The Smoking Goblet

Alchemy. Again.

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:13:12 GMT

Yet more alchemy in the Harry Potter series - and, what does the unicorn represent?

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Alchemy in the Deathly Hallows

Sat, 17 May 2025 12:46:43 GMT

Alchemy is an important part of the Harry Potter series, and is very prominent in the Deathly Hallows. This episode looks at some of the symbolism - and suggests whyJK Rowling might use such symbolism.

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Dumbledore's Choices

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 13:57:09 GMT

Dumbledore makes a surprising choice. I've no idea, though, what it means.

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Appearance and reality

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:37:48 GMT

What are the third and fourth books actually about?

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It's in the details...

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 06:58:29 GMT

JK Rowling use of language and the details it can reveal.

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Harry Potter and... the Flawed Novel?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:45:14 GMT

Does the Order of Phoenix work as a stand alone novel?

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The Crimes of Dolores Umbridge

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:00:32 GMT

Does Dolores Umbridge represent what Hannah Arendt called "the banality of evil"? I think she does.

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Christmas... and Halloween

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:28:38 GMT

In this episode, as it's that time of year, I'm taking a look at the significance of Christmas, as well as Halloween.

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Seven Books for Seven Planets?

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:00:03 GMT

I take a look at the idea that each of the seven Harry Potter novels represent the seven traditional planets of alchemy and astrology.

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The Portraits at Hogwarts (re-uploaded)

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:43:30 GMT

The portraits at Hogwarts in particular show how JK Rowling refers to different genres of literature that influence the series. This is a slightly edited version of last week's episode.

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What's in a Name?

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 14:03:11 GMT

I look at the significance of names of characters and objects, etc. – and contrast Peter Pettigrew with Severus Snape to find more examples of foreshadowing and mirroring or opposites.

The next episode of The Smoking Goblet will be in October

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The Thing About Star Wars

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:25:46 GMT

What's the connection between Star Wars and Harry Potter? And who is Harry Potter's father-figure?

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King Weasley

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:53:53 GMT

Harry dreams of Ron and Hermione wearing crowns. Is there any significance to that?

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Love and Power

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:52:44 GMT

This first episode asks whether the Harry Potter series is about love... or love and power?

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