Hagrid the Hale and Hearty - character summary

[Michelle Apostolides]

No: HPFGUIDX 12636

The first time we meet Hagrid, he is described as " twice as tall as a
normal man and at least five times as wide. " ( PS Ch.. 1 p 16 )

The next time we see him is crashing into the hut that the Dursleys
requisition to escape the letters from nobody. It is here we get an idea
of who he is. We see his shambolic pockets, his penchant for drink
stronger than butterbeer. But we also see his generosity and passion. We
learn that he is Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.

We see him guide Harry into the wizarding world, having no real memory
of it. We already know that he is a man with secrets - he doesn't have a
wand, yet we see his umbrella point at things with results remarkably
like that of a wand. We also see the way he hides the umbrella in front
of Mr Ollivander.
And we learn that he was expelled. In COS we learn it is because Tom
Riddle made everyone think that Hagrid was responsible for opening the
Chamber of Secrets. We also see him removed to Azkaban when he is
suspected a second time.

During the course of Philosopher's Stone, we see how Hagrid ( I can
never quite get over the fact that he has a first name, Rubeus ) is
willing to extend his friendship to Harry's friends and how he has a
great respect and affection for Albus Dumbledore. Not to mention his
love for shall we say exotic pets.

He is always there to offer Harry, Ron and Hermione advice and Support
advice and support. He is always pleased to see the triumvirate at his
gamekeepers hut, although his efforts at home cooking leave a lot to be
desired !

He makes it clear that he knew Harry's parents well, but as yet has not
given any idea as to the reason behind their murder. Considering his
usual open nature, this is intriguing.

Hagrid's judgement is known to be poor - for example, he is trusting
enough to have got Aragog and Norbert from almost total strangers. It's
also interesting to note that he was given Norbert's egg while he was in
a pub.

Which brings me on quite neatly to the subject of Hagrid and Drink. He
shows us at the beginning of book one that he likes drink stronger tank
soft drink. And again, after the Buckbeak episode, he drowns his sorrows
in his hut. It also didn't escape my notice how many drinks Madam
Rosmerta served him in the scene with Cornelius Fudge in POA !

Perhaps the most important things we learn about Hagrid aren't revealed
until book 4. Goblet of Fire gives us a chance to see that he is in many
ways quite similar to Harry, an outsider who lost his parents at a
relatively young age who was unable to really bond with his mother. We
also begin to see why he is an outsider - a half-giant with all the
connotations that go with it. yet we also see the beginnings of a very
human need being filled in Hagrid with the arrival of Madame Maxime or
Olympe as he calls her. It is to her he turns to talk about his past. It
is only our good fortune that Harry is there to be our eyes for this
very revealing conversation. We see the possibility of Hagrid having
some form of companion. Although we can judge from Dumbledore telling
him that many people wrote in support of Hagrid when his heriage was
revealed, he has always cut a lonely figure, in spite of his obvious
popularity within Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

The most amazing thing about Hagrid is that he is extremely wise. He can
see that Gilderoy Lockhart is a fool, he isn't afraid to let Ron know
that he is in the wrong in falling out with Hermione over Crookshanks.
Yet it is left to him to counsel Harry at the end of GOF. Albeit very
simple - What's comin will come, an we'll meet in when it does. But the
truth is amazing. As is Hagrid.


Questions for discussion

1 ) What makes Hagrid the right person for Dumbledore to send him as the
envoy from the wizarding world to tell harry of his Heritage ? Why not
professor McGonagall or the great man himself ?

2 ) Given how people feel about Giants, do you think that JKR uses him
as a way of making a comment about racism.

3 ) We see how Hagrid reacts to protect Dumbledore, alarmingly so in the
case of his threat to Karkaroff in GOF.  Is he a loose cannon ?

4 ) Hagrid and Drink - is this going to prove to be another part in his
downfall ?

5 ) What do you think the relationship between Dumbledore and Hagrid has
been ? Hagrid always appears respectful, but Dumbledore has stuck up for
him on more than one occasion. What do you think Dumbledore sees in
Hagrid ?

6 ) Is Hagrid a really powerful Wizard whose esteem has been lowered by
wrongful expulsion from Hogwarts ?