Responses to Marietta (was: Misc. responses, some quite old)

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 169285

---  "wynnleaf" <fairwynn at ...> wrote:
>
> wynnleaf
> It's interesting that to make Hermione's decision 
> "okay" readers generally have to add to canon some 
> extra aspect to it that isn't even hinted at in canon.
> 

bboyminn:

Things can be justified in context, but not be good in
general. I think that is what we have here. Hermione and
many/most readers feel Hermione was justified in her 
actions, but at the same time, feel it was a bad thing
to do.

> wynnleaf:
> 1.  The pustules will wear off.  ...
> 

bboyminn:

No one is stating that as a fact, it is merely a
speculative possibility. The problem is Marietta
is a minor subplot, so we have extremely limited
information on the subject. Limited information
opens the door to speculative resolutions.

The Pustules /might/ wear off, or they might not, both
are possible. Though admittedly with our limited 
information, we have seen no clear sign that they
are wearing off, but as I said, the story isn't 
over yet, and we have no clear sign that they are not
wearing off.

> wynnleaf:
> 2.  Marietta has to "do something," ...
> 

bboyminn:

Again, a speculative possibility driven by our LACK
of information. Following a speculative path of logic,
Marietta DID some thing to cause the acne, perhaps
some redeeming act will undo them. The 'redeeming 
act' doesn't necessarily have to be a heroic death,
maybe an apology would do. It is a fair speculation,
yet, it is speculation and never represented as 
more.


> wynnleaf:
> 3.  The hex is really just acne.  Another distortion 
> of the clear point in canon that her face was "horribly
> disfigured."  ...
> 

bboyminn:

She is 'horribly disfigured' based on the INITIAL 
reaction of a teenage boy who is already in a very
stressful situation, and it is just acne. Who ever
said acne was fun? But to represent it, as some have,
as /oozing/ pustules makes it seem like her face has
become horribly infected and is on the verge of
gangrene. It's acne. What 'horribly disfigures' her
is the fact that the acne has taken on a specific
shape and form, and spells out an unpleasant word on
her face. 

> wynnleaf:
> 4.  The hex can be fixed by other adults, but they
> haven't done that yet because they feel Marietta 
> should continue to be punished a bit longer.  ... 
> 

bboyminn:

Again, a valid speculative possibility drive by the
fact that we have so LITTLE information on the matter.
Not a speculation that I'm particularly fond of, but
it is presented as a possibility not as a fact.

> wynnleaf:
> ...  If we look solely at canon, we see a permanent 
> and "horribly disfiguring" hex on a girl who cannot
> really recall the circumstances that caused it to occur. 

bboyminn:

We have a current on-going and annoying disfiguring hex
on a girl who /may/ not recall why it happened. We know
Marietta's memory was modified, but we don't know the
details. Did the memory charm make her forget the event,
or merely forget her motivation? 

Again, all the speculation is driven by the fact that
we have so few details. Harry's initial reaction under
stress may not (or may) be the best indicator of the
events in proper perspective. To see Marietta that way
was certainly a shock to both Harry and Marietta, but
we don't know that Harry initial reaction and shock are
a true reflection of reality in perspective.


> wynnleaf:
>
> We've got Hermione unconcerned with this state of 
> affairs and going on about her life. And we see Harry
> satisfied with the state of affairs.
> 
> If we don't put in any non-canon additions to make the
> whole thing prettier, it's really a very ugly situation.
> 
> wynnleaf
>

bboyminn:

The story isn't over yet, so I'm reserving judgment on
Hermione until I see what she does in the final book.

Also, on this issue and on all other hotly debated issues,
I refuse to be more upset about it than the characters
themselves. Using Harry and Snape for example, many
fans are incensed that Harry doesn't apologies to Snape,
or that Snape doesn't apologies to Harry. Yet neither
Harry or Snape seem to feel an apology needs to be
offered or demanded. If they don't care, why should I?

Marietta is certainly angry, and Hermoine is certainly
angry. Some readers feel Marietta should beg Hermione's
forgiveness, other feel Hermione should beg Marietta's
forgiveness. Yet, I don't see either one of them  
offering or demanding that apology. 

So, again, I refuse to get more upset about it than 
the characters themselves.

I'll read the final book, see what happens, and reserve
my judgment for then.

Steve/bboyminn