[HPforGrownups] Re: CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Chapter 21, The Eye of the Snake

[Shaun Hately]

No: HPFGUIDX 102970

On 27 Jun 2004 at 6:45, Steve wrote:

> asian_lovr:
> 
> The first thing it shows me is that Ron is capable of fulfilling his
> Prefect role when the need arises. I have no problem with Ron having
> been appointed a Prefect, although I suspect I'm in a minority on that.

I really can't see why. I think Harry, all things being equal, 
would have been the better choice - but the reason that didn't 
happen is explained. I can't see any reason though, why Ron 
couldn't discharge the duties appropriately. He seems capable to 
me.
 
> As far as Fred and George, I think very few younger brothers, and
> especially a youngEST brother, would be able to exert any control over
> older brothers. Life just doesn't work the way; at least, it doesn't
> work that way for guys.

The fact they are his brothers is a potential problem - but really 
it's a problem that shouldn't arise. It seems likely that there are 
four prefects in the house senior to Ron and Hermione, including 
two are the same age as Fred and George. They should be dealing 
with Fred and George if needed - they shouldn't be expecting Ron 
and Hermione to do this (there's nothing wrong with Hermione 
deciding to, I might add - if she is willing and able to take on 
that responsibility, good for her - but it shouldn't be absolutely 
necessary that she does - and with Ron, the fact that they are his 
elder brothers means even more he should be supported).

Personally I would guess that the more senior prefects have pretty 
much given up on controlling Fred and George under normal 
circumstances. That's fine - sometimes it isn't worth the trouble - 
but if that was the case, one of them should have told Ron and 
Hermione (-8 and it doesn't seem like that has happened.

Ron's 'failure' to deal with his brothers, only becomes relevant if 
others more experienced than he have already failed. And in that 
situation... it's hard to blame him.

Even Hermione only manages to exert any form of influence of them 
by resorting to a virtual nuclear deterrant in threatening to tell 
their mother!

(Of course, I still have suspicions that Fred and George *are* 
prefects... just nobody knows it...)


Yours Without Wax, Dreadnought
Shaun Hately | www.alphalink.com.au/~drednort/thelab.html
(ISTJ)       | drednort at alphalink.com.au | ICQ: 6898200 
"You know the very powerful and the very stupid have one
thing in common. They don't alter their views to fit the 
facts. They alter the facts to fit the views. Which can be 
uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that 
need altering." The Doctor - Doctor Who: The Face of Evil
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