Further analysis of Luna Lovegood

[Paula Gaon]

No: HPFGUIDX 84439

9Nov03
Dan wrote:
Potter's heroic is from the heart, rather than from the intellect.

Paula:
We could argue this point ad infinium.  I'll settle to say that HP's heroic is an intellectual decision, a reaction to the fact that he has been all his life the victim, orphaned and bullied.  But once a decision like this is made, it becomes internalized in the heart.
 
Dan:
To Paula, I would add this - 
Analysis on this level can certainly aid one in decyphering plot development and devices, in much the same way Lovegood's example of equanimity aids Potter.
 
Paula:
Touche!  This analysis is a lot more concrete--the what, where, when why.  I sensed from the very beginning of the Luna chapter that she'd be a crucial plot element, so for me it was always a foregone conclusion. Luna's chapter even begins with the suspense of the Griffyndors searching for a compartment and the tension that Neville feels about sitting with her. 


Dan Concluding then -

Luna's role as agent for Harry's development needs to be analysized from her perspective as well, if she is to be more than "a plot device" herself. 
 
Paula:
OK, but how far can we go analysizing Luna's role as such.  We're given only tone and moods as hints.  We more or less  know HP's character.  I have a gut feeling that Luna is acting at this point as a pivot in Harry's emotional development and maturity as she patiently and blandly explains what she's doing in the last scene.   We still don't know Luna very well, so for now we can only theorize--read between the lines.  For example I already see a strength of character and confidence from her attitude towards finding her things.  But, I still see this incident as a possible opening to further plot development.  So, maybe we're thinking along the same lines here.
 
Dan:
Because of the issues her beliefs, her spaciness, bring up, it is perhaps too easy to "accept" what she is at face value. Almost as if her role as friend to Potter is her entire raison d'etre. 
 
Paula:
Not at all!  The issues of her beliefs and spaciness have left me on the edge of the chair.  When JKR starts like this, we should know by now that there'll be plenty to follow.  I especially feel this way because of the conspicuousnss of her absence on the train home.  My personal theory, and have probably said this before, is that there is a real significance to WHAT Luna's looking for and why these particular things were hidden.  What's your theory, Dan?
 
Finally, I vote L3--keep it simple, make it fun.  Whatever Potter and Luna, Dan, you're a good catalyst.
 
~Paula "Griff" Gaon
 



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