how Rowling creates an entire magical world in which her characters inhabit; it's so vivid and captivating! It's amazing how the plot twists and turns in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, keeping readers guessing until the very end. I think one of the most powerful elements of the story is how it portrays the power of fear, both in its characters and within the plot itself. The introduction of Dobby as a house elf was a brilliant move by Rowling, adding yet another layer to this exciting world she has created. It's interesting to observe how Harry's relationship with his friends changes and grows as they face increasingly dangerous obstacles together. I appreciate how Rowling uses humor alongside darker elements to create a balanced atmosphere throughout her narrative. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an excellent example of a classic adventure story which will remain relevant for generations to come! Top 5 Quotes from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." - Albus Dumbledore "Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself." - Albus Dumbledore "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." - Albus Dumbledore "Curiosity is not a sin.... But we should exercise caution with our curiosity." - Albus Dumbledore "The thing that lived beneath the trapdoor... was almost as terrible as the sound of it." - Rubeus Hagrid Adaptations of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) - film directed by Chris Columbus starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. 2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2003) - video game developed by Electronic Arts based on the film. 3. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (2018) - mobile game based on the series. 4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2020) - audiobook narrated by Stephen Fry. 5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: A Play by Jack Thorne (2019) - a play adaptation written by Jack Thorne and produced for West End theaters in London, England. Other books by J.K. Rowling The Casual Vacancy Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Quidditch Through the Ages The Tales of Beedle the Bard Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Did you know? The flying Ford Anglia car in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was actually a real car that was modified to fly for the movie. You might also like... The island of sea women: summary, this is going to hurt: summary, a man called ove: summary, flowers for algernon: summary, the elegance of the hedgehog: summary. RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Unlocks the Franchise's Greatness Your changes have been saved Email Is sent Please verify your email address. You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics. Politics, class division, and commentary deepen the tale. Radcliffe shines, showing growth in his performance. The world-building continues to impress in this sequel. It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. CBR supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love, and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find CBR's continuing coverage on Rowling here . Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is no typical fantasy movie, with evil roaming the halls of Hogwarts. Pupils are confined to their dormitories, teachers travel in pairs, and the infirmary has more paralyzed patients than it can handle. Lurking in the forbidden forest are creatures with their own secrets capable of unlocking an ancient chamber, while fate lurks for Harry Potter between the pages of a diary belonging to Tom Riddle. Not only did the second Harry Potter movie expand J.K. Rowling's world that introduced so many crucial characters, events moved beyond the personal and into the political. Elsewhere, discussions about class and identity were underpinned by an ingenious murder mystery. So why was Chamber of Secrets so underappreciated by fans upon its 2002 release? How Chamber of Secrets Expands Harry Potter's World New sets and characters broaden the storytelling. Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, also provided the Basilisk's voice. Dobby's ears were based on a dog named Max, who sat under desks in the art department during production. Hugh Grant was also considered for the role of Gilderoy Lockhart. Producer David Heyman and director Chris Columbus had a high bar to clear with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . After the success of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone , its sequel needed to be bigger in every way possible. The filmmakers achieve this in multiple ways. A story that explores uncharted areas of Hogwarts enables fans to follow the heroes into forbidden forests and beyond. Cavernous creations are carved into Leavesden Studios, expanding on Diagon Alley and showcasing the Weasley residence, before venturing down into the catacombs beneath Hogwarts. Yet again, Harry Potter takes world-building to another level, thanks to having a source material with global appeal. An ever-expanding roster of great actors is bolstered by the perfect casting of Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy. Father to Draco and cold-blooded to the core, this nefarious supporter of Voldemort makes a chilling entrance into Diagon Alley. Concealed beneath a flowing blonde hairpiece and arching an eyebrow at anything other than pure blood, Isaacs' version of Lucius is pure pantomime villainy. His conceited demeanor and slavish devotion to He Who Must Not Be Named define and undermine him in equal measure. Dobby, the house elf to Lucius Malfoy, not only plays a pivotal role in Chamber of Secrets but will prove crucial to later films. Voiced by Emmy nominee Toby Jones in all but the final movie, his story of subservience is intwined with the adventures of Harry Potter from start to finish, whether preventing him from heading back to Hogwarts or causing havoc for the Dursleys at home. Only Cornelius Fudge is more important to the franchise. Dobby's arrival erases any doubt that Harry Potter is just meant for children. Chamber of Secrets also introduces one of Harry Potter 's many Defense Against the Dark Arts professors . Sir Kenneth Branagh starts the revolving door of character actors by playing Gilderoy Lockhart. With a polished pair of porcelain teeth and perfect hair, Gilderoy is the ultimate impostor, forever poised and packed with tall tales. Branagh steals almost every scene he appears in with perfect comic timing. His presence is a breath of fresh air alongside the returning ensemble, making it one of the best single-movie performances in the whole series. