[HPforGrownups] Re: Quidditch as Metaphor/Krum

[elfundeb]

No: HPFGUIDX 53633

Petra Pan wrote, in response to my long-ago Quidditch post:
> 
> Where we differ, if I read you 
> correctly in the rest of your post not 
> quoted above, is that you seem to be 
> extrapolating from their Quidditch 
> functions certain characters' 
> functions in the upcoming Voldemort 
> War.
> 
> I see the metaphor as containing one 
> more degree of separation.  That is, 
> someone who plays on a Quidditch team 
> may or may not play the same kind of 
> role in the V War.  The dynamics and 
> strategies involved in Quidditch, 
> however, may very well reflect the 
> dynamics and strategies that will come 
> into play in the warfare that will be 
> waged in the future books.
> 
I think we agree here which is why I hedged my comments with "and/or".  Other than Harry, who I think we agree plays a Seeker role in Quidditch and against Voldemort, most of the characters I cited as having *Quidditch* roles such as Chaser or Keeper or Captain do not play Quidditch.  For example, I definitely don't expect Hermione to ever to join the Gryffindor Quidditch team, though I do expect her to continue her "Chaser" role against Voldemort.  I also suggested Ron as "Keeper" against Voldemort, and though many listmembers believe he will be the next Keeper for Gryffindor, I think his character development to date indicates otherwise, as it would be too easy a solution to his search for self to be handed a spot on the Quidditch team.  

I think it's possible that the twins might play a Beater role against Voldemort at some point, but it's really speculation based on the fact that they already act as off-field Beaters for Harry (as in the Ton-Tongue Toffee incident).  In Quidditch their fouls didn't cost Gryffindor points because of the actions of other team members in saving those points.   This could foreshadow that they will unwittingly aid the other side (which is what a Quidditch foul does because the other side is given a penalty shot to compensate) but that the *light* side will overcome it.  

> The comparison here between Harry who 
> refrained from catching the Snitch and 
> Krum who didn't would make the case 
> for considering Harry to be a team 
> player and Krum not IF we are given 
> the impression that Krum was motivated 
> by the desire to "preserved his own 
> status as the most brilliant Seeker" 
> on the way "to get glory for himself."  
> Mind pointing me again?  I never got 
> that impression.

I think the hints of disapproval are there, but they are very subtle:

1.    The Bulgarian team members "shaking their heads and looking dejected."

2.    Everyone, including the Irish team and Ludo Bagman, were taken aback at Krum's actions.

3.    The final score was 170 to 160.  He gave up on his team when they only needed to score only two more goals in order to put victory within reach.  One goal would have put a tie within reach.  Krum's action sealed the team's defeat.

Actually, I find Krum to be a very sympathetic character.  He is a child prodigy, a star athlete at only 18.  Girls he doesn't even know are chasing after him.  His headmaster fawns over him sickeningly.  He's a commodity and that's how he's treated by almost everyone.  He may never have known a normal life.  Not surprisingly, he seems comfortable with himself only when he's playing Quidditch.  His awkwardness and shyness away from Quidditch are well documented.  E.g., "Harry noticed that he seemed a lot less coordinated on the ground."  Or the fact that he had to "pluck up the courage" to ask Hermione to the Yule Ball.  

One can hardly blame Krum for showcasing what seems to be the only thing people value him for.  Krum's evident feelings of inadequacy in spite of his extraordinary talent echo Harry's similar feelings, but Krum seems even more isolated than Harry.  Harry has a close relationship with Ron and Hermione, but Krum seems to be kept away from his classmates by Karkaroff and singled out for special treatment.  Perhaps that's why he is so overwhelmingly taken with Hermione -- she is the only person other than his parents who takes an interest in Victor the person and not Victor the world-famous seeker.

Basically, I feel sorry for him.

Debbie


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