A Harry Failure

[paulanurse2003]

No: HPFGUIDX 59004

> I agree and I think that's precisely why Harry needs to fail.
> 
> A major theme throughout all four books so far is growing up. 
Growing up means that we learn to ask for advice or help when we need 
it,rather than assuming that we can handle it ourselves A failure 
that Harry is directly responsible for will teach him that 
> he is not invincible; he cannot do everything himself. Once he 
learns that, he will realize that he sometimes *has* to ask for help 
and advice. I just think that Harry does need to learn a bit of 
> caution and realize that he CAN fail.
> 
> DrMM

In reply to DrMM:
I agree with the overall sentiment of your statements but I feel that 
JKR demonstrates so clearly in GoF that Harry is well aware of his 
limitations. His apprehension and dread of competing in the various 
tasks of the tournament whilst underage looms through all the 
chapters more so than his actually undertaking them. Also, the fact 
that he 'wins' the tournament is clearly moderated by knowledge from 
others: Hagrid about the dragons; Mad Eye Moody & the summonig charm; 
Cedric concerning the 2nd clue; Moaning Myrtle in the prefects 
bathroom; Dobby about the gillyweed; Herm & Ron and the hexes. Let's 
also remember how desperate he is to ask Sirius' advice (an adult) 
whilst S appears in the fire in Gryffindor common room. He obviously 
has no arrogance. It appears his only reluctance is to appear not to 
cheat. 

Moreover,it is apparent that JKR never lets Harry succeed in any of 
the books without having help from others - adult or otherwise. In 
Philosopher's Stone Harry only makes it through with the bravery and 
knowledge of Ron and the 'cool' logic of Hermione. Also it 
acknowledged that DD 'allows' the Trio as much information as may be 
necessary for them to suceed. 

In CoS again Hermione is key in providing the knowledge about the 
Basilisk and DD (an adult) pointedly tells Harry to 'ask for help' 
should he need it. When Harry does this in the Chamber he has no idea 
that Fawlkes would come to his aid. Again there is the implicit 
understanding that DD is somehow aware and therefore supportive of 
how Harry, Ron & Hermione will act.

This theory is carried further in PoA. DD actively informs hermione 
and Harry what they must do to save Buckbeat & Sirius.

Harry is not guilty of arrogance but almost a reactionary approach to 
the events that befall him.  

Paula