Humor and Etiquette WAS Re: polite Dumbledore?

[a_svirn]

No: HPFGUIDX 142797

Debbie wrote:

> For those of us who read Dumbledore's actions as "bad manners"
the humor in
> the scene was harder to appreciate, although I recognized that the
intent
> was not to portray Dumbledore as an ill-mannered person.


a_svirn:
Although I do agree with most of what you've said, I don't think you 
are
right in this instance. I think that it's impossible to appreciate
humour of the episode without appreciating Dumbledore's rudeness.
That's what makes it an example of the "comeuppance humour" as you
termed it – the disparity between what he does and what he says.
Whether the joke is really funny or not is another matter. I quite
liked it at first, I remember chuckling at agapanthuses and "we
corresponded, of course". I do believe, however, that he went too
far with it.

Debbie:
> On the other hand, I didn't have any problem with Dumbledore
chastising the
> Dursleys for their appalling behavior to Harry all these years.

a_svirn:
Neither do I. Except that his timing leaves a great deal to be
desired. It hardly matters for Harry anymore now, does it? But I do
have problems with the most powerful wizard of all bullying and
humiliating powerless muggles.