Working mothers, was Did the Slytherins come back

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 181828

Re: Did the Slytherins come back? 



> Montavilla47:>
> I wasn't around for the criticism I've heard was voiced prior to
> OotP (which supposedly answered the criticism by introducing
> the powerful and just Amelia Bones and the hip Tonks). But, one
> can't help noticing a disturbing trend in HPB, in which the
> female characters tend to fall apart if romantically thwarted,
> or that throughout the series, motherhood is shown as the
> most powerful, ideal state for a woman. There is only one
> working mother in the entire series, and it's because of her
> that Marietta comes to grief.

Potioncat:
You know, I find Tonks's breakdown as unbelieveable as Snape's pining
for Lily --a man's reaction to unrequited love. He was able to
channel it into a purpose at least.

Slughorn may be speaking for the author when he comments on the
danger of obsessive love. But I never understood just what "shock" it
was that caused Tonks's Patronus to change.

We don't really know other characters well enough to know who has a
working mother and who doesn't. I don't think it was JKR's intent to
toss that theme into the book. But if you just look at the Trio, both
Lily and Mrs. Granger had jobs. That's 2/3. I'm including Lily's role
in the Order, which she seems to have continued until she had go into
hiding with James. Mrs. Granger is a dentist. From an extra-textual
(who came up with that? I love it!) viewpoint we also have Ginny and
Hermione.


Montavilla47:
or that throughout the series, motherhood is shown as the
> most powerful, ideal state for a woman.

Potioncat:
The good/protective mother of HP is in contrast to the bad/absent
father.

How about, motherhood is a powerful state and an important role? A
young child sees her (his) mother as incredibly powerful and magical.
Men in battle call out for "Mother". But it isn't to say that a woman
is somehow lacking for not being a mother.