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

[Lynda Sappington <artsylynda@aol.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 53114

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Steve <bboy_mn at y...>" 
<bboy_mn at y...> wrote:
> --- 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 *snip*
> > 
> > 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 
> > * * *
> 
> 
> bboy_mn:
> 
> *snip*> 
> 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

Well said!  I have thought several times how *obvious* it is that Ron 
is a middle child in a big family and Hermione and Harry are 
both "only children" (as far as we know, anyway).  Hermione has the 
self-confidence and maturity of the only child of parents who 
encouraged her every step of the way.  Ron has the combativeness 
middle children often acquire in their efforts to be noticed.  And 
Harry -- yes, he has the courage the best abused children develop -- 
those who don't acquire that resolute courage and stamina don't 
manage to overcome their backgrounds.  Good post, bboy_mn!