parental roles in HP books

[elizabeththedragonslayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 136242

Sherry:

> And yet, in the series, *mothers* are portrayed as the ones who 
are the> loving, wonderful, giving, life sacrificing parental 
figures.  
Even Narcissa
> comes off sympathetic in her role as mother.  Fathers, however, 
don't come
> off too well, From James to Lucius, they are portrayed as less in 
some way.

We have four mother figures and four fathers too consider.  The 
fathers are Vernon D., Amos D., Barty C., and Arthur W.  Arthur and 
Amos raised their children well.  Barty's ambition killed his 
relationship with his son.  Vernon D.? Frankly, I am convinced that 
his character is provided as a humorous note;  I don't consider him 
as anything else.

Mothers----------

This is the first we've really seen of Narcissa.  (Heresay does not 
count.)  What bad can you really say about her?  That she is willing 
to lie, ruthlessly manipulate, and beg help to save the life of her 
beloved child?  That her behavior is unethical or immoral?  There is 
not a single mom of my acquaintance who wouldn't do the same.  I'd 
wager that 9.5 mom's out there would.
(On a personal note I'm sorry you got one from the .5% group.  Mine 
came from that group too.  It just means that when we get our shot--
do it better!)

Speaking of ruthlessly manipulating....Molly Weasly.  It's a 
subject well worn here that she isn't the best role model mother.  
But neither is she the worst.  Her influence on the children is 
somewhat balanced by her husband's influence, which is the way a 
good marriage/partnership should work.  And you can site 
contradicting examples but by and large the Weasely children (even 
Percey) are a good group of young people.  So, all in all, she did 
her job well, ie, she is a good mother.  For all those here who want 
to slam her(she raised seven children!)she works very hard and 
without much help from her husband (Arthur works a lot of overtime; 
although when he is home he shows some support) AND with little to 
show for it at the end of the day.  I'm sorry, but I have to say 
this to those who are still blasting her...those of you raising 
fewer than three children have not a single clue as to how hard her 
work is.

Petunia Dursley....what can be said.  No power on earth can make her 
change and she just isn't Harry's mother.  I suspect she loved her 
sister, but will never overcome her prejudice against withcraft and 
so ....poor Harry!.  As regards the upbringing of Dudley... The 
father is just as responsible for the outcome of the children as the 
mother.  Vernon let her get away with spoiling Dudders.

With the exception of the Dursley's, I just don't see JKR's 
characters as stereotypical in the canned sense.  They seem well 
crafted.  


Elizabeth