Respecting the Dursleys

[Annemehr]

No: HPFGUIDX 159676

> Annemehr, previously [re: readers' emotional responses to Dudley]:
> > 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.<snip>
> 
> > 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.

Annemehr:
Hey, yourself!

Certainly JKR is writing for herself, as in writing the story that 
pleases her.  But we know she is deliberately enticing her readers 
into theorising and drawing conclusions, because she's often spoken 
of laying clues and red herrings in the text.  These apply to plot, 
yes, but also to characterisation, because the two are intertwined.

Jen R:
> 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:
I doubt it will be left hanging.

I expect it will tie into what becomes of Dudley in the final book.  
Even without JKR's interview/chat hints that Dudley has a bit more 
in store for him, we at least look forward to finding out about what 
he heard when the Dementor attacked, as you pointed out before.  

We also saw Dudley frowning over DD's statement that he had
received "appalling damage" at the hands of his parents -- perhaps 
we'll find that sinks in a bit.

In addition, and maybe most importantly, the speech tells us a bit 
about Dumbledore -- that he is very well aware of what's been 
happening to both the boys in that house.  Perhaps he felt the need 
to give Petunia and Vernon the feeling that "big brother" was indeed 
watching them, very closely.
 
> Annemehr:
> > A "rude awakening" is inevitable for many of us, just because 
our 
> > reactions are so polarized about so many of [the characters].  
<snip>
> 
> Jen R: 
> Haven't these already happened though? I'm not waiting for 
> huge awakenings anymore since OOTP.

Annemehr:
Oh, I'm expecting some more reversals.  'Course, it depends on each 
reader, how they're perceived.  One who's picked up all the clues 
will enjoy a satisfying twist; one who's followed red herrings will 
be a bit more surprised.

And, no, I have no huge confidence in my ability to tell clues from 
little fish.  ;)


Jen R:
> 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.


Well, if JKR's doing her job well, it's not an inconsistency but 
rather a bit of information that informs the whole.  And, DD is 
complicated.  It's hard to see where everything fits (well, for me, 
at least).

I don't think it will turn out that Dumbledore will have done things 
for no particular reason.

And, you know, I'm still waiting to find out what that dang Plan of 
DD's is.

Annemehr