[HPforGrownups] Harry's lack of consideration . . .

[Peg Kerr]

No: HPFGUIDX 3081

DrMM wrote:

> 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 think you have to remember where he's starting from.  I see the books as the
story of his progression toward becoming a moral person.  He started with the
Dursleys, who did their best to teach him: you don't count.  Don't count on
anyone else.  Don't trust anyone else.  Don't think about anyone else's
feelings--we certainly don't think about yours.  Total amoral selfishness.

So now he's been moved to a new environment where he has new, exciting
powers--and he's starting to build an ethical system for how to use them, and
how to interact with other people.  And frankly, I think he's doing a pretty
good job of it, considering where he came from.  I see it as a progression.  He
is starting to trust, to love, to consider other people's points of view.  When
he realized that he had never given a thought to why Neville wasn't being
raised by his parents, he is ashamed of himself, and that shame is why I have a
great deal of hope for Harry.  He is aware that he has shortcomings; he worries
about that, about the capacity for evil/selfishness/taking the easy way
out/lying that he sees in himself.

Sometimes he makes the right choice, and sometimes he doesn't.  But he's
trying, and as a result, I think he is going to be a pretty decent person
someday.

Peg