[HPforGrownups] Re: Father figures/good big brothers

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 14641

Schlobin at aol.com wrote:

> Yes, I see Hagrid not as a father figure, but as the (good) big
> brother figure..Hagrid is just not a grown up (good and bad). In some
> ways, he's still an adolescent just like Harry.....But he IS the
> quintessential big brother..I had one..who protected me from bullies,
> taught me all kinds of things, played with me constantly,lost at chess
> and ping-pong to me, and was really angry (which was
> great because it meant that he at 7 years older took me seriously),
> bought me books including the first C.S. Lewis books, read to me when
> I was sick, etc. etc....But he wasn't a parent...we set off illegal
> firecrackers together..we were kids together and that's how I see
> Harry and Hagrid..comments?

I hadn't been able to put my finger on it, but I think you're right.
Hagrid is filling the "family" niche, as Ron and Hermione fill the
previously vacant "friend" niche and the men we discussed collectively
fill the "father." Soooo, who's providing any maternal feeling? Mrs.
Weasley?

--Amanda


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