[HPforGrownups] Re: The Female Students (and other female charcters)

[Michael Goodman]

No: HPFGUIDX 33334

> judyserenity said:

> I'm not sure I've understood the point here, but I want to make it

> clear that I see nothing wrong with stereotypically female behaviors

> such as crying or wearing curlers. And, I see female occupations such

> as mother or healer as very important. My problem is that so many of

> JKR's female characters have nothing else to them *but* the

> stereotype. In the Potterverse, we get males doing so much more than

> their real-life counterparts: a school boy who thwarts a powerful

> wizard, a kindly old schoolmaster who is also leading the battle

> against the forces of darkness. If Mme Pince was a librarian who

> *also* was, say, teaching Harry to fight dementors, then her character

> would be fine with me. (I've been watching too much Buffy lately, canyou
tell?



 I'm fairly new to this group, having just arrived a few weeks ago, and
this is my first posting. Having watched the topics with very keen

interest, I thought it was time to jump in. One thing that I find absolutely
fascinating is the debate on feminism and JKR's approach to women

in the role. I find the whole argument absurd. The Harry Potter story is
fantasy. So what if we get males doing more than their real-life
counterparts;

besides when did you last see a real-life wizard? I feel that JKR has used
characters that help tell a story she has been trying to tell for years. Her

life experience and her attitudes will influence the very essence of the
characters. By analysing every single aspect of the characterisation, you

are merely looking for a deep-rooted symbolism that isn't there.



> judyserenity said:

> There's no question, Hermione is presented as exceptionally skilled

> compared to other students of either gender. (I really disliked it

> when Hermione dismissed her own skills as just "book learning and

> cleverness" towards the end of SS/PS; clearly, Hermione is 'powerfully
magical.')


Perhaps I am just being naive, or maybe I just believe in fairy-tale
endings, but I think Hermione is just trying to give Harry encouragement. He

is about to challenge Quirrel/Voldermort and needs the confidence Hermione
no doubt gave him to overcome this challenge. Hermione is a true caring

friend and although we see it earlier in the story, it really comes to light
here.


I personally think that JKR has achieved what very few writers before her
have done. She has created a magical fantasy that has universal appeal to

both young and old. Her characterisation is perfect. In an earlier posting,
there was a reference to McGonagall as being  a stereotypical spinster. She
appears strong and

forceful, while  being caring at the same time. She may have been gorgeous
in her day, we don't  know; we may find out later, but at this stage we
don't. I think all this

analysis of gender in this group is irrelevant, particularly regarding
Hermione;  I feel that she is portrayed as strong, caring and in GoF,
beautiful.

Sorry for the harsh criticism (especially as this is my first posting), but
it's the one issue I feel deserves comment.



Mike......



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]