Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Coming of Age

Harry and friends were definitely kiddos when we first met them way back in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. But no more.

In the category of "Normal Teen Stuff": they are starting to date and have weird, probably hormone-fueled disagreements.

In the category of "Wizard Stuff":

1. Harry has to compete in a dangerous teen wizarding tournament in which he could easily die. 
2. The dark wizard who killed Harry's parents comes back to power, kills his friend, and promises to kill Harry, too.

That's pretty heavy stuff—and since Voldemort's back, you know that the troubles and difficult times are only just getting started.

Questions About Coming of Age

1. What are some examples of ways we see Harry changing? How about Ron and Hermione?
2. What big "transition to adulthood" type moments happen in this film for Harry/his friends?
3. How important was adult guidance to what happens in this film? Was it there? Did it help?

Chew on This

Adults? What adults? Harry and his friends are largely on their own throughout this story, which signals a pretty big shift: Harry's going to have to solve a lot of his own problems from this point on.

Cedric's death is a huge turning point in the story of Harry Potter. Watching a friend die = innocence totally lost.