Harry's glasses: Protection?

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 115746


RedLena wrote:
> Harry's glasses are a primary part of his characterization. They are
a visible reminder that in many ways he's just a normal boy with
flaws, in this case weak eyesight. I can understand why JKR would be
upset that the dust jacket didn't depict them.

Carol responds:
Yes, but weak vision is not just any weakness. Being able to see is
crucial to life as Harry lives it, whether he's playing Quidditch or
writing an essay for Transfiguration or Potions. It's even more
crucial--in fact, vital--when he's duelling with DEs or Voldemort.
Suppose that Voldemort were to Accio his glasses and then vaporize
them so that they could neither be resummoned nor repaired? Harry
would be at a terrible disadvantage with blurry vision--much more so
if without his glasses, he's nearly blind. 

I don't disagree that they're part of what makes him "a normal boy
with flaws," but JKR's words, "the key to his vulnerability," suggest
that they may be something more. Possibly they don't tie in clearly
with her key themes of good vs. evil or death, though to some degree
they tie in with self-determination (if you can't see because an enemy
took your glasses, your chances of survival are limited and your
choices are restricted. You are in that person's power as surely as if
you were under the Imperius Curse).

If you don't buy the thematic connection, at least it would be a
highly effective means of increasing the tension in the plot.

Carol