Symbolism & Metaphors; Ron at the DoM; some Snape (WAS: Hermione's growth

[adsong16]

No: HPFGUIDX 82923


> Debbie wrote:
[heavy snips]
> It's at this point that Ron is literally attacked by a metaphor. Ron summons, 
and then grabs a brain, only to be attacked by it, or more accurately, by the 
"tentacles of thought" which "began wrapping themselves around Ron's arms 
like ropes." The image of all those tentacles of thought floating toward Ron, 
wrapping themselves around and trying to suffocate him paints a pretty 
accurate picture of what's been going on in his head over the past 2-3 books 
and particularly OOP where his lack of faith in himself nearly loses Gryffindor 
a Quidditch cup that was within its grasp. 
[snip]
> Thus, we don't actually see Ron fight off the brain (we know he did, through 
Neville's report), just as (like Hermione and Harry) we don't see him overcome 
his fears at Quidditch. Which is metaphorically exactly right, because Ron's 
struggle is internal and he must resolve it himself.  Harry can't stop the 
thoughts from attacking Ron any more than he can turn Ron into a good 
Keeper by catching the snitch.  What finally happened at the Quidditch final 
was that, when left to his own devices, Ron finally trusted his instincts 

Gorda here:
First of all, congratulations on a brilliant post!  I particularly like this 
explanation, because it really bothered me that H/H and us didn't get to see 
Ron overcome his self-doubt and win the cup for Gryffindor. But of course, as 
you point out, Ron really needs to be left alone at this point, so he can grow 
out of Harry's shadow (and his brothers, remember this is the first time Ron 
has played without Fred and Gorge in the stands).

[more snipping]
> 
> The scar metaphor seems directly applicable to another character who 
doesn't appear in the DoM scene: Severus Snape. Look at what Dumbledore 
says of Snape (ch 37 OOP): "'I trust Severus Snape,' said Dumbledore simply. 
'But I forgot -- another old man's mistake - that some wounds run too deep for 
the healing. I thought Professor Snape could overcome his feelings about 
your father - I was wrong.' Whether or not it's really his worst memory, Snape 
is caught up in the thoughts of those events, just as the brain's tentacles cling 
to Ron as if to suffocate him. And he hasn't been to see Madam Pomfrey 
lately, because the scars left by Snape's memories of James are still 
controlling him.
> 
> 
> Debbie
> 
> 
Gorda:
Aha! very well put. This also puts Snape into perspective. What bothers me 
about the Evil!Snape versus Good!Snape debate is that it is awfully 
reductionist. If JKR has done anything in these books, and especially OoP, is 
to show how people aren't necessarily just good or just evil, but rather have 
much more complexities: Hagrid puts the trio in danger many times through 
his good-natured but dangerous love of monsters, James and Sirius turn out 
to have been prats in their youth, Lupin has serious acceptance issues, Molly 
is a caring but smothering mother, and DD makes mistakes, etc etc. Snape is 
a great character because there is this tension between his obvious loyalty to 
DD, his having saved Harry's life in his first year, and on the other hand his 
friendship with DEs and his obvious dislike (hate?) of anything Marauder. We 
know now that Snape has good reason for these feelings, but as you say, he 
is allowing those feelings of resentment to control him. Rather than talk about 
redemption, in Snape's case we should talk about the healing of those 
wounds, the "forgive and forget" that the Oblivious Unction probably carries... I 
wonder, how will such a healing come about in Snape's case? (or will it? is 
JKR going to leave him to stew in such nasty memories forever? i sure hope 
not...)

Gorda