[HPforGrownups] Ron, Molly and Those Robes/Much ado about money

[Brittney Heck]

No: HPFGUIDX 59572

Eric Oppen <oppen at mycns.net> wrote:


Firstly, the Weasley parents don't seem to have their heads on quite
straight as regards money.  When you've got four kids in boarding school,
and books to buy for them for five years into the future, spending a
windfall on a trip to Egypt strikes me as slightly insane.  

This is in regards to the continuing Ron/Molly/Robes debate.  This is the first post I received on the issue and chose to make my comments with a bit form this attached because I felt it the most appropriate for what I have to say.  I hope it fits clearly with the current train of the debate.  
 
In regards to the fact that the Weasleys don't manage their money well, that, I believe is obvious.  I have known families in my own life whom have trouble with money and it seems that they so often are forced to do without, that when a large bundle of money comes in that they spend it irrationally on superfulous things (i.e. the trip to Egypt in the case of the Weasleys).  
 
Also, I htink that the Weasleys lack of money is part of why they are so we loved in the series.  If you notice (and please point out if there is an obvious deviation from my theory) that wealth and power in this series go with being malicious and decietful; and, if not strictly those things, then with holding the view that one is better than the others.
 
I think this idea partly ties in with the whole pure blood/mixed blood debate.  The Malfoys (pro-pure blood) have a great deal of money and flaunt it, regularly.  In fact, Fudge states in GoF that the Malfoys cannot still be loyal to Voldemort because the made donations to wonderful causes.  Also, this is how the Malfoys get into the top box at the World Cup.  
 
This doesn't apply only to the wizarding world, either.  The Dursleys (who obviously dislike Harry and the Weasleys, though wizards in general could go along with this point) are very much aware of money and monitary status and how that equates to the type of person you are.  They believe people are below them if they do not have money or do not show their money through status symbols, cars, clothes, etc. 
 
I believe that the lack of money is part of why the Weasleys are so endearing to readers.  I think it is their "human quality" if you will.  I also think this is why Ron and Harry have such a strong bond because, unlike the other students, Harry knows what it is like to go without and to be ostracized for something you, as a child, have no control over.
 
I hope this clearly makes my point on the money debate and on why the Weasleys did not use their money more wisely.
 
Brittney

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