[HPforGrownups] 7 Deadly Sins: Anger

[Carole Estes]

No: HPFGUIDX 2565

> Anger tests judgment.  If you know the difference between right and
> wrong, the test of whether you will stick to your principles often comes
> when you are really, really angry.  Will you do the right thing even
> when you've lost your temper?  Think of all the times Ron slugs Draco
> because Draco has really pissed him off, even though, logically, he
> knows Draco's just yanking his chain.  Remember how Harry's rage at Aunt
> Marge made him lose control of himself and break the rules governing
> minors' use of magic.


When Harry blows up Aunt Marge is one of my favorite parts of PoA.  It shows
a realistic reaction to the abuse Aunt Marge is giving Harry and it shows
him maturing in his self-confidence.  He is finally able to get angry at the
Dursleys abuse rather than just taking it.  I saw it as a realistic and
subtle way of showing that Harry is growing up...that he is not the 11 year
old in the cupboard anymore.  I like how his interactions with the Durseleys
get bolder each year.

I think it is a good thing for JKR to show the *hero* getting irrationally
angry sometimes, its a flaw and would be unexpected in a story where the
Hero was always good and pure and always knew just the right thing to do.
Harry's is such a good guy, but he's human and has limits to his *goodness*
...does that make sense.

I really enjoy your treatises on the 7 deadly sins in relation to these
books...it brings a depth to the discussions....

carole