[HPforGrownups] Divination

[porphyria at mindspring.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 36416

Morgan asked:

<Throughout the canon, various characters (Harry, Ron, Dumbledore, Hermione, et al) express suspicion towards divination.  Do you think the wizarding world at large thinks divination is imprecise and untrustworthy, or just our heroes?>

That's a good question. I can't help but think that JKR often uses Ron to represent the 'average' opinion of the wizarding world -- IHMO Ron's like Harry's Virgil, guiding him through the 9 levels of the Potterverse. :-) He's the one who's function is to explain to Harry stuff like what Squibs are, what Quidditch is, what Parseltongue is, what Mudblood means, etc. His views are often contrasted with Draco's, with Ron's being the more 'normal' viewpoint. So the fact that Ron seems to think his Divination class is a load of manure probably means that not all wizards take it that seriously. Lavender and Parvati are Trelawney's biggest fans, and are they even wizard born? I'm pretty sure Lavender is not. So that's not enough to count as a wizard recommendation. 

I can't think of an example of where a wizard character takes Divination seriously enough to practice it outside of this class. Also, I'd have to say that the fact that Dumbledore and McGonagall give the subject short shrift and the fact that Trelawney herself doesn't seem popular amongst any of her colleagues strike me as strong indicators that respect does not *need* to be paid in that direction. Still the fact that it's taught at Hogwarts at all must be an indication of something. I suspect it's a little like the real world -- some individuals believe in it, but many don't.

About a month ago in post #35373 Elkins suggested that there might be something problematic, Dark, or even corrupting about powerful divination, judging by Trelawney's flustered denial of her 2nd authentic prophecy, and the fact that it seemed to involve possession by a not-too-friendly spirit. You should go back in the archives and read that post. If she's right it could account for why most wizard's might want to avoid Divination in all but it's weakest, most unreliable forms. 

Welcome to the list!

~~Porphyria


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