Fleur's Intelligence

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 13209

Hi --

Amy Z wrote:

> I strongly disagree with the characterization of Fleur as stupid.  She
> is vain, which fits another blond stereotype, but not stupid.  Not
> only is she a champion, but let's remember that the Triwizard
> Tournament is not played fair; Crouch cheats on behalf of both Cedric
> and Harry.  Fleur might have won if she weren't Stunned by Crouch.
> For that matter, maybe she'd have had time to study up on grindylows
> if someone had given *her* a hint about the egg early on.

I disagree that the mere fact that she's the BeauxBatons Champion means
she is *not* stupid.  What if she happens to be the most intelligent of
the BeauxBatons bunch but isn't really all that bright?  What if the
Goblet of Fire doesn't really evaluate one's intelligence?  I don't see
where we've any proof that intelligence is necessarily a critical aspect
of being selected as a school champion.  And, as far as I can tell,
Fleur is *not* depicted as being particularly bright.  She was
consistently in 4th place I believe.  Even if Crouch hadn't stunned her
and she had reached the Cup first, would the points she might have
garnered been enough to propel her into being the TriWizard Champion?  I
don't think so.  Plus, we *know* Madame Maxime clued her in with the 1st
Task.  Who's to say she didn't help her with that Egg too?

I really actively disliked Fleur though so perhaps I'm not being fair.
But, my overall impression is that she is vapid, shallow.  I share
Hermione's overall dislike of the girl (and, like Hermione, my dislike
of her has *nothing* to do with the fact that she flirts with Ron
occasionally either!  <g>).

Penny


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]