Question for Hagrid Disapprovers/Defense of Hagrid

[cmf_usc]

No: HPFGUIDX 40369

Suzanne wrote:
<<<Do you believe that she believes Hagrid to be a dismal
failure whose character flaws are so great that he is destined to 
cause Harry and/or Dumbledore great harm? Or do you believe that JKR 
meant to write a good guy, but failed miserably?>>>

I think... we're supposed to root for Hagrid, to see him as unfairly 
treated because of his background (especially in the Rita Skeeter-
giant expose/expulsion incidents).  And I agree that he was 
mistreated in those cases.  And I agree that he is a symbol of 
diversity, and of tolerance, two very important things.

But I do think JKR heaped too many flaws/mistakes/what-have-you into 
Hagrid's character for him to be as sympathetic (for me, anyway) as 
she intends him to be.  And I guess that's my problem.  I feel like 
JKR *wants* me to like Hagrid.  That she wants me to cheer when he's 
made a teacher, for example.  That she wants me to be glad he doesn't
get into trouble for hatching Norbert.  But instead, I get upset, and 
think: He's not up to the responsiblity to teach (the flobberworms, 
not the Draco Incident)!  He let *students* take his fall with 
Norbert!

Maybe... maybe the problem with Hagrid's character is that JKR is 
trying to do two things with him: 1) make him sympathetic, and a 
symbol of diversity 2) make him a weak link, who causes trouble 
(Fluffy) & leaks information (Skeeter)

That's a fine line to walk, so I guess it's not surprising Hagrid has 
his staunch supporters and detractors.  Me, I wish I could like him: 
he loves Harry, and Harry needs all the love he can get.  But 
instead, I worry.  And get aggravated sometimes.

Aldrea said that I said:
<<<Caroline pointed out:>>Hagrid's curriculum does get better after 
Rita Skeeter's article(a year and a half after he begins teaching). 
He teaches a class on Nifflers. (Maybe Professor Grubbly-Plank left 
him some lesson plans.) It's pretty good, possibly his best class 
ever. It looks like he's got some confidence. And IIRC, we don't see 
him drinking after the Yule Ball.>>

Um, sorry.  Wasn't me!  It's true though, that his curriculum *does* 
get better.  But it took an awful long time!  I personally lay some 
blame at Dumbledore's door for his teaching.  Hagrid's not trained.  
Yes, it's great for kids to interact with a half-giant; but I'm not 
sure he was up to the responsibility to teach.  Maybe he'll do better 
in OOP.

Caroline