[HPforGrownups] JKR and the boys

[Nicole M. Angle]

No: HPFGUIDX 161453

Miles:
> My impression is, that JKR does not know very much about boys becoming men,
> or boys' interactions at all. Otherwise she would show us more "boys'
> situations" like that in the PoA film mentioned at the beginning of my post.
> Do we actually see any signs of fights (not only physical) among the boys to
> find a ranking? Do we listen to any chat about girls and which boy has done
> whatever with a specific girl, or which girl is most interesting? To
> describe teenage boys (and girls as well) without ever mentioning sexuality
> is very difficult, which is another weak point of the HP series IMO - but
> that would be worth another post. JKR seems to master this difficult task
> with girls - but her young male characters are far from being realistic.

Nicole:
Did you read OOTP yet? Boys fighting?  Look at Harry & Draco & quidditch match?
What you also have to realize in the sexuality part, is that she started this book for kids books that adults happen to read.  My 10 year old has read up to HPB (just started) and he LOVES HP, but I can tell you if there was any thing sexual in them, he wouldn't be reading them, they wouldn't be in any school libraries, and the movies wouldn't be movies kids could go see.  She has to tone it down.  But you also have to remember, boys raised in cuboards probably lack a little experience in the girls vs. boys department.
Another point, is this is Harry vs. LV, detail on gossip between kids isn't high on his list.. beating LV is.  
Oh, and through out the series, HP is constantly talked about, hushed over, gossiped about, there are several that have interest in him in HBP, but just crushes, don't you think?

Nicole