Draco/Dudley comparison (was: Character Summary: Malfoy Snr.)

[Susan McGee]

No: HPFGUIDX 9356

--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, Peg Kerr <pkerr06 at a...> wrote:
> ABoyko at s... wrote:
> 
> >  I think of the Malfoys as the wizard equivalent of the
> > Dursleys. They're going to get their comeuppance the same way the 
Dursleys
> > have been getting theirs (ballooning aunts, ton-tongues).
> 
> This is an elegant structural observation.  After all, the major 
preoccupation
> for both the Dursleys and the Malfoys is that they be grouped 
with "the right
> sort."  And both Dursley and Draco act as Harry's nemesis, in the 
muggle world
> and wizard world respectively.
> 
> What WOULD Draco and Dudley think of each other?  Draco's family 
hates Muggles,
> but Draco and Dudley do have a lot in common.  They're both greedy, 
both
> bullies, esp. toward Harry, etc.  Structural twins.  And both are 
the products
> of their parents' and particularly their fathers' rotten values.  
Perhaps they
> would recognize each other as kindred spirits in a sick, twisted 
way.
> 
> Huh.  Good point, Angela.
> 
> Peg


Whew, I think it's a brilliant point, Angela, and augmented 
brilliantly by Peg.......

On the one hand, we have the Dursleys who despise and oppress 
anything magical...they are desperate, and will use violence to
prevent anyone even knowing that they are connected with a wizard.
<Remember in the PoA, Harry lets Vernon know that unless Vernon signs
the permission slip, he might let slip that he's not at St Brutus.
Vernon threatens him with a beating (more child abuse data) but Harry
reminds Vernon that Marge will still know the truth even if Vernon 
beats him>

Their greatest fear is that someone will connect them with the 
Potters..that someone will know that they are connected with the 
wizard trash..

Then, otoh, we have the Malfoys...Draco starts out his association 
with Harry suggesting to Harry that those who do not have a wizard 
father and witch mother should not be allowed at Hogwarts. There is a 
major emphasis on "pure blood". When Hermione is called "mudblood", 
Ron responds by fighting, because it's such a foul insult.
Draco (in the canon, I don't read fanfic) continues to suggest that 
there is only one kind of wizard and Harry doesn't know what's good 
for him by associating with the wrong kind.

They really are mirror opposites in their bigotry.

Fascinating.