[HPforGrownups] Re: DD at the Dursleys: Why do people dislike the scene?

[Barb Roberts]

No: HPFGUIDX 157580



  Steve wrote:

>  ...While all this is happening, in the background, glasses of
>  wine are bashing in the skulls of the Dursleys. OK, I
>  exaggerated, but no more so than those who hate this scene.
>  Yes, the wine glasses are annoying the Dursleys, and that
>  was funny. It was partly funny because all they had to do
>  to stop it was take the wine glass. They didn't even have
>  to drink it; just take hold of it...

Ivogun (Barbara):

I admit to liking this scene. To me, the Dursleys' refusal to take the 
wineglasses is symbolically significant. Dumbledore is the 
representative of the good side. He's the sage, the church father 
figure. The Dursleys not taking his hospitality is akin to refusing 
communion--not good.  They are refusing whatever assistance and support 
that Dumbledore  can provide.  When Dumbledore arrived at the Dursleys, 
he complements Vernon's Agapanthus (word play on love), Vernon Is too 
dense spiritually to get it.   The tongue-lashing they later receive 
from Dumbledore is akin to a spiritual admonishment.  The Dursleys are 
shown to be shallow, materialistic, and mean-spirited. At the end of 
scene,  Petunia seems to understand a bit finally; at least she is red 
faced (ashamed? angry? or both?) Vernon and Dudley seem to remain 
clueless though.



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                        -:¦:-··..-:¦:-* ~ Barbara~ *-:¦:-..··-:¦:-
                                   (¸.·'´(¸.·'´-:¦:-`'·.¸)`'·.¸)



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