[HPforGrownups] Re: JKR and the boys

[Magpie]

No: HPFGUIDX 161438

> Carol responds:
>
> While I'm not offended by JKR's portraits of girls (and women), I
> agree with Magpie that they're stereotyped.

Magpie:
Just to be clear--I was not saying I was offended by the portrayals (though 
I have noticed a pattern) so much as offended or horrified by the idea that 
the portrayals in these books represent a comprehensive portrait of my sex. 
They work fine for the plot, and one can see why a lot of things aren't 
developed.  As you say, she's not writing a book about modern adolescent 
life or the social interactions of teenagers (in some ways JKR's are better 
than the real thing--there's little of that girl-on-girl viciousness 
compared to the real world that we see).

When you think of the tons of characters in this series, you can see how JKR 
juggles people based less on making sure all areas of Harry's life are 
richly detailed and more on who's necessary for the plot.  We already have 
lots of characters we need updates on in every books--the woman's got to 
narrow the focus somewhere.

In the end it all kind of comes together. Hermione's character's developed 
so that it's hard to imagine her with of girlfriends, and her focusing on 
the things she does instead make sense.  Her role isn't exactly a girl who 
is friends with two boys, but the third member of this fictional trio chosen 
to balance each other and fight evil.

-m