CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 13: Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 190008


> 
> Beccy:
> I don't have the book, unfortunately, which is why I haven't been
> contributing much, but I'm CERTAIN that words such as 'gently' make
> it clear that Hermione is as gentle as possible in pursuing what
> Shelley quite rightly identifies as her clear-headed commitment to
> the truth. Am I right?

Pippin:
Er, no, I'm afraid not. Hermione is "hesitant" at first, but in spite of Lavender's continued tears, and Parvati's glaring, she continues on, no "gentleness" mentioned. I agree that Hermione isn't trying to be unkind, but what's coming across isn't a commitment to the truth but a commitment to making sure everyone knows Hermione's opinion, and why should that be more important than what Lavender thinks or feels? If Lavender wants to believe that the heavens themselves blazed forth the death of Binky, what harm will it do?

None, which is why, IMO, Hermione could have kept her mouth shut. I think Ron has a point; Hermione doesn't yet understand that people can't just reason themselves out of grief. 

Beccy: 
> Sorry, didn't mean to repeat 'gentle' twice, I meant sensitive.
> Kindness is surely one of Hermione's most prominent personality
> traits, alongside her intellect, and there's no reason for the two
> to be in conflict here at all, is there?

Pippin:
Not in conflict exactly, but maybe the same mental apparatus which makes it so easy for Hermione to process information from books and lectures doesn't work so well when it comes to body language and facial expressions. I'm not saying that every intellectual person is like that, just that Hermione might be. It makes her appear unkind when she doesn't wish to be, unlike, say, Riddle, who places no value on kindness for its own sake, but is immediately and acutely aware of the impression he's making, kind or otherwise.

Pippin