How dim is Harry? - Abuse and Oppression.

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 98427

bboy wrote:
> > the factor I am trying to point out to people who say 'I would 
> > do this' and 'I would do that', is that, if you carefully look 
> > at Harry's character, you will find that his not asking is 
> > completely IN CHARACTER. Completely justifiable and reasonable 
> > given his history. 
> > 
> > It would be out of character for us not to ask, but I say again, 
> > that it is completely and logically IN character for Harry not 
> > to ask.
 
Kneasy: 
> Nope. Can't agree.
> Not unless you characterise Harry as a brain-washed, repressed,
> unimaginative dolt.

> Not to ask, not to look in the books may be a
> useful plot device but it is not believable.
 
> It's not a question of what you or I would do, it's a question
> of what anyone with a pulse would do. They'd ask.


Siriusly Snapey Susan now:
What IS left, then, Kneasy, besides "a useful plot device"??  If 
it's not believable that Harry wouldn't ask, because anyone with a 
pulse would ask--even someone whose nature seems to be reticent when 
it comes to asking question--then what are we to do?  Think Harry is 
a dolt?  I don't think so.

It *is* a plot device, imho.  JKR shows us enough times where Harry 
is told not to ask, where he finally screws up the courage to ask DD 
and is rebuffed, where people like Molly step in & say, "That's 
enough," ... that we are simply to accept that Harry's just learned 
it's best to keep quiet.  That gives her the "space" to take her 
time answering the questions.  

I mean, you're right, really.  What human being with a pulse 
wouldn't ask *somebody,* *sometime,* *somehow* to answer some of 
this?!  So either Harry's a total nitwit or JKR is employing a plot 
device.  I opt for the latter.  BECAUSE this is a mystery series, 
she CAN'T allow him to ask too many questions.  Or, if she did make 
him more "believable" and allow it, she'd have to have people either 
lie, mislead or misdirect him...and then she'd have even more 
explaining to do to her audience in the end. 

I think she *had* to write Harry this way if she's going to hide the 
mystery for 7 books.

Just one woman's opinion.
Siriusly Snapey Susan