Ron's draw as a talking point

[Peggy]

No: HPFGUIDX 123818


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Brian Brinkman" 
<lexical74 at y...> wrote:
<snip> 
> 
> 
> Thus far, Ron seems to be the most average of the trio.  JKR hasn't 
> let him shine, yet.  In my view, she has written his character as a 
> plodder.  My childhood minister (Presbyterian) once spoke of Isaac 
in 
> the Hebrew Bible as a plodder because his father was Abraham and 
his 
> son was Jacob (Israel).  That is, Isaac's claim to fame is as the 
> link between two high-profile patriarchs.  Unless Ron demonstrates 
> some new talent or dimension to his personality, he will be a self-
> aware plodder, I think, and that's not always a bad thing.
> 
<snip>

Peg:

I think the most important word in your post is "yet."  I still 
remember the chess game in SS/PS.  Others (sorry, can't pull up all 
of the posts!) have suggested that the search for the Stone was a 
preview of things to come, so to speak.  Ron's strategic abilities 
haven't really been revisited.  Maybe we'll see more of that if he 
does become Quidditch Captain for Gryffindor, but I have a sneaking 
suspicion that his abilities will become important in the last two 
books.  When he realizes that what they need to do requires his 
strategic thinking abilities, we'll see him shine.

I see your minister's point about Isaac, but I'd use the 
word "linchpin" instead of "plodder."  Without the linchpins 
(plodders) nothing else happens.  Abraham and Jacob need Isaac.  I 
think, without Ron, the story wouldn't "happen."  The story needs 
him, just as much as Harry does.

Peg--who should drink her coffee instead of posting to the list at 
this hour.