[HPforGrownups] Re: Chapter Discussions - Chapter Two Questions, "A Peck of Owls"

[Lady Macbeth]

No: HPFGUIDX 72366

Valky:
>>> I began to think that pehaps Dudley remembered performing magic and
was filled with dread because he was brought up in fear and disgust
of it. I don't suppose anyone agrees?

Or could he have been made to see just how much of a bully he really
is?  Ir was he forced to face insecurity of some sort that made him
act like a bully?  Teenagers don't like being told they aren't
perfect.<<<

Lady Macbeth:
My husband asked this same question.  It seemed to me that Dudly was getting
a taste of his subconscious understanding that his actions will likely come
back on him one day.  Even the worst of bullies, even if they don't
recognize it consciously, know that their actions could one day come back to
haunt them - it's part of the reasoning behind singling out the "weaker"
people and animals to pick on; the fear of retribution is lessened, because
they can reason with themselves "what's he ever going to do to me?"
However, Dudly and his gang have likely picked on a LOT of people,
especially since they're prone to such activities as throwing rocks at
passing cars.

In addition to that, Dudly personally has been a royal ass and bully to one
person who could quite literally make his life a living hell with a wave of
his wand - remember the reaction just before the Dementors that Harry got by
pulling his wand in anger?  Dudly very clearly knows, or at least fears, the
kind of power Harry could have over him.  The worst of those fears were
likely brought to the surface, along with any other particularly nasty fears
tucked in his mind.

-Lady Macbeth


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