Harry's lack of consideration . . .

[Cassandra Claire]

No: HPFGUIDX 3033

--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, "Steve Vander Ark" <vderark at b...> 
wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, DrMM <drmm at f...> wrote:
> > As I feel like being controversial today . . .
> > 
> > One of the problems I have with Harry's character is the lack of 
> > consideration he gives to others, even those who are his friends> 
I 
> still think Harry's a good kid.  He's just a bit . . . selfish.  He 
> never 
> > seems to consider anyone else's POV but his own
> 
> As the father of a 12-year-old and teacher of middle school kids 
> (ages 11-14), I can say that Harry's attitudes and reactions are 
> pretty dead on for kids that age. They are incredibly self-centered 
> and can be numbingly insensitive. I think JKR is deftly drawing 
Harry's character typical 
> of his age... 

A very good point. Harry is a teenage boy, *not* an age group 
particularly noted for selflessness. By showing that Harry has some 
weaknesses, (a slightly short temper, perhaps a tiny lack of 
consideration...) JKR keeps him from being a saint, and therefore 
unrealistic. As far as Harry not giving any consideration to the 
other victims of Voldemort...in GoF he lies awake at night listening 
to Neville breathing and thinking that what happened to Neville's 
family is worse than what happened to his own, and feeling horribly 
guilty about it. And to my mind, bringing Cedric's body back to his 
parents at great personal risk was the ultimate act of consideration -
- the act of a boy who is not just brave, but very nearly selfless. I 
really just don't think Harry has a mean bone in his body...and if he 
does, it's a very small bone, maybe a toe. 
cassie