More on Dursleys

[bluetad2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 56342

Lynn wrote -

> My turn to weigh in.  First, as to the abuse.  I
> don't think it's funny either.  I think the
> movies make Vernon and Petunia Dursley more
> caricatures than the books do.  

I'd agree with both points. Its a nightmarish sort of family with its 
surreally absurd side, but really quite grim in the books. However I 
haven't posted just to say "I agree"!  I'm coming to an additional 
point next.

> Why did Harry
> turn out as he has?  Who knows. Character?  Let's
> face it, many kids have grown up in an abusive
> environment but still turn out well, many in
> stark contrast to their abusers.  

In fact its Dudley who is the child who shows abusive tendencies but, 
to be fair, Dudley has been abused as much as Harry in a different 
way, and he (Dudley) seems to have less natural defences against it. 
He's been given every material thing he could want and more but given 
no encouragement to do anything other than passively consume.  He's 
been as stifled and limited by his upbringing as Harry has, but with 
no way out. (Are you feeling sorry for him yet?)

The Dursleys seem to be opposed, not just to magic, but to anything 
that involves imagination and creativity and which might mean 
nonconformity.  I can imagine that they might be almost as shocked 
and appalled by Harry getting an invitation to Hogwarts School of Art!

Is 'magic' being used here as a metaphor for creativity and personal 
development, which is stifled by a 'muggle' attitude to life?

Alison