(HP GoF, US, "The Riddle House," p. 12):

"(Voldemort): 'We could have modified her memory? . . . It would be an insult to her memory not to use the information I extracted from her, Wormtail' . . . (Frank Bryce, the Riddles' gardener, thinking to himself): He was talking about it without any kind of remorse -- with amusement. He was dangerous -- a madman . . . (Voldemort to Wormtail): 'Be quiet . . . I think I hear Nagini . . . ' . . . (Frank) realized with a thrill of terror that it was a gigantic snake, at least twelve feet long."

This chapter is freaky. It reminds me of one of those Monty Python films. I don't know. It seems to really be stretching it . . . but what do you think? Was this chapter written in "honor" of Monty Python? Could Nagini really be an allusion to the troupe?

Hmmmm...

Well, I've seen the Monty Python movies (works of comic genious!), but this chapter doesn't really bring any of them to mind fro me. Was there a particular movie/scene that it reminded you of?

I'd like to ask the same question as harrypottergeek2, ELC The works of Monty Python are comical to the extreme! Personally, the only comparison between Nagini and this troupe is the name they chose for themselves, since a python is a type of a snake; and Nagini is certainly a snake. But I can't say that she makes me laugh Other than that, I don't see any comparisons offhand and this chapter really isn't reminiscent of Monty Python, nor do I believe Rowling was honoring them specifically in this chapter. Maybe I'm missing something

[EDIT]: My primary post should not have read in "honor" of Monty Python; but rather "with some noticeable influence by" Monty Python. (and to tidy up a bit)

I have to admit that I am not so familiar with the many works of Monty Python. However, in "Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail," I distinctly remember a ferocious, blood-thirsty killer attack-rabbit (highly under-estimated in its dangerous qualities). Not to even begin to translate the satire of this scene, I see a 12-foot (2 feet for each member of the troupe?) python(?) slytherin past the legs of Frank Bryce, scaring the #@$%!$%#!! out of him(!), but not harming him at all -- except to "tattle-tale" (in Parsletongue - carrying a "parsel" by "tongue") on him to Voldemort, who then proceded to destroy him.

Also (MP&HG), "Bring out ye' dead!" . . . "But I'm not dead yet!" . . . "Couldn't ye', you know . . . " (Clump!). "Mere flesh wound! . . . Come back you coward! I'll bite ya' to death!" "It's Camelot!" "Camelot!" "Camelot" . . . "It's just a bloomin model!" "What is your name? . . . What is your quest? . . . What is your favorite colour?" "What is the air speed velocity of a swallow?" "What! An African, or European swallow?" "Oh, I don't know . . . Whaaaaaaaa!"

Finally, King Arthur storms the castle (which?). The French occupying it, ceaselessly taunt him. Then the footage of multiple takes of storming said castle (Reminiscent of the Battle of Hastings? Around the time of the Founding of Hogwarts?). Then the police come and arrest everybody; and the camera runs out of film. That's just about all I remember.

All of these scenes are portrayed in the name of satire. Satire, imo, is not always funny. I appreciate your opinion, Lirene, and I greatly appreciate that you and HarryPottergeek2 have both replied to my post.

But Back on Topic: Where do I see Monty Python in "The Riddle House" chapter of GoF? Well, Voldemort has a distinctly (campy) scary side to him. He plays with Wormtail much like a cat plays with a mouse. Ms Bones appears to Voldemort like a prized "toy." However, if this is not conjecture, the poor witch killed by Voldemort (Wormtail) seems to "live up" to her character's last name -- Bones. If JK Rowling is not speaking in satire of some kind, then perhaps this scene is indeed one of the most gruesome scenes in the book (including the Cemetery scene at the end of the Tri-Wizard Final Event).

I guess when you put it that way, there are a few similarities/connections here, but I highly doubt Jo did it that way on purpose.


I'm afraid I don't see the connection here: "The Riddle House" is not a satire in any way shape or form as far as I can tell, and Wormtail is not Ms. Bones or the witch who was killed by LV, so now I'm thoroughly confused about where you are coming from here!