Draco Malfoy is Ever So Lame

[ssk7882]

No: HPFGUIDX 39086

Hi, Naama.

> 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. 

No, I agree.  That was why I was so careful to consistently use
the term *peer* rival, or *peer* antagonist.  Naturally Voldemort
is Harry's actual arch-enemy.  

Poor Draco!  He's not even strong enough to make me feel satisfied
with him as Harry's *peer* rival!  I would hardly try to set him up
as Harry's ultimate foe.  That would be pretty sad, wouldn't it?

> The conflict with Draco is definitely not heroic, but that's OK. As 
> far as narrative roles go, I'm quite happy with loser!Draco. He 
> provides action which is fun to read. 

Interesting.  So do you see the entire schoolboy rivalry aspect
of the books as in part a kind of comedic relief, then, providing
some respite from the darkness and stress of the heroic struggle?

I hadn't thought to read them that way before. I'd been seeing them 
more as paralleling than as alleviating the darker aspects of the 
books, but your own reading makes a lot of sense -- and it is also 
*far* more relaxing than my own, which I confess that I often find a 
bit depressing.


> Oh, and I wasn't aroused when Harry was writhing with Cruciatus!! 

Nah.  It's not watching the poor kid writhe and scream that's 
supposed to arouse you.  It's imagining how you, and you alone, could
Heal His Wounds And Make Him Whole.  That's the part that's supposed
to get you all warm and fuzzy inside.  Hence the "comfort."

> What's the matter with you, woman?! 

I've spent far too many years analyzing how people read texts, and it 
has twisted my mind.  Also, I'm no fun at parties.


-- Elkins