Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Question

From Chapter 8 The Potions Master
“You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making,” he began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word—like Professor McGonagall, Snape had the gift of keeping a class silent without effort. “As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don’t expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses…I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death—if you aren’t as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach.
More silence followed his little speech. Harry and Ron exchanged looks with raised eyebrows. Hermione Granger was on the edge of her seat and looked desperate to start proving that she wasn’t a dunderhead.
“Potter!” said Snape suddenly. “What would I get if I added powered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”
Powdered root of what to an infusion of what? Harry glanced at Ron, who looked as stumped as he was; Hermione’s hand had shot into the air.
“I don’t know, sir,” said Harry.
Snape’s lips curled into a sneer.
“Tut, tut—fame clearly isn’t everything.”
He ignored Hermione’s hand.
“Let’s try again. Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?”
Hermione stretched her hand as high into the air as it would go without her leaving her seat, but Harry didn’t have the faintest idea what a bezoar was. He tried not to look at Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, who were shaking with laughter.
“I don’t know, sir.”
“Thought you wouldn’t open a book before coming, eh, Potter?”
Harry forced himself to keep looking straight into those cold eyes. He had looked through his books at the Dursleys’, but did Snape expect him to remember everything in One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi?
Snape was still ignoring Hermione’s quivering hand.
“What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?”
At this, Hermione stood up, her hand stretching toward the dungeon ceiling.
“I don’t know,” said Harry quietly. “I think Hermione does, though, why don’t you try her?”
A few people laughed; Harry caught Seamus’s eye, and Seamus winked. Snape, however, was not pleased.

what is their conflict? Describe it

Answer 1

The conflict in this passage from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" revolves around the dynamics between Professor Snape and his students, particularly Harry Potter. Snape is authoritative and intimidating, leveraging his quiet but commanding presence to instill fear and silence in the classroom. His teaching approach is not just about imparting knowledge but also about demonstrating his power and superiority.

1. Power Imbalance: Snape exerts authority over his students, especially targeting Harry. The way he sneers at Harry’s lack of knowledge highlights the power imbalance. Snape’s condescending attitude suggests he enjoys belittling students he perceives as inferior, particularly Harry, who already feels vulnerable due to his unfamiliarity with the wizarding world.

2. Desire for Knowledge vs. Fear of Authority: Harry and Ron are caught in their lack of knowledge about potion-making, which puts them at a disadvantage. Hermione, on the other hand, is eager to prove her worth by demonstrating her knowledge. This creates tension, as Snape ignores Hermione’s attempts to contribute, further exemplifying his unfair treatment of Harry by not allowing him any support from Hermione.

3. Social Dynamics and Bullying: The presence of Draco Malfoy and his friends, who laugh at Harry’s ignorance, adds another layer to the conflict. It showcases the bullying nature of their interactions and highlights the pressure Harry feels both academically and socially. Malfoy and his gang represent the antagonistic social dynamics at Hogwarts, making Harry’s experience in Snape's class even more uncomfortable.

4. Internal Conflict: Harry himself experiences an internal conflict between wanting to assert himself and the fear of displeasing a powerful figure like Snape. When he suggests that Hermione might know the answers, it shows his desire to rely on his friends but also his reluctance to confront Snape directly.

Overall, the conflict embodies the themes of power, knowledge disparity, bullying, and the struggle for identity in an unfamiliar environment, which are central to Harry's journey in the book.