Harry: his wealth, his scar, his prodigious talents

[meboriqua at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 17825

Neil Ward wrote:
> 
> HARRY'S SCAR (AND HIS GLASSES)
> 
> Although it is a "curse scar," symbolic of Voldemort's downfall and 
making
> Harry easily identifiable, the lightning bolt scar is a facial 
disfigurement
> that could be a source of embarrassment.  It's interesting that, in 
this
> story, it marks Harry out as different, but different in a positive 
way (the
> scar means he's the famous boy who defeated Voldemort) and not so 
much in a
> negative way (the scar is a facial disfigurement).  We often see 
Harry's
> embarrassment at being singled out, and he does attempt to hide the 
scar
> under his fringe, but it is, nevertheless, a symbol of strength and
> protection.  Leaving aside the magical talent, I imagine that a 
child with
> facial scarring might be helped through feeling some affinity with 
Harry Potter.>

Hi Neil!

I agree with you about Harry's scar.  In SS, Harry knows that his scar 
makes him look different, but he likes it, even though the Dursleys 
are always telling him to cover it up (like when Aunt Petunia cut all 
of his hair except for his bangs, hoping to hide his scar).  Harry is 
actually a bit proud (for someone so humble) of having a scar that 
makes him unique.  It is also something that the Dursleys cannot 
control or erase.

I also like how Harry never complains about his glasses.  He simply 
accepts having to wear them.  In fact, for a somewhat short and skinny 
boy, JK Rowling has created a character who is pretty comfortable in 
his body.  Here in the States kids can get temporary scar tattoes and 
plastic glasses so they can look just like Harry, once again reminding 
them that it is okay to look different.  Kids, like you said, with 
real scars can be encouraged to not try to hide them all the time 
because Harry Potter doesn't hide his.

--jenny from ravenclaw*************************