[HPforGrownups] Re: Neville: Memory, History, Legacy, Power (LONG!) (Was:: Still Life)

[Laura Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 38413


Elkins said:
> People who believe that Neville has a memory charm often speculate 
> that this charm will eventually be removed, and that when it does, 
> Neville will "come into his own."  He will be able to access 
> previously-suppressed reservoirs of magical power; he will gain self-
> confidence; he will become SUPER-Neville.  He will go out and kick DE 
> butt.  He will bring honor to the family name; he will exhibit Proper 
> Pure-blooded Wizarding Pride.  He will become at last a True Warrior-
> Spirited Gryffindor.
> 
> I lie awake sometimes at night, fearing that something like this 
> might indeed be the author's intent.  Because if it is, then I won't 
> view it as a triumph for the forces of Good at all.  I will view it 
> as a horrible horrible tragedy. 

Oh, me too.  This prospect just fills me with sheer dread.  DREAD, I tell you.  And not just the part about being SUPER-Neville...but also..I think Neville's forgetfulness, his bumbling nature - they are part of him.  Why do we feel the need to change everyone in this series into super-heroes?  I *like* him as insecure and good-natured.  It's who Neville *is*.  If he were to suddenly gain power and confidence, it'd be OOC.  Even in RL, people just don't change like that from gaining previously unpossessed talents.  It takes a long time (perhaps never) to build confidence where previously there was none -- even if the *talent* is available.

Abigail:
>And I think it's a foregone conclusion that, whatever makes Neville so 
>forgetful, we will eventually see a reversal in his situation.

Why?  Why can't it just be part of him?  I mean, I'm not saying it *won't* happen, just that I don't see why it *has* to happen...

Some people are just naturally forgetful.  What if it's just a facet of Neville's personality??  It's like all of us around here sitting around waiting for Hermione to realize she really *isn't* the intellectual type and start skipping classes...honestly, I wouldn't hold your breath.

laura





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