[HPforGrownups] Innocent Victims/ Sexism

[Richelle Votaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 41332

Ray writes:

> I'm usually a lurker, but I'd like to point out more evidence (that has
> probably been pointed out many times) that points toward the death of Ron
(no
> matter how much I'd hate it to come about). The unicorn hair in the wand
> along may put Ron in the league with Cedric, but then the immense
> foreshadowing in the end of SS/PS. For Harry to succeed (be the success
> Voldemorts ultimate defeat or something that may enable him to 'beat'
> Voldemort later on), Ron has to allow himself to be taken. In the loss of
> Ron, Harry can win.

I noticed that earlier today when I was finishing up rereading and note
taking in SS/PS.  The first time around it just seemed "noble."  The second
time around I did get a bit more of the foreshadowing aspect.  I certainly
don't want Ron to die, and if he does I don't think it will be until the end
of book 7.  But the chess scene certainly demonstrated that Ron is willing
to sacrifice himself to defeat Voldemort.  He didn't know he would only be
knocked out, he could easily have been killed by a swing from that giant
stone arm.  Definitely feels like a foreshadowing.

Jai Marie writes:

> It just so happens than in characters like Molly Weasley and Hermione,
there are good
> examples for girls, and it also happens that in characters like say,
Snape, Lockhart, etc. there
> are some bad examples for boys.  Would it be possible too, to assume that
perhaps girls
> might learn something from the male characters, and vice versa?  I know
when I was a young
> reader, I didn't only identify with the girl characters.

Well, I for one don't see any sexism.  Sure, there are more male characters
than female.  Big deal.  I never did identify well with female characters in
books as a child.  My favorite series was the Hardy Boys.  Couldn't stand
Nancy Drew, but I loved the Hardy Boys.

Hermione, being of course the leading female character, is very versatile.
She is not only bookish and intelligent, but she can actually apply what she
learns when needed.



Richelle