Female Archetypes

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 10982

Hi --

Dave Hardenbrook wrote:

> For me, Ginny and Cho represent the two ultimate archtypes for the female sex (at least in my experience):
>
> The "Cho Changs" are bright, gregarious, charismatic, usually have a great sense of humor, and are of course popular.  Unfortunately, they are also frequently somewhat shallow,
> flighty, and almost
> always have crummy taste in men.

I don't know that I would put Cho into this category honestly.  She does seem bright, gregarious & charismatic.  But, she seems to have a quiet side as well.  She definitely doesn't
seem shallow or flighty.

> The "Ginnys" are shy, quiet, pensive, awkward and not popular.  They are usually the ones possessing true courage, passion (however latent), and strength of character, but they
> frequently get lost and unnoticed (especially by boys) in the sea of extroverted "Chos".

I was definitely a "Ginny" in high school.  Perhaps that's why I have such little sympathy for her.  :--)  Although, I must also point out that Ron said in CoS that Ginny "usually
never shuts up."  Do we as readers have the perception that she's a shy wallflower because that's how Harry perceives her?

> (I apologize to all women who don't fit into one of the above... It's   strictly a generalization based on personal experience.)

It's a *big* generalization Dave. Where does Hermione fit into your equation?  Minerva McGonagall?   What about Molly Weasley?  Molly is hardly a shy wallflower type after all.
But, she's not shallow & vapid either.

Penny