[HPforGrownups] "Delicate" Harry

[Jennifer R. Wilson]

No: HPFGUIDX 43048

<Extreme snippage of Richelle's message> 

Richelle's opinion/question below: 
<So my point being, what is meant by delicate?  It could be a simple case of
the use of the word in British English versus <American English.  So that's
why I'm posting this rather odd <question.  I've always taken "delicate" to
mean sickly.  Well, <Harry's not sickly.  He's only in the hospital for
injuries, <it's not like he's always got the flu or a <virus or something.

<I suppose it could be taken to mean "emotionally delicate" <which I would
agree to.  How do the rest of you view this <wording?

<Thanks for helping me clear the cobwebs here! :)

OK let me get the dictionary for this one.  
The following definition of delicate is taken from the "American Heritage
Dictionary"  
"delicate: 1. Pleasing to the senses esp.(epecially?) in a subtle way.  2.
Exquisitely fine or dainty; easily damaged. 3. Frail in constitution. 4.
Sensitive; considerate. 5. Concerned with propriety; fastidious; precise. 6.
Tactful; skillful; subtle. "(AHD 227).  
Now, based on this alone, I would have to say the definitions of delicate
JKR and the interviewer are referring to are numbers 2, 3, and the sensitive
portion of 4.  
I do tend to agree with your thinking of "emotionally delicate".  At the age
of one. Voldemort suddenly ripped away the two people he trusted the most,
his parents.  He has never trusted the Dursleys, the people who essentially
raised him.  He has also never trusted adults in general.  Emotionally, he
is a delicate person.  That is why the dementors can affect him so easily
IMHO.  I don't see him as sickly, at all.  The only delicate part of him
would be his mentality, the part of the brain that allows him to trust.  He
came a long way in trusting Lupin in book 3.  I can't say if he trusts
another adult as much. Maybe Sirius?  
I have to admit, he does act rather well for being so "delicate".  From
growing up abused, to finding out that he is abused because of the ability
he carries from his parents, and then being thrust in a whole new
place(Hogwarts).  The latter two of the mentioned events happening in a
matter of days or weeks.  That can make a person really wonder who to trust.
Especially if the ability to trust has been blocked by abuse. 
I hoped I have been of help to you, sorry if not, but I am rather busy
trying to pack to go away for the weekend :P

Jennifer

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