[HPforGrownups] Re: Abanes Answers Witch

[ender_w]

No: HPFGUIDX 17873


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Trina 
  To: HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2001 3:00 PM
  Subject: [HPforGrownups] Re: Abanes Answers Witch



  > 3. Harry consistently breaks school rules and lies to, well, just 
  > about everyone whnever it is convenient. 

  Are you familiar with Harry's pre-Hogwarts background?  He was for 10 
  years *locked in a cupboard under the stairs* and mistreated by his 
  uncle, aunt, and cousin.  He had no toys, no clothes that fit, never 
  given enough to eat,  was beaten up regularly by his cousin Dudley, 
  never encouraged to trust or ask questions about anything. He is not 
  a very trusting person, especially when it comes to authority 
  figures.  He does things on his own as a result of this upbringing.  
  In GoF he has demonstrated more trust of adults, thanks to the 
  kindness of the Weasleys and the trust of Dumbledore. 


  This is an interesting point.  I have to confess to being sometimes uncomfortable with Harry's rule breaking and occassional lying, but being a teacher of middle school aged boys, I know this behavior is normal.  But Trina's above comment also made me realize something else.  I seriously doubt Harry has had any teaching, from the Dursleys, related to morals or ethics.  If Harry broke a rule, or lied while with the Dursleys, I'm pretty sure that they punished him out of anger and made no effort to use such occassions to teach him right from wrong.  Actually, now that I think of it, i'm surprised Harry does have what moral sense he exhibits.  I wonder if we'll see him mature in his sense of justice and ethical behavior as he spends more time with people who care enough to model good values.

  ender



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