Harry's cupboard was Re: Theoretical boundaries

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 120598


<SNIP> 
> Honestly, there are millions of children in the world right now 
> surviving in living conditions far worse than Harry's at the 
> Dursleys, who have been hungry every night of their lives and 
> have no home at all, much less a heated, lighted cupboard, with 
> a mattress, access to schooling and  books, glasses, television 
> and newspapers. Harry is deprived only in relation to the spoiled 
> and pampered Dudley.
> 

ONLY in relation to Dudley?  Well, not really.  Most kids don't have 
to endure the type of serious bullying Harry endured, or the kind of 
neglect, or the lack of nuturing.  Even Dumbledore remarks on this 
in his speech at the end of OOTP.  

True, many kids have it worse than Harry.  But I'm not sure what 
your point is.  Are you arguing that Harry was not neglected and 
abused?  That is, IMO, insupportable, although it is of course IMO.  
Are you arguing that what was done to Harry was in some way less 
wrong because some other kids had worse things done to them?  I'm 
not trying to be argumentative, but I really don't get your point.



> It occurs to me that if ten year old Harry is in his cupboard all 
the 
> time,  the only reason there are spiders in there is because 
> Harry tolerates them -- otherwise he could sweep them out. 
> 

Only if permitted to do so by the Dursleys.


Lupinlore