[HPforGrownups] Harry's cupboard was Re: Theoretical boundaries

[Mrs.) Lee Storm (God Is The Healing Force]

No: HPFGUIDX 120747

I know I've been out of the loop lately, and someone may have posted this,
but I'm gonna say it anyway. :-)

Sometimes when people are in horrid conditions, they actually look to rats
or spiders for company or, at the very least, something to watch.

I got the impression that Harry really couldn't watch TV except whatever and
whenever the Dursley's were watching.  From the beginning of PS, Harry has
been at the whims of the Dursleys, i.e., the first scene in the cupboard is
where Petunia is shrieking for him to get up (PS-US Chap 2):

["Are you up yet?" she demanded.
"Nearly," said Harry.
"Well, get a move on, I want you to look after the bacon. And don't you dare
let it burn, I want everything perfect on Duddy's birthday."
Harry groaned.
"What did you say?" his aunt snapped through the door.
"Nothing, nothing ..."]

Now, this is before Harry gets any letter, and it seems clear to me that
Petunia and Vernon and Dudders could really care less about Harry as a whole
person.  He's useful to them as a cross between a servant and a pet...I hate
to put it that way, but that's how I see it.

Then, in the same chapter, it's clear they don't want him to be a part of
their family group.  They only take "the boy" with them because there's no
one else with whom they can leave him.  He's made to feel like a very
unwanted part of their plans.

Again, this is all before Harry gets the letters.

Now, granted, Harry's past (his wizarding folks) is, I'm sure, uppermost in
the Dursleys' minds, but...

Returning to the subject of the spiders, casting all the infinite theories
of fears and strengths aside, perhaps in his own way, he viewed the spiders
as company, as pets even.  They were something for him to watch, something
for him to, perhaps, commiserate with.  When people are in dire conditions,
they may resort to what might be considered strange outlooks to us, but to
them, these things are just a part of life.  Not being allowed a dog or cat,
not ever really getting anything of his very own...only the used or broken
hand-me-downs of a spoiled cousin, hey...the spiders are in his world, so to
speak, and they're his (Petunia doesn't want them), and they're something
alive and interesting to watch.

Just a few rambling and random thinkings from a lady who wants a
vacation...Bad!! :-)

Hope you all have a blessed and fulfilling 2005!

Cheers,

Lee :-)

Do not walk behind me,    | Lee Storm
I may not care to lead;   | N2FGC
Do not walk before me;    | n2fgc at arrl.net (or)
I may not care to follow; | n2fgc at optonline.net
Walk beside me, and be my friend.