Official Philip Nel Discussion Question #2 - Pettigrew!
pippin_999
foxmoth at qnet.com
Wed Apr 17 16:01:11 UTC 2002
No: HPFGUIDX 37898
>>Dr. Nel asked:
Consider the character of Wormtail (aka Peter Pettigrew). What
motivates him? <<<
I think the key to Peter's character is this passage:
"Pettigrew burst into tears. It was horrible to watch: he looked like
an oversized, balding baby, cowering on the floor."
---PoA, chapter 19
IMO, Pettigrew is very much a baby. He doesn't understand or
want responsibility or independence. He simply can't conceive of
existing apart from a protector. It's ironic that his refusal to grow
up, a la *Peter* Pan, eventually puts him in the position of
nursemaid to the infantile Voldemort.
I don't think this refusal to grow up indicates a want of courage.
Peter the putative Gryffindor is actually quite bold in defense of
his protectors: he attacks Goyle, who must be a hundred times
his size, he takes on Crouch Sr, whom Sirius says is quite
powerful magically, and, as others have noted, he has the
physical courage to cut off his own hand.
It seems that Peter's mother, at least, was strongly attached to
him. Perhaps Peter's parents overindulged him the way the
Dursleys indulge Dudley, and Peter simply never learned the
value of independence.
I think that Harry will be a catalyst. Because of Harry, Peter will
realize that he can act on his own behalf. This action will repay
the life debt and be as crucial to Voldemort's downfall as Peter's
betrayal was to James'.
Pippin
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