Draco Malfoy is Ever So Lame

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 39085

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "naamagatus" <naama_gat at h...> 
wrote:
> Hi, 
> 
> Just one point. Draco's unsatisfactoriness originates (if I 
> understand you correctly) from his presumed role of Peer Rival 
to 
> Harry, right?
> Well, I'm not sure that I agree that that is exactly his narrative 
> role. I mean, yes, of course it is - he is a peer and a rival of 
> Harry. The thing is, Draco is not Harry's true rival (arch enemy). 
> The true rival is Voldemort, and in facing him, Harry is truly 
> involved in a heroic struggle. 

Right!  Well, half-right, IMO <g>Draco is not Harry's rival. Draco is 
*Ron's* rival.  Draco's wealth, only child status, family influence 
and Quidditch prowess are all in contrast to Ron, not Harry, and 
here the match is much more even, as Draco still has quite a 
few things that Ron wants.

Just as JKR has written Draco as more sympathetic than a 
villain ought to be, she has written Ron as less sympathetic than  
faithful sidekicks usually are. I mean, would Jimmy Olsen ever 
stop speaking to the S man for a whole month? 

Rowling has got quite a number of people wanting Draco to turn 
good and  a fair few convinced that Ron will turn evil. I am not 
sure either of these things will ever happen, but by raising the 
question in our minds JKR shows her  mastery of the art of 
narrative drive.  We're convinced that *something* is going to 
happen with those two and that's what makes us keep turning 
pages and buying books.

Pippin