[HPforGrownups] Re: Reason for Ron's fears?

[Susanne]

No: HPFGUIDX 183158



Hi,

Wednesday, June 4, 2008, 9:03:38 AM, Steve wrote:

> So, Ron feels he is inadequate. He fears he won't live up to
> his families expectations. He fears he can never be Harry's
> equal, and as such, he can't imagine why any girl would prefer
> him over Harry. It's not easy always being in Harry's shadow.

I think there is a little more to it than
irrational insecurities.

After all, Hermione is very complimentary of Harry
and totally supportive, but she seems to expect
Ron to not need that.

She assumes Ron can only be good at Quidditch when
taking a potion (which is understandable under the
circumstances, but with Ron being insecure, it
magnifies her seemingly thinking him incompetent
at almost everything).

She tells Harry he is very "fanciable", but hardly
ever compliments Ron in any way until the last
book.

Many times she tells Ron how immature he is, has
the emotional range of a teaspoon etc.

It'd obvious to outsiders that she fancies him,
but not to Ron himself, and I understand why.

In Ron's place, I'd be wondering, too.
He probably is pretty sure that *Harry* doesn't
fancy Hermione, but not so sure at all about
Hermione's feelings.

Harry is in a lot more need of help, emotionally
and he is, of course, in constant physical danger.
Ron is on occasion, and then we see Hermione's
feelings come through clearly, but Ron is usually
not aware enough at the time to notice it.

Ron's siblings don't exactly support him, either,
in fact, it's more the opposite. Fred, George and
Ginny all seem to take great pleasure in making
Ron look stupid in front of females and take the
mickey at any opportunity.
And all of his siblings are more "brilliant or
powerful" on the surface than Ron appears.
He comes through with flying colors in real
situations, but fails in class or test situations.

So, I have no problems understanding his fears and
emphasizing with them.

Same with Hermione's side of the stories, or Harry
for that matter.
They all have their personal sets of issues.



-- 
Best regards,
 Susanne                           mailto:siskiou at gmail.com