[HPforGrownups] Re: Draco Malfoy is Ever So Lame

[Aja]

No: HPFGUIDX 39119


Cindy wrote:

> So how can we rule out the possibility that JKR is writing these
sympathetic Draco characteristics as a nod to believability rather
than to generate any real sympathy in the reader?

Ah, yes, but that very believability hits on something essential.  Based
on all the information weve seen, Draco Malfoy has had, for the most part,
a normal childhood.  Hes been treated well, spoiled to death his whole
life, and pretty much had it easy, especially compared to Harry.  If JKR
were going to turn Draco Evil, she would have to have, like Tom Riddle, a
compelling reason to do so.  Elkins so wonderfully outlined the pitfalls
of his privilege and status--yet compared to Harry, hes got nothing to
complain about; and are the injustices of a teenager enough to instill the
natural hatred you have to have in order to become a truly evil human
being?  Unlike Tom Riddle, who has been given real, compelling reasons for
turning, Dracos been given a lot of humiliation and several hex marks.
And unlike Peter Pettigrew, his closest MWPP-generation counterpart, hes
been given a score of sympathetic detailsPeter, unless we get new
extenuating information in upcoming books, has been given none.  Why would
JKR give us those clues at creating sympathy for Draco if she were going
to later expect us to buy into his becoming Ever So Evil?

Just a thought,

Aja