Hermione through the eyes of kids/adults

[Amy Z]

No: HPFGUIDX 8452


Neil's post on the complexities of Draco's character got another train of 
thought rolling.  My completely unscientific study of kids'-vs.-adults' 
reactions to the book reveals that kids are much less tolerant of Hermione.  
They frequently comment that she's thoroughly obnoxious, a know-it-all, etc. 
  JKR doesn't write her as a caricature by any means, but many kids seem to 
read her that way just the same.  On the HPforGU poll, in contrast, Hermione 
is one of the most loved characters.

To be fair, many of the kids' comments were probably made when they had read 
only 1 or 2 of the books.  But I think adults tend to have a perspective on 
the bossy know-it-all kid that allows us to see the complexity of her 
character and sympathize with the reasons behind her less admirable 
qualities.  Another possibility is that those kids who do relate to Hermione 
keep fairly quiet about it (I would've).

What do you think?

Amy

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". . . they made their way into the entrance hall,
which was completely devoid of mad axe-men."
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