Neville (was: More on Snape & a couple of questions)

[Linda]

No: HPFGUIDX 56506

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Katy Cartee" <rainbow at r...> 
wrote:
> bboy_mn wrote:
 
> I still wonder though if the "degrees of vulgarity" are really 
that wide between Muggle and Squib. 

And later:
 
> Actually, in my mind, a Squib would be a step up from a Muggle. 
For example, they gave Filch (a squib) a job at Hogwarts. How many 
Muggles do you see working there? None. And we know how "pure-blood 
activists" feel about Muggles and Mudbloods - they hate them. But 
we're not told any of their thoughts on Squibs. So it would seem 
that there is no animosity towards them...perhaps just some pity.

Now me:

         I never even thought about the fact that Neville referred 
to himself as a muggle rather than a squib but now that I have this 
train of thought in my head I have some thoughts.

         I think there is a large degree of difference in conotation 
between the two terms. Just the way the words sound is a clue to 
me. "Squib" just sounds negative, while "Muggle" has a harmless kind 
of feel to it. Squib, to me, sounds like it may be a derogatory 
term, meant as in insult rather than a designation of magical 
ability. In this context the fact that Filch uses it to refer to 
himself speaks volumns about his self esteem and how he views his 
position in life. However, Filch is a whole other discussion so I'll 
move on.

          This said, I don't think it would have even occured to 
Neville to refer to himself as a squib. His fear of his grandmother 
not withstanding, he seem to be very have been raised with a solid 
backround of moral values. The only problem he seems to have with 
morality issues is that he has trouble standing up for what he 
believes in. However, this is portrayed more as fear than 
conviction. ( Possibly he grew up too sheltered, but that, too, is 
for another discussion.) Once he sees personal courage around him,
(I'm sure someone told him exactly what happened with his remembral 
after he left for the hospital wing.)and receives encouragement from 
his friends,("You're worth twelve of Malfoy.") he stands up for what 
he feels is right, albeit trembling like Quirrell the whole time. As 
the books progress he is becoming ever more sure of himself and his 
ability; not to do magic but to be who he is and be proud of it.

        Sorry, I'm getting off topic here.

        The point is that the terms seem to me to have definite 
positive and negative conotations to them respectively. I  don't 
think it's to the extremes of the differance between say...mudblood 
and muggle-born. 
         
        Don't get me started or I'll go on and on and on and on...

        Linda