[HPforGrownups] Re: Ron's chess ability

[Laura Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 38306


Chelsea writes:
>    I don't understand why after all the debating, and aall the canon 
>evidence, people keep saying that Ron is weak. (Not trying to be rude here.)

S'ok. ^_^ I, for one, cannot understand why people keep on insisting that Hermione is "bossy" and a "know-it-all" *scoffs* what are they *on*? ^_^

However, since it's my post your replying to here, I just thought I'd give you my take on the whole Ron = weakness thing.

Well, firstly, for me -- it's just a gut feeling.  My belly just says "Ron is vulnerable.  Ron is weak."  And my belly is *usually* right.  (not always, but pretty much all the time) ^_^

There are, however, a few things in the books that I can point out specifically that probably contribute to my belly's opinion. Read on, dear Chelsea...

 
>Some of the major canon events in which Ron has shown undoubting bravery, and 
>true leadership and logic skills, would be the Chess Game in SS/PS, and when 
>he stands up to what he believes are Murderer!Sirius, and EvilWerewolf!Lupin. 

First, yes.  I agree.  Well..not completely *sheepish smile*.   Yes, Ron showed a certain type of bravery in the chess scene.  I never doubted that he was willing to sacrifice himself for his friends.  And he does get a bit snappish with two armed adults who (as far as he knows) are homicidal maniacs with a grudge against his best friend.  But, to me, that's not bravery.  It's just Ron's way of dealing with any tense situation.  Get mad.  Storm off.  (Unless he has a broken leg, of course).  Personally, I think his attitude towards these "evil murders" was..well, unwise.  I mean, if Sirius really *was* a psycho killer -- I mean, what did he expect to do?  He would have said "To get to Harry you'll have to go through me.." and Sirius would have said "OK." Killed him, and went on to kill Harry.

^_^ It reminds me a bit of a line from Cassie Claire fan fiction -- "Gryffindor:  slowing down evil by getting in the way." (or something to that effect).  Really, kind of pathetic..and kind of dumb.  He should have kept quiet, hoping that Sirius would sort of forget about him, and grab any chance he had to turn the tables.  *That's* the brave, logical thing to do.  Keep your head in a very bad situation.  That way, if Sirius had been Evil, he would still have had a chance to help Harry. Actually, this is one of the scenes that *I* feel points to Ron's vulnerability and weakness...he is easily angered, and when angry, he doesn't *think*.  I can see him shooting his mouth off at a crucial moment and getting someone killed as a result.  People with such little control over their emotions are a wild card -- a liability, a weakness.  In a word they're BAD NEWS.  Okay..that's two words..but it's also an acronym!! (go team!)

Buddy Acts Dumbly, Needling Evil Wizard of Slytherin

See..B A D N E W S.

On the other hand, his line did add to the dramatic effect  

>..but I have to say that Ron wasn't displaying a one-time act of 
>random bravery - he was put to the test, and he passed with flying colors.
 
Alright.  I see what you mean here.  However, it's not that I don't think he's noble and brave *in that way*.  Just that, in a practical sense, his lack of control over his emotions is a weakness that *will* effect the Trio in some negative way, mark my words.

In other words, I wouldn't want him at my side in the middle of the war.  Sure, he might throw himself in front of me and as a bullet zooms towards me, but what if something more than self sacrifice is needed?  I'd much, MUCH rather have Hermione or Harry. 

>Ron said something along the lines 
>of 'If you want to get to Harry, you'll have to get past us first" to Sirius. 
>He is displaying an incredible amount of bravery and leadership here. 

Leadership?  I don't understand what you mean here.  Sure, he's being impulsive and yes, brave (in his own way), however, I don't see how you believe he is taking a leadership role in this scene.

well...gotta run..

laura


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