Chapter Discussions - Chapter One, Dudley Demented

[Tim Regan]

No: HPFGUIDX 68502

Hi All,

--- In HPforGrownups Pip!Squeak wrote:
 
> Is Harry rescuing Dudley a sign of Harry's inner goodness? Or does 
> Harry care for his cousin more than he thinks he does?

I think it is two things: firstly an instinctive belief in the 
potential for redemption and secondly a narrative device in the 
plot. (I've said these before in 
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/message/63022> and 
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/message/63860> but I 
hope it's worth restating for this chapter discussion)

Dumbledore believes in redemption. He is keen on to give people a 
second chance, to let people turn over a new leaf. Harry rescues 
Dudley without thinking, because it is the obvious thing for a `good 
person' to do. He'd have done it for almost anyone (and did for 
Peter Pettigrew).

Now, consider these two statements (one about the beginning of the 
book and one about the end):
- Harry hates his cousin Dudley, but when the chance arises, he 
saves Dudley from a fate worse than death. 
- Bellatrix hates her cousin Sirius, and when the chance arises, she 
kills Sirius.
The contrast between these two responses, at either end of the book, 
gives the narrative shape.

Cheers,

Dumbledad.