Harry - genetics vs. environment - (WAS: Harry being afraid to cry)

[southernscotland]

No: HPFGUIDX 32997


At the
> end of GoF, "[h]e could feel a burning, prickling feeling in the 
inner
> corners of his eyes.  He blinked and stared up at the ceiling . . .
> [n]ow the burning feeling was in his throat, too.  He wished Ron 
would
> look away." (p. 714, US edition)
> 

Hi! I'm new, so be gentle if this topic came up many times before I 
got here...(and please tell me where so I can look it up!)

All the details about Harry not wanting to cry brought up an 
interesting facet of the books that I have been wondering about for a 
long time. J.K. Rowling seems to be on the "genetics" side of 
the "genetics vs. environment" psychological theories, at least in 
regards to Harry's upbringing. 

As we all know, Harry was raised abysmally, without love, attention, 
or the care someone would give a pet dog. How on EARTH has he turned 
out as well as he has? No one has mentored him; no one has taught him 
right from wrong; no one has given him any positive attention about 
anything. By all rights, he should be royally messed-up. I mean 
REALLY messed up. But he isn't. 

WHY is he such a nice boy, when everything was stacked against him 
all during his formative years (besides, of course, that's the way 
the author wants him)? Any opinions? I've never understood this.

AND...is he really such a good and quiet boy underneath? Or is J.K. 
Rowling setting us up (especially in the end of GOF) for an enormous 
explosion of emotion - and who knows what ELSE - when the boy (and 
possibly, all heck) finally breaks loose? 

Just wondering...

Glad to be here with you!

lilahp