In the premiere episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Casper and Vanessa talk about why they are starting this project and analyze the… Read More »Commitment: The Boy Who Lived (Book 1, Chapter 1) In the premiere episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Casper and Vanessa talk about why they are starting this project and analyze the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone through the theme of commitment. 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of loneliness in chapter two of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss the Dursleys’ parenting choices, the… Read More »Loneliness: The Vanishing Glass (Book 1, Chapter 2) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of loneliness in chapter two of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss the Dursleys’ parenting choices, the significance of numbers, and the birthday blues. 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of fear in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss Vernon Dursley’s illusion of control,… Read More »Fear: The Letters From No One (Book 1, Chapter 3) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of fear in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss Vernon Dursley’s illusion of control, the psychology of bullies, and climate change. 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of generosity in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Casper demonstrates his excellent Hagrid impression and… Read More »Generosity: The Keeper of the Keys (Book 1, Chapter 4) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of generosity in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Casper demonstrates his excellent Hagrid impression and Vanessa addresses whether we can or should empathize with the…

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of “being a stranger” in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss hefty ideas like… Read More »Being a Stranger: Diagon Alley (Book 1, Chapter 5) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of “being a stranger” in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss hefty ideas like consumerist culture in the wizarding world, Hagrid’s status as an outsider, and…

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of expectations in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss Harry and Ron’s budding friendship,… Read More »Expectations: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters (Book 1, Chapter 6) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of expectations in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss Harry and Ron’s budding friendship, the unusual bravery of Scabbers the rat, and how our bodily practices relate…

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of vulnerability in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss how Harry’s experience with the… Read More »Vulnerability: The Sorting Hat (Book 1, Chapter 7) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of vulnerability in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss how Harry’s experience with the sorting hat teaches us to reclaim our own narratives after trauma, and extend…

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of promises in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss tropes in bad 80s tv… Read More »Promises: The Potions Master (Book 1, Chapter 8) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of promises in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss tropes in bad 80s tv shows, Harry’s reaction to his own fame, and Hermione’s destiny to smash the…

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of betrayal in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss bullying, Brexit, and why Professor… Read More »Betrayal: The Midnight Duel (Book 1, Chapter 9) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of betrayal in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss bullying, Brexit, and why Professor mcGonagall might be a worse teacher than you think. 

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of friendship in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss Hermione’s confrontation with mortality, give… Read More »Friendship: Halloween (Book 1, Chapter 10) Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of friendship in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They discuss Hermione’s confrontation with mortality, give an allegorical reading of Quidditch, and offer a possible redemption for…