feelings...nothing more than feelings... (was: Re: Harry's disposition )

[jjjjjuliep]

No: HPFGUIDX 94805

I wrote:

<<He needs comfort or counsel--it's that so often he's engaged in 
behavior he can't or won't tell them about, so he can't necessarily 
avail himself of it.>>

and Joe responded:
 
<<If we accept this premise, the question naturally surges forth as to 
why HP behaves this way.>>


I would say that it's because it's mainly because he's a child (and 
now a teenager) with a great gift who hasn't yet learned self-
discipline.  And I don't say that in an overly critical way as he 
spent all of his life before Hogwarts in a safe but miserable life.  
After he learns who he is and what he can do, his life becomes, in 
some ways, less miserable, and in all ways, more dangerous.  I find 
his impetuousness and, yes, recklessness, to be somewhat 
understandable in that context as he tries out his new life.  (Well, 
OK, maybe I am a little less thrilled with his behavior in OoP as the 
consequences of his willfulness grow more serious.)

I might also say that it's also due, to some extent, to a passive-
aggressive streak Harry is learning from...Snape.

jujube (who is also worried that Harry will magically [no pun 
intended] be transformed into some super-perfect superhero and whos 
should instead be worried about catching the bus to work)