OoP: Harry's Curious Lack of Curiosity

[David Canny]

No: HPFGUIDX 60514

Diane wrote :
In PS/SS chapter 2:  "...the first question he could ever remember
asking his Aunt Petunia was how he had gotten [his scar]."  The
response he got was the car crash explanation, and an injunction not
to ask questions.  "Don't ask questions - that was the first rule
for a quiet life with the Dursleys."

Now me:
My parents were/are like that. I don't really want to drag up ancient
childhood, but I can't begin to count how many times I was told "It's none
of your business!" about mundane things most of us would consider harmless
and routine questions from a child. As a result, it just isn't in my nature
to ask a lot of questions. And yes, it's a bad thing, but it asking
questions just flat out isn't a natural response for me. From the time I
read that paragraph you've quoted above, I have always understood why Harry
doesn't ask questions. It isn't an Imperious Curse, it's a Dursleyfication
of a small child.

(And I want to hug him.)

Angie