Harry abused by Dursleys / Re: Harry at the Dursleys

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 118381


Alla wrote:
> If we were only to hear Harry's thoughts, then sure it could 
> be possible to think that he is blowing things out of proportion, 
> but we also see Dursleys' ACTIONS and Snape's actions, so I don't
> think he is blowing it out of proportion much.
> 
> Cleaning after dinner - sure, it is a necessary chore, but how 
> about trying to escape Petunia's frying pan? Do you think it is 
> also a normal routine?
> 
> How about him at the age 14 still remembering how hungry he was 
> last summer, when he was sending food to Sirius?
> 
> Of course, some exaggeration is there, but I don't think that a lot,


I agree with Alla on this.  I really don't see how anyone could 
seriously argue that Harry is not an abused child as that term is 
commonly understood and that the series is not, therefore, about an 
abused child. 

Now, it is possible that JKR did not *mean* to write a series about 
an abused child.  No one has ever put the question to her so 
bluntly.  However, if I recall correctly she did say "I do feel sorry 
for Dudley.  Vernon and Petunia have, in a way, abused him as badly 
as they've abused Harry."  I may be wrong, however.

Whatever JKR *meant* I think there is plentiful evidence *in the 
text* that Harry is indeed a victim of child abuse.  And I think 
there is plentiful evidence that he is exhibiting symptoms of that 
abuse.  I don't think we are warranted in dismissing that because of 
what JKR's intentions may or may not be -- at least not at this 
juncture.

Lupinlore