[HPforGrownups] Re: Harry, Ginny, and age appropriateness / Abusive Harry (combined answer)

[Ladi lyndi]

No: HPFGUIDX 136070

delwynmarch  wrote:
 
However, I am pointing out that because we don't have any canon
contradicting it, it could theoretically be possible.

Lynn:

Okay, so using your reasoning, Harry could theoretically be a thief.  After all, except for socks for Dobby, I don't believe we've ever seen him actually buy a gift for someone and yet, we know he's given gifts.

Since canon doesn't state that Harry does buy his gifts and is not stealing them and it doesn't SHOW Harry doing the shopping, it could be interpreted that Harry STEALS the items he gives as gifts.  Therefore, JKR is remiss in not showing us how Harry obtains the gifts he gives because young people could interpret the fact that he doesn't go into a store and buy the gift as Harry stealing to obtain the gifts.  That would also make Hermione and Ron thieves as well since we don't see them buying all the gifts they give either.  It doesn't matter that Harry has money as we know that people with money steal as well.

The problem with the argument that canon doesn't rule out this or that interpretation is that we'd need at least a set of books the size of the series to rule out every possible interpretation someone could come up with and then an addendum for all the others new people reading might have.  To expect JKR to write so that every base is covered to everyone's satisfaction is beyond the realm of anyone's ability.  Authors cannot and should not be expected to address every possible sensibility.  After all, what one person sees as a negative characteristic or action another person can see as positive.  Parents have a responsilibity in all this as well.  They can choose to read what their children are reading and to discuss it so that the wrong interpretation isn't being put on what's written and to be sure that their own negative experiences don't end up colouring how their children interpret what they are reading.

The usual disclaimer, JMO


 

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