Ron's odd violence

[Susan Miller]

Ellen wrote:
> I agree- I found that bit of so called "Humor" disturbing.  
Whapping 
> someone with a rock is <not> funny, and I hate to think of kids 
> emulating this casual act.  
> 
> I'm not a big anti violence crusader, but when something like this 
> is treated so casually, it bothers me- Ron and Gilderoy may be 
> fictional, but they are not cartoon characters.
> 
> Ellen
> 

I agree, Ellen. What I thought when I saw this was not only was it 
unnecessary at the time - Gilderoy was no longer a threat - but was 
foolish. Ron knew what happens when his wand is used to throw a curse 
against someone and have it rebound. His slug curse against Draco 
should still be fresh in his mind. There could be no doubt that 
Gilderoy was under the full effects of a memory charm. Furthermore, 
Gilderoy was a full grown man, cheerfully cooperative, and could have 
been useful in moving heavy rocks. Knocking him out means that Ron 
now is likely to have to carry a man's body in addition to whatever 
might have happened in the chamber. Not funny, and not smart. And we 
lost the great lines of the book. "I'm a teacher? Not a very good 
one, I bet."

Constance Vigilance