[HPforGrownups] Re: Ambition in the Wizarding World (TBAY)

[Laura Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 38781

Porphyria wrote:
> But Harry doesn't crave fame (he hates it), he doesn't crave 
>wealth (he's got some, and he's a little ashamed of it), he doesn't 
>crave power. He doesn't crave honor unless the situation wrenches 
>it out of him. <snip>  The only thing I think he 
> really is ambitious about is Quidditch. 

...And Cindy replied:
>Isn't this interesting?  The one thing Harry is ambitious about is 
>Quidditch.  But what, exactly, does Harry crave when it comes to 
>Quidditch?  It's not the potential to become wealthy playing 
>Quidditch.  It's not the fame.  
>No, it seems that Harry's Quiddich ambitions are motivated by a 
>desire for adoration and attention. <snip examples of this>
>So Harry is ambitious in this one limited way, I guess.  So maybe 
>JKR is saying it is OK to be ambitious to impress strangers or an 
>attractive girl, but not to seek power or wealth?  
>Yuk.

Okay.  With you on the part about Harry being "ambitious" for adoration and attention.  However, I feel this is more of a reflection on the way Harry grew up than a social commentary on JKR's part.  I mean, adoration and [positive] attention -- these are the things he *never* got Dursleys.  Ever.  So, naturally, they are exactly what he seeks.

Poor kid just wants to be loved.

laura


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