Lily and Petunia

[dreadr]

No: HPFGUIDX 176510

> Lisa:
> Debbie, I've thought about this and been on the fence for quite
> some time.  First, I've considered the same points you did about
> explaining Petunia's attitudes. On the other hand, I think her
> jealousy was Lily's magic, something she could never aspire to
> have; her obsession with status simply a desire to have as much or
> more than her parents, no matter what their status; and her clean-
> freak-ism simply a touch of OCD!  I'd be interested in hearing what
> JKR would have to say about this!

Lisa,

I grew up in an area that was formerly dominated by a cotton mill.
It was still known as "Cotton Hill" and there was a stigma attached
to living there.  You really were labeled, so much so that when I was
a teenager I told people I lived off an Avenue that bordered it but
then went on to an affluent area.

I do find it interesting that with all of JKR's interviews and Q&A
sessions, apparently, no one has asked for more info on Lily's family.

In some ways, (only some), I find Petunia to be a rather tragic
figure who has strove her entire life to escape her background.
Her sister (Younger?) managed to leave it behind completely, because
of the fact that she was a witch.  THEN, she had the audacity to
marry money and not only that but into an apparently well-respected,
very old wizarding family.  If their parents were not wealthy, then
boarding school would have probably been out of the question for
Petunia once she was turned down at Hogwarts.  It is very hard to
live in someone else's shadow, especially when that someone is given
opportunities that you can never have.  Do I like or excuse Petunia
for her attitudes and treatment of Harry.  NO!  I do, however,
somewhat understand it if our scenarios are accurate.

I hope JKR addresses this.

Debbie