Harry's lack of fear (was: Snape/Neville/Trevor)

[Steve <bboy_mn@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 53097

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, artsylynda at a... wrote:
> Snapesangel:
> 
> > you're right to point out that a naturally fearful
> > person doing something minor that is a big deal to them is as
> > brave as Harry (who seems to have an almost negligent lack of 
> > scepticsim and fear at times)is when he battles the basilisk or 
> > various incarnations of Voldemort.
> > 



> 
> I don't think Harry has a "negligent lack of scepticism and fear" 
> -- he's scared every time it's appropriate to be scared, and I 
> think he's skeptical of lots of things.  But that little voice in 
> the back of his head that protects him from the Imperius Curse is 
> only one of the weapons in Harry's rather impressive arsenal that 
> helps him keep his head when under pressure.  
>
> ...edited...
> 
> Lynda 
> * * *
> "Don't let  the Muggles get you down." Ron Weasley PoA



bboy_mn:

When this and similar subject come up, I like to remind people that
Harry was an abused child, and that abuse creates certain ingrained
characteristics.

Harry has spend his entire life in fear; fear of Dudley and his gang,
fear of Vermon and Petunia, etc..., so he is very skilled at dealing
with fear. When you live in an abusive environment you don't express
anything; emotions, fear, thoughts, etc... because anything that draws
attention to you risk getting you hurt. So, you learn to hold it in,
and you compound that lack of expression with a stubborn defiance that
refuses to let them see that you are afraid.

This also creates an isolated and very introspective person all of
which Harry is. It also creates a brave person because everyday of
your life becomes a quest for survival. Consequently, you either
become strong enough, brave enough, and defiant enough to survive, or
the abusive world you live in destroys you.

I am amazed at how JKR has created a personality in Harry that so
accurately reflect the 'abused child' traits, and how she has equally
created a personality that has the strength of character to withstand
and overcome this adversity. 

Even Ron's personality very accurately fits his situation. He is
expressive because in a large family you either EXPRESS or you get
left behind. A big loving family also gives you an element of safety,
and a belief that when necessary there WILL be someone you can turn
to. Harry has never had anyone to turn to, so now for the most part,
he is a loner. When Fred and George teased Ron, Ron could always turn
to Percy for comfort, and when Percy annoyed him, he could turn to
Fred & George. When they all three ganged up on him, he could turn to
Charlie, and when the whole gang was against him, there was always
Molly. Ron expresses himself including his anger, because he grew up
in an environment where it was OK, and where there we people who would
listen.

Hermione is an only child (I'm assuming), and while I won't go into
detail, I think that it is also clearly shown in her personality.

Just a few thoughts.

bboy_mn