Similarities between Arthur Weasley and Dumbledore

[Jim Ferer <jferer@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 49170

Stacie:"I was reading a description of Arthur Weasley that featured
terms such as "crackpot genius, eccentric, Muggle loving, respected,
etc." Almost every way to describe A. Weasley, could also describe
Dumbledore."

Very good comparison, Stacie.  What I think you're onto are the
qualities that JKR finds admirable.  Clearly she values intelligence,
tolerance, curiosity, and a kind (loving) nature.  Hard to argue with,
IMO.

Eccentricity is a little harder to pin down.  I read somewhere that
eccentrics are some of the happiest people, because they just do what
gives them joy, not defiantly, just without worrying too much what
other people think.  By thinking so outside the box, they are freer
than most of us.  That ability to go outside the box sounds a little
like Harry, doesn't it?  It's different with Harry, but the roots look
similar.

How about Hermione?  I've always thought her growth through the four
books is extraordinary, and one of the biggest aspects of it is -
learning to think outside the box, being willing to break a rule for a
reason, because something higher demands it.

And we've left out another lovable eccentric, Hagrid, with his batty
love of all living things likely to do serious physical harm.  He's
not a genius, but in every other way he, Arthur, and Dumbledore
understand each other perfectly.

Stacie:"There are a few other factors I find interesting, although I
am not certain enough of Dumbledore's past, family, etc. to call them
similarities, such as the success of the Weasley children (2
headboys), etc."

Nobody knows much of Dumbledore's past, except that he isn't sure if
his brother Aberforth can read, which brother has practiced
controversial charms on a goat.  Let's hope *that* is not a commonality.

Great post.  At this rate you'll be presenting papers at Nimbus!

Jim Ferer, hoping he is a daddy like Arthur.