Ron and Neville (was Re: Ron and Harry Are Inconsiderate Idiots)

[serenadust <jmmears@comcast.net>]

No: HPFGUIDX 50206

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Ebony <selah_1977 at y...>" 
<selah_1977 at y...> wrote:
> Okay, Amy Z mentioned the trick stair incident...
> 
> And Jo mentions Ron's including Neville in the World Cup 
> discussions...
> 
> ...however...
> 
> (and you knew this was coming!)
> 
> All that stuff happens *before* the sections of GoF I analyzed.
> 
> In my essay, I said that I was empathetic towards Ron prior to mid-
> GoF.  That is why my analysis *began at the Yule Ball*.  I don't 
hate 
> Ron as a character (I'll address Amy's points in my next post), 
but 
> neither do I think he's being fair in any of those sections.


Well, Amy's and my examples of Ron's kindness to Neville would have 
to take place before the Yule Ball, since Neville doesn't appear in 
any of the chapters after the Yule Ball (apart from snoring in the 
dorm).

Ok, how about this section:
GoF, Chapter 37,The Beginning

Krum shrugged.  He held out his hand as Fleur had done, shook 
Harry's hand, and then Ron's.  Ron looked as though he was suffering 
some sort of painful internal struggle.  Krum had already started 
walking away when Ron burst out, "Can I have your autograph?"

Hermione turned away, smiling at the horseless carriages that were 
now trundling toward them up the drive, as Krum, looking surprised 
but gratified, signed a fragment of parchment for Ron.

We clearly know that Ron's still in a bit of a dither over any 
Krum/Hermione connection.  He's probably *very* concerned about 
Hermione's possible visit to Bulgaria over the summer.  Still, at 
this point he not only shakes Krum's hand but pays him the 
compliment of asking for his autograph, which seems to cheer him up 
at a moment he's feeling pretty low.

This is the Ron we're left with at this point in canon.  While he is 
still anxious about Krum, he's overcome his previous negative 
behavior, and managed to make a gracious gesture.  My impression of 
this passage is that it demonstrates a big step forward in Ron's  
maturity and ability to manage his feelings.  This is the major 
reason why I think that all the concern people are expressing about 
his earlier behavior is overblown.  If JKR had wanted to leave us 
with the LooseCannonViolentlyJealous!Ron impression, this wouldn't 
be here.  Not that I expect him to be perfect in the future.  That 
wouldn't be any fun at all!

> And you guys brought up all the old fallback "they're just 14!" 
> arguments again.  Sigh.

Well, why isn't this valid (apart from the fact that Hermione is 
probably 15 for most of GoF ;-P)?  I think most of us are profoundly 
grateful that most of the embarrassing behaviour we displayed at 
this age is mercifully forgotten.

Jo Serenadust