Harry the Persecuted

[blpurdom]

No: HPFGUIDX 32265

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Brian Yoon" <Seiryuu_Avatar at m...> wrote:
> I think that the persecution he receives in the Muggle world by his 
> Uncle and co. is more just annoying persecution.  JKR must have put 
> it in to fit stereotypes (the wicked caretakers, who don't pay 
> attention to the poor noble orphan), and we see those few chapters 
> with a sort of half-serious attitude.  We know this kind of 
> evilness is only temporary, and that Harry will soon be in 
> Hogwarts, where he'll be "safe".  (The scene in CoS with the Uncle 
> literally jailing him in comes to mind.  That's _very_ extreme, but 
> it's humor, at least to me.  Apparently other people disagree)
 
Well, I don't agree that Harry being imprisoned is humorous, but the 
solution certainly is: Harry being rescued by Ron and the twins in a 
flying car, while Vernon screams impotently.  And then he gets to go 
to a kind of Shangri-La (the Burrow) which he perceives to be 
paradise, complete with the things he longs for most: loving parental 
figures.

You should warn your boyfriend, Jenny (or anyone planning to read CoS 
who is alarmed by the Dursley beginning) that in some ways, it gets 
worse for Harry during CoS (the whole Heir of Slytherin thing, being 
suspected of attempted murder, etc.).  But I don't see how anyone 
could accuse JKR of writing something depressing when these heavy 
parts are lightened by the humor of a Gilderoy Lockhart, the 
silliness of Dobby the House-Elf and the unpredictability of Ron and 
his broken wand (plus Moaning Myrtle--we're definitely laughing AT 
Myrtle, not WITH her).

JKR never leaves us wanting laughter for long.  Even when we thought 
a grim was pursuing Harry in PoA, there was still humor and the 
warmth of Harry's friendships with Ron, Hermione and Hagrid to bring 
a little light into the darkness.

--Barb

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