Ron, chapter 12 (rule breaking) and JKR comments

[Simon Branford]

No: HPFGUIDX 2371

Susan wrote: "Remember that Ron is a chess player in the CoS that is his
special strength...

Given that all the good wizards and witches are about to embark on a major
struggle against Voldemort, Malfoy et aliae, perhaps Ron will become the
strategist/general of the effort?"

I could never see Ron in this kind of role. I do not think he would have the
confidence to deal with people in the same way that he moves the chess
pieces around. I would see him more involved in the actual fight, instead of
trying to direct other people around.

Diann wrote: "Is it natural for underage students to dream of participating
in activities they can not legally do?"

The moment someone imposes rules concerning the actions of students in
schools (or people in general life) there will be some who will try and work
out how to try and get round or break the rules. I could also list things
such as underage drinking, going to see movies whose ratings you are not old
enough for and many other activities.


The following is from the BBC's online news pages.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_944000/944728.stm

The author of the phenomenally popular Harry Potter books has said she feels
some of her writing is unsuitable for young children.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, she said the subject matter of the
books may be uncomfortable for six-year-olds.
She told BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Nigel Ballard: "I do think that, on
occasion, the material is not suitable for six-year-olds. But you can't stop
them reading it.
"I read things when I was very young that disturbed me but I don't think
that was a terribly bad thing.
"My parents never censored what I read so I wouldn't say don't read them to
a six-year-old, just be aware some of it does get uncomfortable."
Harry is young wizard who finds he has magical powers after his parents are
killed by a "dark wizard" called Voldemort.
She added: "I am dealing with evil - I am trying to examine what happens to
this community when a maniac tries to take over".

'Moral obligation'
Her books also deal with the "reality of how evil it is to take a human
life".
She said: "If you are going to write about those kinds of things you have a
moral obligation to show what that involves, not to prettify it or to
minimise it."
Her description of the books seem a long way from the cosy world of magic
and myths which many parents associate with the Harry Potter tales.
Her fame has brought problems as well as the many millions she is reputedly
now worth.
"When people start searching through your bins it is horrible. It feels like
such an invasion.
"I am not a politician, I am not an entertainer and I never expected this
much interest in my life."

Hollywood film
The books have sold in their millions world-wide, and the first book, Harry
Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, is now being made into a Hollywood film.
Many people have complimented Rowling for getting inside the mind of a
child, but this is something she denies.
"I sat down to write something I knew I would enjoy reading. I do not try to
analyse it and I don't write to a formula.
"I always find it quite patronising - 'what do children want?' - as if they
are a separate species. I do not write with an imaginary focus group of
eight year olds in mind."
Rowling, who grew up in Winterbourne, south Gloucestershire plans seven
Potter books in total and then wants to write something completely
different.
"Maybe I'll write something about an obscure medieval monk," she said.

JK Rowling is interviewed on BBC Radio Gloucestershire on Wednesday and
Thursday at 1430BST.
The full interview will be available on BBC News Online on Thursday.