[HPforGrownups] Hermione

[Laura Ingalls Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 85440


Chiara
> I don't like Hermione, that little spoiled arrogant brat "I know it 
> all",
> never did, never will.
> If I recall correctly JKR said more than once that Hermione's character
> reflects her own personality; up to now I haven't read or watched a 
> single
> interview, as I'm a very late fan.
> Is JKR that arrogant?

First of all, welcome to the fandom, Chiara!

As for your questions, while I strongly disagree with the assessment of 
Hermione as a "little spoiled arrogant brat," I can see why someone 
might have a negative reaction to her character.  She's assertive to 
the point of pushiness, always says what she thinks, and *can* be 
insensitive in the form of putting logic before emotion (as in the case 
of Lavender's bunny).  Many people don't like this in a woman.  Heck, a 
lot of people don't like this in *anyone*.

On the other hand, she's also brave enough to stand up for what she 
believes is right, no matter what the consequences (e.g. Trelawney, 
Umbridge, Harry's Firebolt).  As a great man once said, "It takes a 
great deal of courage to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to 
stand up to our friends."  She's a *good* friend, the kind that tells 
you what you *need* to hear, rather than what you *want* to hear.  Not 
only that, she *is* compassionate in many instances in the book.  For 
instance, she is the only student who consistently doesn't look down on 
Neville or treat him poorly -- remember during Moody's first class when 
he Crucio'ed that spider and Neville freaked out?  Hermione not only 
was the only one to notice his fear, but also the only one to care 
enough to tell Moody to stop. (If you hadn't noticed, I have a bit of a 
soft spot for Neville ^_^.)

She's also mature enough to ignore the defamation of her character in 
GoF, clever enough to see Umbridge coming a mile away, and the only 
student to show Harry any manner of meaningful physical affection, 
which I think he's sorely missing.  (Which is, IMO, an example of 
Hermione-as-JKR showing through.  Despite what Jo puts Harry through, 
she really just wants to give him a hug, just like the rest of us. ^_~)

Anyway, I'm not saying she hasn't got bad qualities.  Everyone does.  I 
just happen to think in Hermione's case, the good far outweighs the bad.

As for JKR being arrogant -- well, in her position, *I* would certainly 
feel pretty superior ^_~.  However, I don't really get the feeling from 
interviews that she's 'arrogant', per se.  Maybe a little 'difficult.'  
She has a rather infuriating sense of humor when it comes to answering 
questions.  I wouldn't have her any other way, though.

> Sorry if I offended anyone, but I suppose I'm entitled to my opinion 
> ;-)
>

Well, yes.  But just FYI, it is customary 'round these parts to back up 
our opinions with canon (not that I haven't made the same error before, 
mind you).

>
> Can someone point me to some place where I can find interviews?
>

Try Aberforth's Goat - 
http://www.angelfire.com/magic/aberforthsgoat/index.html
Or the Floo Network's Quick Quotes - http://www.quick-quote-quill.org/

Laura (who really ought to be balancing her checkbook right now.  Sigh.)