Ron: Desire for Distinction or Success

[naama]

No: HPFGUIDX 7662

--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer 
<pennylin at s...> wrote:

<snip>
> I guess I just don't see examples that show that he has 
>self-confidence & self-worth.  I see someone plagued with doubts 
>about his talents & skills, worried constantly that he won't measure 
>up to his older brothers or his best friends.  Perhaps you could 
>point us to some examples from the books that support that he is in 
>fact comfortable with who he is & what his talents are.  I see him 
>as someone who is very frustrated.
>

I don't think that Ron is self-confident. I am trying to distinguish 
between being confident about your "talents & skills" (which are 
externals) and having a sense of self-worth. Its not the same thing, 
IMO. 
I don't have positive examples, only negative ones, like the fact 
that he isn't jealous of Harry's and Hermione's abilities. What 
triggered his jealousy was that Harry got to be the centre of 
attention one time too many. 

 
> > It is very easy for him to accept attention (see the scene in GoF 
> >when he enjoys the attention after the third task).


> Um ..... I always saw that as evidence of his incredible need to 
>receive the *most* attention, he inflated his role so obviously.  He 
>wanted so much to shine & be the one getting all the attention for 
>just once.

I see it differently -  as a very natural and common behavior which 
practically anybody would have adopted in the same situation. Who 
doesn't like attention and admiration?
> 
<snip>
> 
> I liked Ron very much in the first 3 books, but his role in GoF 
>made me very uneasy.  I think Ebony expressed similar sentiments.  
>Like Neil, I do like Ron (shipper preferences aside) but .... I have 
>grave doubts about his ability to withstand pressure & enticements 
>that play on what I see as his greatest weakness, his desire for 
>fame, glory & riches.

Well, it could be of course. He is at present discontent and may make 
bad choices because of it. But in my picture of Ron grown-up he has 
grown out of his petty discontents and becomes what he really is - 
stable, cheerful and unambitious (you know, the ultimate family man, 
perfectly suited for Hermione. <g>)

Naama