OT: Public Schools

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 187806


> Carol:
snip
the one Harry would have worn for Stonewall High, which (IMO) sounds more like a prison uniform than anything worn at a comprehensive school (I hope).
>  
> Geoff:
snip 

> 
> With regard to Stonewall High, I think you are reading too much into the 
> description to label it as a prison uniform. 

Potioncat:
I agree with Carol...and with Geoff.
(wishy-washy, that's me!)
No, seriously, I think the over all impression of the uniform--as we experience it--brings to mind a prison suit. Unpleasant smell, wet, wrinkled grey clothing---yuch. It is a drab contrast to Dudley's. Add to the  name, "Stonewall High" which sounds to me like "high stone wall" and prison just looms over it all.

On the other hand, Harry knows his uniform isn't going to look like the others, nor will it fit him and grey is a perfectly nice color for suits and skirt sets. 

But as we read this incident, the impression forms even as we move on to the next part of the story.

Potioncat, who would rather wear the Stonewall uniform than the Smeltings one.