[HPforGrownups] Re: Character Summary: Hermione Granger & Sorting Hat Choices

[Doreen]

No: HPFGUIDX 15311

> > 3. Any new thoughts on why she was sorted into Gryffindor rather
> than
> > Ravenclaw?

Caius Marcius wrote:

> One of the things a well-rounded education should provide is make
you
> aware of and allow you to develop those aspects of your character
> which have gone hitherto unnoticed (or under-noticed) by you.

<post full of excellent points snipped>

Yes, yes!  Hmmm..."me too" posts aren't kosher.  So I will take this
opportunity to add that I have loved every single filk you've posted
and only refrained from saying so 'cause I don't want the Mod Squad to
come after me.

In general, I think the Sorting encourages readers to look for aspects
of the characters that we don't see at first glance.  It would be very
boring if JKR had filled Gryffindor with a bunch of junior heroes.
The G. kids are the usual mix of brave and not-so-brave, talented and
not-so-talented, hardworking and not, etc. etc.  But each of them
harbors some kind of tremendous courage or potential for it, and we
have to look for it, knowing that it's there if the Sorting Hat says
so.

Hermione is not only very brave when it comes to physical danger, but
she has great integrity, which is another form of courage.  Sticking
by Neville, spelling out for Harry what Ron's problem is in GoF,
making herself unpopular with her activism--these all require a kind
of bravery as well, a kind that the books clearly want us to hold in
high regard.  (Dumbledore makes Neville, not Harry, the house hero in
PS/SS by letting his points be the ones that put Gryffindor over the
top, and Neville's accomplishment was integrity and the courage of his
convictions.)

There, that wasn't a "me too."

Amy Z
**********************************
I have often wondered if JKR has some sort of military background/connection
or information as to how they used to choose what field for which a new
recruit would be best suited. My father often remarked that one was never
put in an area that they had any talent for or knowledge of, but rather,
some area which they felt that they would never have chosen for themselves.
As it turned out, though, some of these Military choices were quite on the
mark.  ( one instance was a mechanical sort who was put in the galley
kitchen ... later became a very talented and well paid chef)

So, I would have to agree that the Sorting Hat takes all things into
consideration and places the student where the student will benefit the
most.

BTW I thought that Hermione was rather brave when it came to the potions
puzzle. If she had done it wrong, they could have been poisoned. There were
other instances where I thought she was brave... hesistant maybe, but
none-the-less brave.

Doreen the Corn Patch Witch