[HPforGrownups] Re: Chapter Discussions - Chapter One, Dudley Demented

[Scott Santangelo]

No: HPFGUIDX 68547


"Robert A. Rosenberg" <rarpsl at o...> wrote:
Harry needs to reestablish a working relationship with (the Dursleys)since circumstances have changed and he can no longer "go with the flow" by ignoring them and their mistreatment of himself.


Marina commented:

I really don't understand the recent trend of demands that Harry should be thanking and apologizing to people who abuse him . . . The relationship between Harry and the Dursleys needs to change, yes.  But it shouldn't be up to the victim to repair his relationship with his abusers, nor should is it the teenager's responsibility to make the adults around him act like half-way decent human beings.

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I understand it, but I don't buy it, and I agree (wholeheartedly) with Marina here. I guess we're all speculating on where JK will be going with the story in the (very) little time that remains. I can imagine some sort of reconciliation with the Dursleys, but only in context of a happy ending where Harry is free to avoid them indefinitely. Somewhere in OOP he compares Privet Dr. to #12 Grimauld Pl. (someone help me with canon here!), and if I were Harry, I'd be out of there like a shot and not looking back. OK, there was some minute, tiny piece of Petunia that condescended to take in Harry, though it's a miracle he ever survives their neglect at all. Lots of posters are projecting "the right thing to do" by way of diet, behavior, and etc., but, erm, each of the characters has their own baggage. Hermione, perhaps, would promote a softer touch with the Dursleys (if she can be sympathetic to Kreacher!). But Harry's experience has been his teacher. To his credit, he saves even Dudley's
 fat a** from the Dementor (not much of a soul there anyway - maybe he was helping out the Dementor). Can you tell I don't like the Dursley's either?

Owlery2003






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