a boy in search of a father

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 104198

Jem: 
> I was wondering today how I would feel if Harry doesn't resolve 
this 
> search for a father by the end of the series.  It would be almost 
as bad 
> as if he dies because wouldn't a part of him either die or remain 
> unborn?  Doesn't he remain scarred for life if this isn't 
addressed?
> 
> It would seem very efficient if the HBP could fill the role as a 
father 
> figure but I would suspect great conflict on Harry's part in 
accepting 
> that relationship.


Jen: From a purely psychological view, Harry seems to be working out 
his need for a father-figure with several different men in the 
series, each one helping him develop a different aspect of his 
character. Together they function to help Harry find peace with his 
absent (and imperfect) father:

1)Dumbledore--Guide and Advisor. Dumbledore plays a much-debated 
role in Harry's life. I've always felt comfortable with the 
ambiguity of his role because I don't see him as a parent to Harry, 
or responsible for every aspect of his welfare. Dumbledore plays a 
very *specific* role in Harry's life. He is responsible for safe-
guarding Harry's destiny, not his physical/emotional well-being. He 
offers spiritual guidance, but is less useful for day-to-day problem-
solving. IMO, Dumbledore involves Hagrid in Harry's life early on, 
to offer more of the emotional support Harry needs.

2) Hagrid--the Protector and Companion. He literally saves Harry 
from the Dursleys, then continues to play an ongoing role in Harry's 
life on a daily basis. The Trio often talk to him when seeking 
advice, asking questions, etc., maybe less so as they age (in fact, 
Sirius takes over this role after POA). In addition, Hagrid also 
turns to Harry at times, helping Harry develop his empathy. 

3) Lupin--Teacher and Mentor. As Renee V. once pointed out to me, 
Lupin's first act in the series is to bring light to the darkness. 
His role seems the most obvious to me, and that's why I can't see 
him as being evil. Lupin assists Harry in many ways, but remembers 
he's the adult in the relationship. Lupin doesn't treat Harry as an 
equal, as Hagrid and Sirius occasionally do, but shows Harry immense 
respect as a person and a powerful wizard. 

4) Snape & Vernon--Critical Parent. This role is just as important 
as the others for Harry's development. Harry needs to learn who he 
*doesn't* want to be when he grows up, as much as seeing men he 
admires and emulates. It's that same thing we all go through with 
the good-parent, bad-parent slpit, Harry just gets the added bonus 
of *two* extremely critical people. Makes the lesson faster, you 
know ;).

So, I don't know if Harry really needs one particular father-figure. 
He has a unique life and I'm not sure any one person would be 
physically or emotionally capable of helping him deal with all the 
things he has to work out!!

Jen Reese

P.S. I didn't include Arthur on this list because I think the 
primary bond for Harry with the Weasleys, psychologically speaking 
anyway, is with Molly.