Ron WAS: Re: DH reread CH 4-5

[sartoris22]

No: HPFGUIDX 186285

Alla:
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I have zero problems with Ron's character doing one step forward and two step back, really. While I hear you about Neville's character development being more satisfying artistically, I had never been a fan of the idea that character's development should be tied up in a neat little bow and resolved, otherwise it is not satisfying. I know that you did not say that, I am just thinking about the implications for me of what you written, you know?
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sartoris22:

I understand that characters can be unresolved and static, but character development,or lack of it, should at least make sense. Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman doesn't change, but that is because his entire personna has been shaped by a lie, without which,  he is nothing. Ron, on the other hand, wants to change, to be better, but it's as if Rowling wants to hold him back. I think many of us were surprized at the lack of development in the Ron/Hermione relationship in DH, particularly after the scene in HBP with Hermione crying on Ron's shoulder and Ron gently consoling her at Dumbledore's funeral. Why doesn't Ron tell Hermione how he feels? He already knows that she likes him. Some might argue that unconsciously Ron holds back because he doesn't believe he deserves Hermione, but he keeps trying to win her over, even using that silly How to Charm Witches book the twins give him. Ron has had a girlfriend; he has some experience--in fact, Ron has probably done considerably more snogging than either Harry or Hermione. That he wouldn't openly ask Hermione for a date or something makes no sense to me. If we follow simple behaviorism, experiences shape us greatly. Ron has experiences that should motivate and guide him to approach openly Hermione, yet he doesn't, and, to me, that is fairly absurd.