Refreshing Innocence of HP Preteens

[blpurdom at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 24730

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., fourfuries at a... wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at y..., rainy_lilac at y... wrote:
> > --- In HPforGrownups at y..., fourfuries at a... wrote:
> > <snip>
> > > Because sex is not important to the plot!
[snip] 
> > It might not be important to the main plot, but sexual feelings 
> > and romantic longings are both important to the emotional depth 
> > and growth of the characters. {snip} They are real and down-to-
> > earth. They have turbulent emotions just as we have.
> > 
> We are very close to agreement.  All I am asking is that we 
> distinguish between romantic inclinations that are natural to the 
> growth of the characters, and explicitly contrived plot devices 
> that explore sexuality without adding anything to the central 
> issue: the battle between good and evil.
> 
Yes but.  While the Yule Ball and the Harry/Cho/Cedric triangle may 
seem soapy and tangential, in the end, Harry clearly feels guilt for 
three reasons: 1) he harbored ill thoughts against Cedric because of 
Cho, and now Cedric is dead; 2) his actions led directly to Cedric's 
death, however well-intended; and 3) because he did something that 
led to Cedric's death, that means he also caused Cho's sadness over 
Cedric (someone he cares about is suffering because of his actions).  

None of these plot developments would be possible if JKR were truly 
dedicated to keeping these kids behaving as though they were still 
eleven and twelve year olds, and it wouldn't be realistic to keep 
them behaving as though they weren't maturing either.  It will be 
interesting to see where these feelings of guilt take him and the 
future plots.  Harry needs to decide whether he deserves to be happy; 
he may choose to try to punish himself to atone for the "sins" of 
being "responsible" for Cedric's death and for Cho's mourning, or the 
guilt may simply paralyze him until a LACK of action causes more 
trouble than acting would.

--Barb

Get Psyched Out!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HP_Psych