forms of address

[lexical74]

No: HPFGUIDX 115821


JKR is systematic enough in her application of forms of address to 
make them an interesting discussion topic.  As noted in previous 
posts, McGonagall has varying ways to refer to DD.  

Discussions of McGonagall's interactions with DD range from those 
that merely attempt to ascertain her status within school or perhaps 
even the WW to those that seek evidence for a DD/McG SHIP.  

As far as SHIPs go, a DD/McG one is fun to talk about because it 
conforms to several cultural presuppositions (though they differ from 
country to country).  Here in the U.S., it seems to be a cultural 
standby that, if the two top administrators in a school (or even 
bosses in a company) happen to be male and female, then there must be 
a romantic relationship.  The possibility of such occuring at 
Hogwarts is even more tantalizing due to the way in which JKR creates 
DD and McG.  All evidence, both textual and extra-textual seems to 
support the notion that JKR holds both characters in high esteem.  
Furthermore, McG's stolidity contrasts nicely with DD's whimsy.  One 
caveat, though, is that we American readers sometimes overestimate 
the emotional content of British English because of unfamiliar 
conventions, such as beginning a sentence with "My dear so-and-so."

McG's addresses to DD include forms--first name and last name only--
that suggest familiarity in any context.  Here in the US, companies 
and school districts are adopting the idea that first names are 
desirable between superiors and subordinates.  The general idea is to 
create an environment of friendliness.  As most of you have noticed, 
however, titles are important in the Potterverse.  McG has the 
privilege of calling DD "Albus."  She seems to revert 
to "Dumbledore," a form of address with its own semantic import, when 
she is questioning his judgment.  In my view, it's almost as if she 
is admonishing him like she would a student!  JKR's representation of 
her character makes this a possibility.

Example (a time of emotional tenderness): Right after DD confirms the 
Potters' deaths...
"Lily and James...I can't believe it...I didn't want to believe 
it...Oh, Albus..." (SS 12).

Example (a time of reproof): "It's the best place for him," said 
Dumbledore firmly.  "His aunt and uncle will be able to explain 
everything to him when he's older.  I've written them a letter."

"A letter?" repeated Professor McGonagall faintly, sitting back down 
on the wall.  "Really, Dumbledore, you think you can explain all this 
in a letter?"  (SS 13).

The thread that binds both quotations is one of collegiality and 
familiarity.  The degree of intimacy in the familiarity remains 
unknown, but the familiarity per se is evident in the easy exchange 
between non-formal forms of address.

Now, does DD notice the difference between being called "Professor" 
and "a barmy old codger"?  His characterization suggests that he 
does.  In fact, he seems to be aware of all fine distinctions, a 
trait that must reassure ole Severus since he bemoans Harry's deficit 
in this department.  IMO, DD knows he is "the" "Professor 
Dumbledore," but he also knows he is a person.

Let me know what you think!

Cheers,

Brian