Farmer in the Dell

[plinsenmayer]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C7502
From: plinsenmayer
Subject: Farmer in the Dell
Reply To: [Yahoo! #7490] Re: Harry/Ginny (or whoever) pairings
Date: 8/21/00 11:08 pm  (ET)

Hi:

<<<I know that JKR frequently does the unexpected, but she did a real
good imitation of two 14 year olds who like each other. If she suddenly
pretends that doesn't exist without clearing it up sensibly, then it will,
IMO, be a blatant trick in her books. She doesn't put completely false
information in. She just writes her way out of the corner very well.>>>

I think where we disagree is that I'm not at all sure Hermione likes Ron
back. They bicker back & forth, and yes, that sort of behavior *can*
indicate romantic tension in kids that age. In Ron's case, it quite
clearly does. Hermione's feelings are not so clear in my mind. So,
I don't think JKR is necessarily guilty of putting "false information"
into the books. On the surface, it appears that Ron & Hermione "like"
each other. But, that resolution seems too pat & obvious to me though.

<<<I think Ron likes Hermione (doesn't quite realize it). Hermione likes
Ron (does know it)>>>

I think what Hermione knows is that Ron likes her. IMO, there's been no
truly clear indication of what her feelings are toward Ron. There is,
however, IMO, some subtext that can be arguably interpreted to mean she
might have her cap set on Harry.

<<<Harry is good friends but has no shipping interests in either one.>>>

I agree.

<<<BUT that Ron, once he realizes he likes Hermione, will assume that
Harry should have her and convince himself that Hermione and Harry like
each other in a ship way, and there will be all sorts of jealousy over
a nonexistent H/HR ship in Ron's mind.>>>

That's interesting that you think Ron would self-lessly forgo pursuing
Hermione because of some perceived thought that she was too good for him &
deserved Harry. I've never really thought of that angle. Good point.

I guess I see it more likely happening that Ron misinterprets something
between Harry & Hermione & ends up betraying Harry and/or endangering
himself, Harry or others. Ron is becoming increasingly focused on Ron's
needs & ambitions. So . . . I'm not so sure I see him playing the martyr
so that Harry can have Hermione.

Just my 2 galleons --

Penny