Parallels (was Neville)

[David]

No: HPFGUIDX 30797

Liz and Sandi wrote:
  
> Though there are parallels between Neville and Peter Pettigrew (as 
> there are parallels between Harry and Voldemort), but JKR likes to 
> point out to us that it is our choices, not our abilities that 
define 
> us.  

I agree completely with this last point.

Indeed, I think the whole idea of trying to draw parallels between 
Harry, Ron and Hermione on the one hand (OTOH!) and James, Sirius and 
Lupin on the other, is misconceived.  Particularly the attempt to 
line the characters up against each other (e.g. Lupin = Hermione).

Yes, JKR uses patterns in a remarkable way which we have never (in my 
time at any rate) analysed properly.  (Look, for example, at the way 
we always get a glimpse of the DADA teacher *before* term starts, and 
then look how, having given us the pattern with Quirrell and 
Lockhart, she 'fades' it out slightly by not giving us Lupin till we 
are on the train, and fades it more by only putting Moody in the 
conversation between Diggory and the Weasleys.  I think there's a lot 
of stuff like that, and it must mean something - like the way people 
in the bible always meet their wives by a well.)

But no, it goes against the grain, not only of the point about 
choices, but also the uniqueness of the individual that is stressed 
in the wand choosing, the shape of the animagus, the shape of the 
patronus.

The only person who uses these types of parallel to try to draw 
conclusions is Riddle - that should tell us something.  It's just 
another example of the mental laziness involved in categorising, 
labelling, and then dismissing people that forms such a major theme 
of the books.  When Dumbledore takes up the theme, he in effect says 
to Harry 'Yes, it's tempting to think that way, but it's misleading - 
the fact that you fit Salazar Slytherin's pattern tells you precisely 
*nothing*'.

David, ranting partly because he's cross with Yahoo for swallowing 
his previous Snape post - I have saved a copy and will repost 
tomorrow if it hasn't appeared   mwahahahaha