Harry's ethics and behavior

[dragonsbloodmoon at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 17960

In a message dated 4/29/2001 3:02:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
lj2d30 at gateway.net writes:

> > 3. Harry consistently breaks school rules and lies to, well, just 
>  > about everyone whnever it is convenient. 
>  
>  Are you familiar with Harry's pre-Hogwarts background?  He was for 10 
>  years *locked in a cupboard under the stairs* and mistreated by his 
>  uncle, aunt, and cousin.  He had no toys, no clothes that fit, never 
>  given enough to eat,  was beaten up regularly by his cousin Dudley, 
>  never encouraged to trust or ask questions about anything. He is not 
>  a very trusting person, especially when it comes to authority 
>  figures.  He does things on his own as a result of this upbringing.  
>  In GoF he has demonstrated more trust of adults, thanks to the 
>  kindness of the Weasleys and the trust of Dumbledore. 

I have to agree with your answer, Trinia, but let me offer this as well....

You have to keep in mind that the Harry Potter books are first and foremost a 
medium of entertainment. A child who lives strictly by the rules, and never 
has any adventures would be a boring child to read about. Could you imagine 
reading a book series about Percy Weasly's days at Hogwarts? BOR-ING! Instead 
of having meaningful chapters like the House Elf Liberation Front in GoF, 
you'd have "Harry, Ron and Hermione Do Their Homework." YAWN. No thanks.

Secondly, all children break rules. I would worry about a child who simply 
does what he's told all the time and never challenges the rules. Children 
need to explore their world and do more than homework. I'm glad Harry and his 
friends are rebellious. Makes them seem more like real children.

Toby