Out of the frying pan, into the fire

[arondiel]

No: HPFGUIDX 43526

Hi,

I'm new here. :)
I've gone through the archive but I was unable to find the answer
to my question.

As some have expressed confusion over what Hermione slapping Draco 
meant, I'm confused by the intended meaning of Petunia and the
frying pan scene in CoS.

"Harry paid dearly for his moment of fun. As neither Dudley nor
the hedge was in any way hurt, Aunt Petunia knew he hadn't really
done magic, but he still had to duck as she aimed a heavy blow at his 
head with the soapy frying pan. Then she gave him work with the 
promise he wouldn't eat again until he'd finished." (10,
CoS,
American)

What do you think JKR intended the readers to feel toward this scene? 
For instance, I'm sure she intended the Ten Ton Toffee scene to
be funny not cruel and for the Twins to be seen as funny not as
bully's even though those interpretations can be made. But I
don't 
think she *intended* them to be seen that way.

Harry does not seem to take the situation that seriously. He does not 
think that Petunia really intends to hurt him. Are we, the reader, 
supposed to take this as a typical Petunia overreacting to a 
situation? Is there supposed to be a humorous component here as there 
is when we see Petunia bursting in joyful tears over Dudley's
`Mr. Mason is my hero' speech? Are we supposed to take this
as subtle 
evidence of physical abuse?

I'm just confused on how to react to this scene.

Your thoughts are appreciated,
Arondiel