Krum's Intellect

[Rick & LeAnn Kelley]

No: HPFGUIDX 164831

I've always pictured Krum's character in my mind as one often stereotyped in
American teenage movies - he plays the part of the "dumb jock".  Those are
the guys with few brains, but are given special treatment becase they are so
good at their particular sports.  The school grooms them because sports
stars get more wins for the team, which brings in more fans who spend more
money on tickets, and the school has more revenue.  Their friends like being
seen with them, too, basking in the fringes of their limelight.  Everyone
views them as assets, rather than people.  In teen movies the character is
usually portrayed either as a bully, or as the pathetic buddy who can't even
finish his math homework without the help of an entire group of friends plus
a girlfriend - er, hmm, that sounds like a couple of other guys we know.  

Harry's first impression of Krum was that he was apelike, with arms too
long, and walking duckfooted.  Krum's mispronunciation of Hermione's name
and infatuation with her wasn't unlike that of Grawp's.  Krum didn't have
much resistance to the Imperius curse in the maze, either.  However we also
saw a different Krum at times.  Once Krum got into the sky into his
Quidditch game he was like epic poetry on a broomstick.  He also showed
signs of a sensitive nature when he complimented Harry on his flying, and
when he was able to see past those people who wanted a piece of him only
because of his fame.  The fact that he zeroed in on Hermione who wasn't
fawning all over him is, IMO, the greatest clue that Krum isn't dumb.  Was
Krum's social development arrested while his coach concentrated on training
only his athletic ability, or he is just a late-bloomer from whom we will
see more development?  I think he definitely has potential and it will have
a much better chance of developing now that Karkaroff has his thumb off of
him.

rkelley