In defense of Ron

[Susan McGee]

No: HPFGUIDX 4910


> 
> And for the record, I think I'd like Harry *much* better if I could 
see 
> some longer lasting effect of the emotional trauma of his 
childhood.  
> Once Harry's gone from the Dursley's he doesn't seem to be affected 
by 
> them at all. It all seems so like a caricature that I have a hard 
time 
> taking it seriously.
> 
> Wow.  I'm verbose today. :)
> 
> DrMM

And I may be even more verbose.......Harry does have some effects 
from the emotional trauma/abuse of the Dursleys (although I think
many of us agreed that he didn't have as much as he would have in 
real life, given that he had NO support, and NO role models while 
with the Dursleys. In real life, abused kids who do well are found by
or find a teacher, older friend, or several who support them and
give them hope).  Also, some abused kids react by being perfect and 
overachieving (ah, says the Sorting Hat, a nice thirst to prove 
yourself). Harry has a hard time trusting adults, confiding in 
adults, and believing that adults will ever give him a fair shake 
(Snape doesn't help). He is slowly beginning to trust Sirius, Molly,
and Dumbledore. He trusts Hagrid more immediately (imo) because 
Hagrid is himself different and outcaste, and does not have a lot of
power.

I like Ron, myself, but I also like Hermione. She stops being 
obnoxious and gets less and less obnoxious as the books go on and she 
matures. She wants to succeed, and will do that through book learning.
However, she starts breaking rules, and is terrific about supporting 
her friends. I think she's a great person and don't understand Dr MM
why you don't like her. She supports Harry, but more importantly 
doesn't take advantage of their split to ingratiate herself with one
or the other, she tries to get them to be friends again. (And good 
for Hagrid for reading Ron and Harry the riot act about brooms and 
pets being more important than friendship. I can see why Hagrid is 
JKR's favorite character).

I also object to the characterization of Molly Weasley as a pushy and 
obnoxious mother. She has her flaws, absolutely...but she is the ONLY
one in the family who is positive about Percy (who after all, is 
trying to do everything right)..her other flaw is her silly crush on 
Lockhart.....

But she is a great and wonderful mother...she and Arthur have created 
a warm, loving environment for their children. It's no easy task 
raising six children (anyone else know the song about Agnes? Lovely 
Anges who raised them strongwilled and kind). The Burrows is a fun 
and warm and secure place to be. She worries about her kids, and 
reminds them of their duties, because that's her role. She also loves
them tremendously, which is why Harry turns to her at the end of GofF
for care and reassurance. NO MOLLY BASHING!

That does NOT mean, however, that the kids don't have issues and 
insecurities. We all know about Ginny's, and Ron's, and Fred and 
George's. 

Yes, Ron is overshadowed by his siblings which is why his dream is
to be singular. He gives way to envy and has the fight with Harry, 
but goodness, gracious me, many adults would also do it if their best
friend was constantly feted. The role of sidekick is not easy. He 
competes for Black's attention (who is focused on Harry). He wants
to be told he has potential as an Auror when the fake Moody tells
that to Hermione.

It's tough stuff for him that once again, Harry takes the center
spotlight because he's working through what his life will be like, 
what his role will be, what his ambitions are...yes, he behaved like a
jerk (who hasn't?) but had the grace to apologize and reconcile.
That's growth; that's maturity. I think Ron will be tempted to betray
Harry for money, and I think he will overcome that temptation. He 
probably will become Minister of Magic, while Percy will become a 
monk or something.

Also, I don't agree with those who criticize him for continuing to
go after Malfoy when Malfoy baits him. His father did the same thing.
Harry CAN ignore Malfoy better because Harry IS used to taunts and
vicious putdowns. Ron is not. That's not how we was brought up, so
he wants to punch Malfoy. Understandable. hermione slaps Malfoy, too
(and she comes up with the Polyjuice Potion as a strategy..brilliant 
AND daring)

Remember..Harry doesn't turn the other cheek..he blew up Aunt Marge!
She had it coming.

Susan