CHAP DISC: Chapter 21, Eye of the Snake - The Kiss

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 104247

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Janet Anderson"
<norek_archives2 at h...> wrote:
> > > 8. Why oh why does the kiss take place off stage? How could JKR
> > > *do* > > this to me?
> >---------

> > ??who??:
> >I think part of it is so that we the readers have very little 
> > emotional >attachment to the>Cho/Harry relationship.  I don't buy 
> > that a description of a mere kiss is >too>scandelous for the likes
> > of Bloosmsbury literature.  If (he) falls in love and has that 
> > mind blowing kiss we all wish for, make no mistake, we'll be there
> > for it ...

> Janet:
> 
> I think that the reason it takes place off stage is the one given by
> Harry during Snape's occlumency lesson: It's private.  No one but 
> the participants thereof know the exact details.  
> 

asian_lovr2:

I completely agree, first and foremost this is private. But there are
practical considerations too, at least from an author's stand point.
How do you write the kiss without it becoming like a cheap sulty
romance novel. I mean what can you really say about a kiss that
doesn't involve moisture, pulsing, throbbing loins, heaving breast,
crushing bodies, sweating, tingling, etc....

The 'Fade to Black' in situations like this is classic novel, movie,
and TV fair, or at least it was up until our more recent 'anything
goes' world of entertainment. A world in which most 13 year olds are
protrayed as more knowledgable and experience in the ways of love than
most real world adults. 

Personally, I like Harry's version of love, and I think far far more
kids can relate to Harry than can relate to teen relationships
typically portrayed in the media. 

Let's take some examples-

--- OotP - assorted Quote relating to Harry & Cho ----

The Kiss-
Harry felt a burning desire to run from the room and, at the same
time, a complete inability to move his feet.

He could not think. A tingling sensation was spreading throughout him,
paralysing his arms, legs, and brain. (Note: that was before the kiss)


The Question-
She walked away. Harry stood staring at her, his brain working
frantically. Then something clunked into place.

"Er.. d'you want to come into Hogsmeade with me on Valentines day?"


The Date-
Harry's feet seemed to be too big for his body as he walked toward
her, and he was suddenly horribly aware of his arms and how stupid
they looked swinging at his sides. 

- - - End Quotes - - - 

Now that's reality, complete awkwardness tempered only by utter
cluelessness. Now THAT's a real teenager.

By the way, for those who didn't notice, that 'kiss' took nearly half
an hour.

"Harry returned to the common room HALF AN HOUR LATER to find Hermione
and Ron in the best seats by the fire;..."

Note that the Room of Requirements is on the 7th floor, same floor as
the entrance to Gryffindor Tower. It certainly didn't take Harry a
half hour to walk down the hall.

Cho crying or not, that must have been some kiss.


> Janet continues:
>
> Notice that the description of the tea shop where Harry and Cho go 
> on Valentine's Day is far from complimentary and the person 
> (Roger Davies?) who *is* on stage, audibly kissing his girlfriend at
> the next table, just looks tacky.  ..., the relationship between 
> Harry and Cho isn't real and doesn't bear close inspection.
> 
> 
> Janet Anderson

asian_lovr2:

I think Harry's description of the tea shop is just another indicator
of what a 'clueless boy' he is. Like many boys his age, he has
discovered desire and attraction, but hasn't made the leap to romantic
relationships yet. Sadly, many men go a lifetime and never quite make
that leap. 

And, like many heroes, Harry is still a bit innocent. He is aware of
desire and attraction, but doesn't have a clue what it means or what
to do about it yet. Now Fred, George, and Roger Davies, they know what
to do about it, but I suspect their actions are somewhat self-serving,
again, while they are far more confident and sophisticated than Harry,
I don't think they have really made the leap to true romantic
relationship yet either.

For what it's worth.

Steve/asian_lovr2