Harry and the Dursleys' abusive behaviour

[storm stanford]

No: HPFGUIDX 1631

For what it's worth - I think the description of the abuse is very realistic but the effect on Harry is not ie for that level of emotional abuse he just doesn't seem *that* damaged. he still has a strong sence of self and a sence that he is not deserving of this kind of treatment. If he didn't then he wouldn't have been able to 'set' the boa on Dudders.

someone said on this group a while ago that Harry could have a strong sence of self through his early experances with Lily and James. I don't think that 16 months (July 1980 - October 1981) of care, even at that crutial time, would be able to combat 9.5 years in a cupboard.

storm

btw - where did I get the 1980 date from? It's very clear in my mind but from where?

 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Schlobin at aol.com 
  To: HPforGrownups at egroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, September 18, 2000 3:28 PM
  Subject: [HPforGrownups] Re: a writer's power of imagination (was abusive behavior)



       My Groups | HPforGrownups Main Page | Start a new group!  


  It's really not important to me that you agree that Rowlings probably 
  experienced abuse or knew someone who did...what's important to me is that 
  you realize that what Harry experiences at the Dursleys, is what children go 
  through who are being 
  abused in their homes. It's extremely realistic.

  The dynamics of child and partner abuse are not very well known outside of 
  their fields, and those who have been there, and the situation with the 
  Dursleys is too
  real to have been imagined.

  It's one thing to "make up" Quidditch; it's another thing to describe so 
  precisely the dynamics of a very specific sub set of human behavior. If she 
  didn't experience it or know someone, then she did interviews or research.

  Susan

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