[Ron Week]: More Questions

[muggle-reader at angelfire.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 16178

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Jim Flanagan" <jamesf at a...> wrote:
> Ron is arguably the least developed of the Hogwarts three, but he 
> plays an important role in supplying H&H with critical information 
> because of his Wizarding background.  As late as the 4th book he is 
> still filling-in background information that Harry & Hermione 
didn't 
> know because they were muggle-raised (info about giants; attitudes 
of 
> house elves).  Here are a few more questions to help keep things 
> going during Ron Week:
> 
> A. The ability to play chess well indicates a high native 
intellect, 
> the ability to think strategically, and the ability to consider a 
> large number of simultaneous threats.  Good chess players are 
> frequently good in science and mathematics.  How has Ron 
demonstrated 
> his native ability in areas other than the chess board?  
> 

The PS/SS states that Hermione wasn't any good at chess. 

> B. Is Ron suffering from depression?  There are a number of clues, 
> including his bouts of low self-esteem, jealousy of Harry and 
> Hermione, and poor performance in his school work (despite his high 
> intellect, noted above).  What other signs of depression are found 
in 
> the books?  How might this play out in later books -- i.e., is Ron 
a 
> candidate to become a DE?
> 

Signs of depression include irritability, crying spells or inability 
to cry, feelings of worthlessness or helplessness, isolation, 
diminished interests in activities, poor concentration, fatigue, 
sleeping problems, weight loss or gain, change in appetite. In 
children and adolescents it can manifest as persistent headaches, 
abdominal pains or behavioral problems like truancy, self-destructive 
behavior, substance abuse and of course suicidal gesturings or 
ideation.  Of course, these are very broad perammeters. Looking at 
them though, Harry had depressive tendencies in GoF. 

I think Ron's low self-esteem is exaggerated. His mirror of Erised 
experience doesn't seem atypical. Ron's vision of success and 
accomplishment in PS/SS was to be Head Boy and Captain of the 
Quidditch Team, like Bill and Charlie. Who doesn't desire success and 
accomplishment? What child (or adult for that matter) would feel a 
bit embarrassed if his family cannot afford to buy things as 
elementary as new school books or clothing? What child or adult would 
feel anger about being teased for this "low" socioeconomic status? I 
don't consider that low self-esteem, I consider that normal human 
behavior.

Ron hasn't failed a class, IIRC. In fact, he manages to get by as 
does Harry. For the amount of studying he does (or what the reader is 
allowed to 'see') that's quite an accomplishment. We are told that 
Hermione has the highest marks in that year, but we aren't told where 
Ron or Harry stand.

> C. What does Ron's position in the family have to do with his 
actions 
> and attitudes?  Does Ron show any classic "middle child" behaviors 
in 
> canon?
> 
PS/SS is the book where Ron shows "middle child" behavior. 

> D. Although Ron is a rabid Quidditch fan, he has not yet made the 
> Gryffindor team.  How has Harry's success (in his first year!) 
> affected their relationship?  Would it be a good thing for their 
> relationship if Ron finally made the team?
> 

Actually, the books don't mention if Ron has ever tried out for the 
team. If Quidditch was played in GoF, the Gryffindor team would have 
needed a Keeper: the position Oliver Wood held before graduating. 
Speaking from personal experience, I loved figure skating when I was 
younger, but I, sadly, have no talent for it. My physicial ineptitude 
did not dictate my sincerity of my fan status. What I find 
interesting is that Ron likes a loser team and that the motto of the 
team is to "hope for the best". Ron is an optimist.

> E. Once Gred and Forge leave Hogwarts in Ron's sixth year, Ron will 
> be the Senior Weasley at Hogwarts. How might this change his 
> behaviors?

The Weasley children seem pretty 'set' in their personalities. Fred 
and George are the heads of the Hogwarts Weasleys in GoF, yet that 
does not change their prankster activities. I don't think Ron will 
change in how he carries out his "family" responsibility.

Demelza