TBAY/SHIP: Exorcizing the Prank/Taran=Ron/Harry

[ladjables]

No: HPFGUIDX 38861

Ama: Psst!  Come here.
Prank: Who, me?
Ama: Who else? (Resignedly.) Take these.
Prank: What are they?
Ama: Chains.  A few padlocks.  I threw in some leg
irons.  You're going to be here a while, so I just
wanted to make you more comfortable.  Lord knows I
tried to help.  Make sure you rattle them good, and
don't forget to moan and keen pitifully.  Someone wil
be sure to check on you from time to time.
Prank: Well, gee thanks!  It's not like I mind it here
you know, everyone's so interested in me!    
Ama: Just go. Please.
[Prank skips off.]

[Marina, thanks for inserting the TBAY!]

I've just re-read the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd
Alexander, and I was struck by how much Taran the
Assistant Pig-keeper reminded me of Ron and Harry.  He
seemed a composite of the two, if you will.  Like
Harry, he is a foundling with a Great Destiny laid
upon him (Harry does have some Great Destiny laid upon
him, enough to warrant capital letters.)  But Taran
also longs for recognition and glory, and worries that
he will never be good enough for the noble Princess
Eilonwy; these fears often trigger a fit of anger. 
Here he more closely parallels Ron, who is ashamed of
being poor and struggles with establishing an identity
for himself as the sixth Weasley son.  

These are superficial features, but are Ron and Harry
equally compatible with Hermione?  Taran is brave,
sensitive, hot-tempered, compassionate and stubborn. 
The question is, is Hermione enough like Eilonwy?  I
think so.  Eilonwy is marvellously spirited and
endowed with a sense of individuality, even if she
isn't an overachiever like Hermione.  I, however, have
never been convinced that "bright" is an adequate
summary of Hermione's character.  I've always been
more impressed with her sense of morality and her
"spunk".  So, if Hermione is like Eilonwy, and Ron and
Harry are like Taran, then perhaps Hermione needs to
find a boy who embodies both their qualities.  Maybe
Krum is Hermione's Taran!!!

You don't like it?  Oh well, so be it.
Prank: Hey! Whereya goin'? 
Ama: What are you doing back here?  I gave you chains,
go play!  
Prank: But I want someone to talk to, to understand
me!Ama: Nooo, what you want is to constantly be in the
spotlight.  That's why you keep spinning stories, but
never tell the truth.  We treat you well, and you toy
with us.  Oy, what possessed me to bring you back, I
have no idea.
Prank: But I'm trying to help!  It's just complicated.
 And I'm shy.  I have these fears...   
Ama: You have what?  Why am I even listening to you?
Prank: (shouting.)  I'm not done here!  I refuse to be
shunted about, tossed from one side to the next, and
then dropped like a hot potato, or a used tissue. 
Ama: I know you're not shouting at ME.
Prank: I have feelings!!!
Ama: You are a prank.  You cannot have feelings.  Now
pipe down, or I'll stuff you back into that canon
yonder.  
Prank:(sulky.) Fine. I don't like you anymore...

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