In defense of Molly /Molly's treatment of Arthur

[elizabeththedragonslayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 136481

Susanmcgee48176 <Schlobin at a...> wrote:


> Sorry, but I totally disagree with "Molly's treatment of Arthur" 
as 
> browbeating or disrespectful. They have spirited arguments -- I 
> believe that their argument in the GoF where they are debating 
> whether to tell Harry is a wonderful example of mature adults who 
> love each other and respectfully disagree. Arthur goes ahead and 
> warns Harry about Sirius. Arthur has plenty of influence on 
> decisions. He goes ahead and has the muggle surgeon stitch his 
> wounds -- Molly was right and angry -- but that didn't stop him.



Good post!!  In regards to the Browbeaten Arthur theory, remember we 
only see glimpses into their lives.  In book 2 Arthur came home 
in a pleasant mood after working all night and cheerfully joined 
everyone at the table for breakfast. (Curiously: What could keep him 
so busy that he comes in the next morning for breakfast (Book 2)? ) 
Not what I'd call browbeaten behavior.  Molly was more pleasant 
then, too.  It was in Book 3 with Sirius' escape with her stress 
levels increasing that Molly begins to grate on our poor nerves.  
Her treatment of the other characters was less pleasant from then 
on.  In Book 6 she seems calmer.  Worried, but calm about it.

Married people go through phases or periods if you prefer.  And each 
partner has her/his strengths that they contribute to the 
partnership.  It's the ying and the yang of the relationship.  From 
the little we've been given, it seems as if Arthur and Molly really 
do seem to take turns  sharing the reponsibilities and providing 
leadership in their family.

I'll give that Arthur could be around more. He works a lot of 
overtime.  Perhaps employment is different there and he doesn't have 
the option to say no. 

Its very frustrating to come after working 8 or more hours to find 
your spouse totally losing it with your children.  If Arthur did 
occasionally run away from the situation, and I don't see concrete 
evidence that he does, then I can't blame Him.  I will be casting no 
stones here.


Elizabeth