More thought about Draco.

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 129698

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "festuco" <vuurdame at x> wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Geoff Bannister"
> <gbannister10 at a...> wrote:
> 
> > I think that what I want to say will be, like most people's 
> > contributions, subjective rather than objective. Unlike Snape, 
to 
> > whom I have never been drawn, I have always had a sneaking 
sympathy 
> > for Draco because I feel that many of his less pleasant traits 
have 
> > been shaped by his background.
> 
> Gerry
> First, my compliments on your post. I really like it. However, I 
have
> one huge problem with it. I don't believe upbringing is everything.
> That is too easy an anwer. Upbringing certainly can strengthen 
what is
> there, but cannot give certain character traits. 

Geoff:
I didn't intend to suggest that it was all due to background. What I 
tried to underline was that a number of behaviour tendencies 
exhibited by Draco have been exacerbated by his background. 
Loneliness and friendlessness for example. Things like being nasty 
and enjoying the discomforture of groups with whom you have no 
rapport can often spring from bitterness, frustration and rejection 
which do not necessarily correlate directly with background.

I could cite the case of one of my own sons who, in general terms is 
very easy going and pleasant, felt let down and undervalued by a 
group to which he belonged and now will not hear a good word about 
them and glories in any misfortune which may involve this group.
Draco's attitude is very similar to this but writ large.