[HPforGrownups] Re: socks

[Neil Ward]

No: HPFGUIDX 3217

Regarding socks:

Susan said: "Maybe it's a thing about the British not having central heating
and their feet always being cold."

At this precise moment - nearing 7.00am, in my freezing cold London
residence - warm socks are very much on my mind (not to mention my feet).
We British do have central heating, but we forget to have the boiler
serviced before the cold weather sets in.

Lots of interesting theories on this socks-in-the-mirror thing.  One of my
thoughts is that Dumbledore was making a point about humility and the simple
pleasures in life. Perhaps that represents his own greatest desire, but
maybe he was trying to illustrate to Harry that he shouldn't long for
something unreachable and should seek comfort closer to home; in other
words, that he shouldn't wish for the family he can't have, but should enjoy
the family he can have.  In a sense, Ron and Hermione are Harry's socks.

Another thing about socks is that they are a pair of something.  If we want
to get into symbolism, perhaps the socks represent the coming together of a
pair and Dumbledore's desire not end up as a single sock, rolling its way
round the tumble-dryer of life.  

I also agree that JKR may be a bit of a foot/sock fetishist, but I doubt
that she'd ever reveal such a thing in an interview.  If Book Seven is
called "Harry Potter and the Kneesocks of Fear" we'll know for sure.

Neil

            Flying-Ford-Anglia

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   "Then, dented, scratched and steaming, 
   the car rumbled off into the darkness, 
   its rear lights blazing angrily"

 [Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]

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