Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Theme of Education

Education forms the backdrop for nearly every moment of the Harry Potter series. Even though war is at hand and the world is in turmoil, there is still learning taking place, there is still a sense of innocence. However, in this story, we learn that even Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is not safe. In fact, a school is perhaps the most powerful and, therefore, the most dangerous place when war afflicts the Wizarding community. By virtue of being a place of knowledge and learning that has existed for hundreds of years, Hogwarts contains information and ancient magic so powerful and so complex that even Voldemort would do anything to get a piece of the pie.

1. Does Harry use anything he learns in school in his fight against Voldemort? Does he value his education?
2. What kind of teacher is Dumbledore?
3. Has Hogwarts changed over the years? If so, how has it changed?
4. What does education mean to Hermione?
5. How is Hogwarts similar to or different from the schools you've attended?