a boy in search of a father

dzeytoun dzeytoun at cox.net
Sun Jul 4 03:16:47 UTC 2004


No: HPFGUIDX 104231

> 
> 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. 

True.  But there is still something missing, a key ingredient if you 
will, to help all of these things gel.  A father figure for Harry 
might well not be able to help him with all his problems (what father 
can do that for his son, after all?) but still could provide the 
crucial point of balance, the emotional touchstone Harry has been 
lacking.  I think the tragedy in the death of Sirius is that Harry 
had begun to regard Sirius as that touchstone.

Arya is quite right that 16 is not an age when most young men feel 
the need for a father.  But what is wanted and what is needed are 
often not the same thing.  Harry has entered a crucial period, and 
the lack of emotional support and resources could/would make it that 
much more difficult.

So, who could provide that support?  Various polls I've seen in other 
groups seem pretty evenly split between Dumbledore and Lupin.  
Perhaps Harry will, in the end, grow closer to both of them.  
Although Harry could continue to do without such support, and might 
well reject support if it was offered; it would be tragic, and 
difficult to read, if he HAS to do without it.

Dzeytoun






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