Harry's Pride (Was: Cho; It's time to defend Ginny! (some SHIP)

[jenny_ravenclaw <meboriqua@aol.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 52395

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Shauna <wind3213 at h...>" 
<wind3213 at h...> wrote:
 
> 1) Darcy is explicitly contemptuous to Elizabeth in particular, 
> calling her unattractive.  Harry isn't *contemptuous* of Ginny, he 
> just prefers not to think about her.  Furthermore, how can Harry 
> and Darcy even be compared, when Darcy's main fault is pride, 
> something Harry completely lacks?>

Hi Shauna -

My disagreement with you is in no way a criticism of Harry; I adore 
him completely.  However, I do think Harry has pride and lots of it.

Pride is not necessarily a bad thing, although I think it is often 
portrayed as bad.  Harry is humble, generous and generally caring 
about others, but he does have pride.  In GoF, Crouch-as-Moody is 
frustrated with Harry for not asking Neville for help and even says 
"You have a streak of pride and independence..." (GoF, chapter 35).  
Not the best example, I know, but it is true.  Harry doesn't like to 
reach out for help at times when he should.  If he had told Dumbledore 
right away about his scar hurting in GoF, some of his problems may 
have been avoided later.  Of course, I understand Harry's hesitation, 
as I wouldn't trust too many people either if I was in his shoes, but 
Voldemort is no joke.

Harry also feels annoyed with Fleur when she refers to him as a little 
boy upon hearing the news of Harry as the fourth champion.  I could 
almost hear Harry thinking "Well, I'll prove *her* wrong!" in that 
scene.

Harry shows his pride in nearly every scene he shares with Snape, 
starting with their first meeting in class.  The fact that Harry 
stands up for himself shows that he has pride, but again, his pride is 
not a bad thing.  I love Harry for standing up to Snape.

Harry has too much pride to approach Ron during their fight.  Even 
though I think Ron was in the wrong there, Harry could have been the 
better person and approached his friend.  *We* knew that Harry missed 
Ron, but Harry was as unable as Ron was at the time to put aside his 
ego and make the first steps towards a reconciliation.

When Harry spoke back to Dudley in SS or teased him in CoS, he was 
showing pride.  As much as he could avoid it, Harry refused to be 
bullied.  I think the same thing in GoF when Harry wants to go to the 
QWC and must speak to Vernon about it.  Harry doesn't back down.  He 
knows he is right, but he is also proud and wants to stand up for 
himself instead of thanking Vernon for nothing.

Maybe inner strength is a better description of what Harry has, or 
maybe it is independence.  Either way, Harry's personality has a nice 
dose of pride.  I think it's great.

--jenny from ravenclaw, who couldn't criticize Harry even if I tried 
really really hard ******************