Weasley Poverty, Working Wizard Women; was Molly & Arthurwas Why I like Ginn

[quigonginger]

No: HPFGUIDX 123889



> Megalynn:
> 
> In reading through everyone's posts there seems to me to be a 
> divergence from my question. I am not disputing that the Weasley's 
> are good parents that have made a good life for their kids. I do 
not 
> begrudge Arthur his job or Molly her housewife status. I think they 
> are great.
(snip)Have we seen any other evidence in 
> canon to explain why it would not be obvious for a mother with an 
> empty nest and a cash strapped family to get some sort of side job?

Ginger:

I agree with the vast majority of what has been said defending Molly, 
especially those who have pointed out that she is running not just a 
house, but what we would call a homestead.  (Chickens, garden, apple 
trees, etc.)  When the kids are gone, she has all their chores to do.

One thought I'd like to add:  The Weasley house has been lived in for 
many years, mostly with children (for at least the last 20+ years).  
Molly may well have a long list of things to do along the home 
improvement lines.  I have been working two jobs for a long time, and 
am looking forward to the day when I will have time to put up new 
wallpaper, linoleum etc.  

The situation reminds me of my cousin who homeschooled for many years 
due to problems in the local district, then moved to a different town 
and enrolled the kids in the schools there.  I talked to her on her 
first day of "freedom" and asked her how she was enjoying it.  She 
was almost giddy.  She couldn't wait to clean out the linen closet.

Perhaps Molly, like my cousin, is intending to return to the work 
force, but has a lot of things to get done first.  I can imagine her 
apparating home after dropping off the kids in CoS, and capering 
around the kitching trilling, "I get to whitewash the henhouse 
today!  I'm free!"  

Or she could be like my cousin and give piano lessons on the side, or 
something that we just don't see.  Selling jam or eggs, or jumpers;)  
Whatever one might say about Molly, I don't see her as lazy by any 
means.

Just some random thoughts from Ginger, who wishes everyone a Merry 
February