Respecting the Dursleys

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 159600

Annemehr:
> Well, that's just it, isn't it?  "Meant to...?"  "Supposed 
> to...?"  "Should...?" I'm thinking, it's "tempted to."  JKR can't
> dictate our responses, even if she wanted to.  She did lay out all 
> the facts (we hope!), including Harry's point of view.  And you
> both noticed the abuse yourselves, as you mention, on an
> intellectual level.

> I say "tempted to" because I think JKR does that on purpose --
> she's hoping to entice readers to one reaction but is planning to
> reverse a lot of those impressions in book 7.  Potentially, for a 
> fair few of the characters. 

Jen R.: Hey, Annemehr! I don't rule out tempted to, not at all. Just 
that ultimately I think any reversals are meant for Harry rather 
than the reader. If JKR's goal is to write the story for herself 
rather than 'entice' the reader, which is her stated intention, then 
she is taking Harry through the journey of discovery. That's why I 
do think something will come of the Dementor memory with Dudley, 
something which will spark sympathy in Harry. Likely the same will 
happen with Snape, IMO. We've already seen moments of Harry 
identifying with both Dudley and Snape (when Dudley described the 
feeling Dementors invoke and after the Pensieve scene with Snape).  
Sympathy could be the next step in both situations if JKR intends 
for Harry to grow in his compassion.

That's basically what I meant about Dumbledore's speech. Why 
introduce a new concept into the mix when all the story called for 
is Dumbledore to come down on the Dursleys for their treatment of 
Harry? Maybe there's going to be more to it, his speech will 
initiate a change in Petunia perhaps. That would be great as long as 
it leads somewhere or ties into the reasons behind Petunia's 
mystery. If it's left hanging though, the moment will be 
a 'but...why?' part of the story for me. 

Annemehr:
> A "rude awakening" is inevitable for many of us, just because our 
> reactions are so polarized about so many of them.  Think 
> Dumbledore is kind and wise, or a puppetmaster (or both)?  Think
> Snape is a mean, evil bastard or one of the heroes of the story?
> Is Percy ultimately sympathetic, or the twins ultimately
> dangerous?  Is Draco also a victim of his upbringing?

Jen R: Haven't these already happened though? I'm not waiting for 
huge awakenings anymore since OOTP. Her reversals started in the 
eyes of Harry during that book and have kept on coming. Snape will 
likely be the last one, but there JKR introduced an ambiguity that 
could go either way. That's consistency to me, when you leave a door 
open for the possibility. Dumbledore's sudden interest in Dudley's 
welfare is admirable, but inconsistent with his characterization up 
to that point. I can better accept a character with a different 
agenda from mine than one who appears to act passionately for no 
particular reason.

Annemehr:
> But if, in the end, my emotional response doesn't match his
> outcome, it's okay -- in that case JKR and I may differ on 
> something.  What I'm really hoping for is that I've sussed out the
> ultimate dispositions of the most interesting characters based on
> clues in the text, and despite any emotional red herrings JKR may
> have planted along the way.

Jen R: Everyone will likely have a different process to go through 
when all is said and done. I may feel disappointed along the way but 
ultimately will make peace. That's my hope anyway. Just as 
Dumbledore's speech was long forgotten once we entered the cave, any 
problems I have will dissipate in the wake of the *whole* story 
instead of the sum of the parts.

Jen R.