CHAPTER DISCUSSION Chamber of Secrets Ch. 5. The Whomping Willow

[wildirishrose01us]

No: HPFGUIDX 188823


> > 2.  Is Arthur just placating Molly when he agrees not to make car invisible or is he truly afraid of her?
> > 
> 
> Neither. I don't think Arthur is truly afraid of her or is just placating her. Arthur may think it will go fine, but Molly feels very strongly that it won't, and that it isn't worth the risk in broad daylight. So Arthur is differing to her out of consideration of her feelings and to err on the side of caution. I think a part of him likes that she keeps him somewhat grounded.

Marianne:

I don't think Arthur is afraid of her.  I think he likes to keep the peace so Molly won't nag.  I'm imagining the conversation. Arthur wants to make the car invisible, he's sure there won't be a problem, but to keep the peace he will take a deep breath, grit his teeth, and say "We could get there faster if the car is invisible. Yes, dear there is a chance we might be seen. Yes, Molly dear, I think you're right.  I have to set an example to the children.  I do work for the MM."

More than likely behind Molly's back he's rolling his eyes and shakes his head.  I know what I do when my mom giving her opinion to me.  I grit my teeth, take a deep breath, say "Yes, mom.  Whatever you say, mom.  Of course mom."  With my back turned I roll my eyes, sigh, and do whatever I want anyway.  Unfortunately Arthur cannot do what he wants.

Which leads me to a question.  When Molly berates Arthur, wouldn't he feel humiliated to be treated that way in front of his children.  He is the father, not one of the children.  I would think it would be hard to have the respect a parent should have when he's not treated like a parent.  Do the Weasley children really respect their father?

Due to some circumstances my children and I lived with my parents.  My parenting skills, or lack thereof, were constantly critized.  As a result my children had very little respect for me.  I know how Arthur might feel.

Marianne