How dim is Harry? - Abuse and Oppression.

[arrowsmithbt]

No: HPFGUIDX 98438

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "cubfanbudwoman" <susiequsie23 at s...> 
wrote:
> 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.....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.

Oh, it's a plot device all right, there can't be much doubt in anyone's
mind about that. The problem is that while it may be feasible to get 
away with it for one or two books, stretch it to 5 (or even 6) and it 
starts to grate. It sticks out like a sore thumb, it's so damn obvious.

The reader starts to notice it; not just notice, but *anticipate* it. And
it detracts badly from the story. The first part of OoP, Harry was
throwing a wobbler "Nobody tells me anything!" was his constant
whine. To which, all over the world, came the reply "That's because
you never ask the right bloody questions!" 

Sure, we are all looking forward to a thrilling denoument, but there's
a risk that the means may defeat the ends. An unbelievable Harry is
not an asset to the story IMO.

Kneasy