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Highlights Class Divides Politics and potions play a big part in this sequel. The Harry Potter Reboot Can Only Work If It Leans Into This One Book Harry Potter is getting rebooted over at Warner Bros. Discovery and the team behind the show should look to one book adaptation for inspiration. Eddie Redmayne, who would go on to play Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts films, auditioned for Tom Riddle. In order to play Hagrid again for Chamber of Secrets , Robbie Coltrane turned down a part in The West Wing . Francis Nolan, a linguistics professor at the University of Cambridge, created Parseltongue. Beyond the enchanted notebooks and underground terrors, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets tackles something closer to home. For the first time, the franchise explores ideas of class and upbringing within the magical community. Draco Malfoy's sense of superiority that was introduced in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone comes to a head when the miniature Malfoy gets ideas above his station and utters the "mudblood" slur during an argument with Hermione Granger. The scene is evidence of a deeper divide among wizards and a belief upheld by disciples of Voldemort that defines this second film, undercutting any of the movie's lighter elements. Ideas of class division are also implicit within the scenes between Mr. Weasley and Lucius Malfoy. Actors Mark Williams and Jason Isaacs relish the fractious nature of their characters' first encounters, where distain and disregard keep their ideologies at a distance. Wealth and status, not blood and breeding, separate these two men. One is an idealist and devoted family man, while his contemporary feels weighed down by the legacy he is sworn to uphold. The Harry Potter franchise stands alone in tackling issues of social class, even more than 20 years after Chamber of Secrets ' release. There is also bureaucracy to overcome -- embodied by Robert Hardy’s character Cornelius Fudge, who is defined by regulations and revels in red tape. In direct communication with the muggle Prime Minister, swayed by the winds of public opinion and likely to adopt any cause that will keep him in office, Fudge stands for everything that is wrong with the Ministry of Magic. Thankfully, his meddling is kept to a minimum and only minor political power plays are at work behind the scenes. But these actions introduce the notion of imprisonment into the Wizarding World when Hagrid is sent away to Azkaban -- a barren outcrop of enchanted incarceration that adds another crucial piece to the puzzle, and redefines Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as a veiled murder mystery. Murder and Mystery Turn Harry Potter on Its Head Daniel radcliffe takes a big step forward in chamber of secrets. Every Harry Potter Character Who Opened the Chamber of Secrets The Chamber of Secrets is one of the most dangerous places in Hogwarts, but how many people opened this deadly section of the school? Shirley Henderson, who played Moaning Myrtle, was 37 years old at the time of filming. 14 Ford Anglias were destroyed in the whomping willow scene. Filming for Chamber of Secrets started three days after Sorcerer's Stone finished. As the second book in the Harry Potter series , Chamber of Secrets was expected to focus on the title character's evolution -- but instead, both the book and the movie were murder mysteries with supernatural elements. Harry and his friends put in legwork at the library, delving into the history of Hogwarts, while Harry chances on a diary that helps slot missing puzzle pieces together. This unexpected pivot highlights the structural ability of J.K. Rowling, but also shows just how crucial screenwriter Steve Kloves is to the movies. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets triumphs by combining an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery with politics, class division and social commentary. But all of those themes are supported by the continued emergence of Daniel Radcliffe. In Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets , Radcliffe is still finding his feet, but his progress is impressive compared to his work in Sorcerer's Stone . He has a self-assurance this time round which confirms that behind the bowl cut, glasses and lightning scar is an actor of substance with incredible potential. Whether faced with a 30-foot snake or locking eyes with Tom Riddle’s apparition, Radcliffe sells every moment to perfection. Ginny Weasley is rescued, Voldemort is vanquished and Harry reduces a phoenix to tears -- not bad for a sequel that also has to fit in political intrigue and a very big basilisk. Harry Potter fans should strongly consider re-evaluating their opinion of this movie, because it has much more to offer than it seems. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is streaming on Max. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets An ancient prophecy seems to be coming true when a mysterious presence begins stalking the corridors of a school of magic and leaving its victims paralyzed. Politics, class divison and social commentary add depth Daniel Radcliffe continues his evolution The world building is still astonishing Audiences still consider this a substandard Potter sequel 194 IMAGES BOOK REVIEW: Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition (Harry Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Summary Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Book Review Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets By J. K. Rowling VIDEO The Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (Book 2) Large Print edition Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets PC Walkthrough Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets-J.K.Rowling #141#Book Review‎@ARsummaryguidance #trending Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets PC Walkthrough COMMENTS Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Plot Summary Back in the castle, Ginny Weasley, Ron's sister, is taken to the Chamber of Secrets, and fear spreads throughout the school. Harry, Ron, and Gilderoy Lockhart, the latter who had always been overconfident about his skills enter the Chamber of Secrets. Harry eventually goes into the Chamber, sees Ginny, and encounters Tom Riddle's life-like ... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Summary Chapter 1. Harry Potter is back at his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon's house for the summer following his first year at Hogwarts, and he is upset because he hasn't heard from any of his friends over the summer. On Harry's twelfth birthday, the Dursleys host a business dinner and Harry receives a visit from a house elf named Dobby in his room. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling and the second novel in the Harry Potter series. The plot follows Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, during which a series of messages on the walls of the school's corridors warn that the "Chamber of Secrets" has been opened and that the "heir of Slytherin" would ... Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets for only $0.70/week. Subscribe. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets J.K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator) Ever since Harry Potter had come home for the summer, the Dursleys had been so mean and hideous that all Harry wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange impish creature who says that if Harry ... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Summary Summary. Heroic Harry Potter battles prejudice in the second volume of Rowling's wizard series. Returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry after another awful summer with his ... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Summary Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Summary. Harry Potter, a young wizard, is home from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the summer. He lives with his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and cousin Dudley Dursley. The Dursleys are what wizards call Muggles, meaning that they have no magical powers. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets The story of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' has been a great success since it was first published in 1998. Due to the roaring success of its predecessor 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,' this series was already a household name, and the book took over most best-selling lists in both the UK and the USA. The book went on to win several awards, including The British ... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowling, is the sequel to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It is the second book in the series of seven Harry Potter books. The book was published in 1998. A film was theatrically released in November 2002. "For Séan P. F. Harris, getaway driver and foul-weather friend" Escape came in the form of a new pupil at Wydean Comprehensive ... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets The plot revolves around the re-opening of the Chamber of Secrets and the dangers it poses to Hogwarts students. Harry, along with his loyal friends, embarks on a quest to unveil the truth behind this dark mystery. The story delves into themes of friendship, prejudice, and the courage to confront one's fears. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Summary The story is set at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Harry Potter returns for his second year. He discovers that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened, unleashing a series of mysterious and dangerous events. With the help of his friends Ron and Hermione, Harry embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the chamber's ... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Throughout the summer holidays after his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter has been receiving sinister warnings from a house-elf called Dobby. Now, back at school to start his second year, Harry hears unintelligible whispers echoing through the corridors. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Study Guide Historical Context of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the first of the books to touch on the harmful prejudice rampant in the wizarding world, which eventually allows the dark wizard Voldemort to return to power. The figure of Voldemort has been compared to historical figures like Hitler, who ... Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets Summary, Characters and Themes The second book in the Harry Potter series is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In this book, Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year only to find a sinister plot unfolding. Mysterious messages appear warning of an opened Chamber of Secrets and the impending doom of non-magical students. As attacks begin petrifying students, Harry ... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Book Summary, Ending, Quotes Characters in book Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. Harry Potter: The protagonist, a young wizard with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. Brave and curious, he is determined to uncover the truth behind the Chamber of Secrets. Hermione Granger: Harry's intelligent and resourceful friend. She is a Muggle-born witch known for her ... Book Summary The idea for Harry Potter came to her while delayed on a train journey. Rowling's writing style is engaging and imaginative, creating a rich and detailed world of magic and wonder. Her books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide, making her one of the best-selling fiction authors of all time. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Study Guide Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets tells the story of Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is a twelve-year-old wizard who only discovered his true identity the year before. He lives with his aunt, uncle, and cousin, who are what wizards call Muggles, meaning that they have no magical ability. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Summary Everything you need to know about J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, in 1 paragraph. Harry Potter, a young wizard-in-training, is back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year. He soon discovers that the magical Chamber of Secrets has been reopened and an ancient monster is petrifying students. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Is Better Than You Think Filming for Chamber of Secrets started three days after Sorcerer's Stone finished. As the second book in the Harry Potter series, Chamber of Secrets was expected to focus on the title character's evolution -- but instead, both the book and the movie were murder mysteries with supernatural elements. Harry and his friends put in legwork at the ... 10 Steps To Make The New Harry Potter Remake Perfect A Harry Potter reboot series should stay close to the books and avoid unnecessary changes made in the movie adaptations.; The TV show should take advantage of the opportunity to fill in plot holes ... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Study Guide The Chamber of Secrets follows Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, during which a series of mysterious attacks occur. Harry and his friends must uncover the truth behind the attacks and save Hogwarts from a terrible evil. It was adapted into a film in 2002. Read the full book summary, an in-depth character ... SEC.gov Or perhaps more relevantly to some, that is about three Harry Potter books long. So, depending on your frame of reference, before finishing some open-end fund shareholder reports, you can have either traveled from Troy to Ithaca, or have made it through the escape of the Prisoner of Azkaban. ... Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone, A.A ... case study cover letter presentation problem solving rewiew prompts websites tips