Harry Potter : conversation with my daughter about bullying. My favourite Harry Potter characters

[alexandral]

I am still listening to Harry Potter, although I have almost stopped in the book 5 “Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix” to wait for my daughter to finish her reading. “The Order of Phoenix” is my least favourite book and the least favourite film: too long, nothing happens, etc

Comments

[charlie_bz]

I agree with your favorite characters. I have to add that Neville is really wonderful. Order of the Phoenix was my least favorite of the books but we do get Luna and I think that's a good thing.

I was really surprised that James Potter was a bully in school. I don't mind that Rowling gave a little balance to the saint thing. I sometimes wish she could write adult books (not explicit but not geared to kids) about James, Lily, Sirius, and the other guy whose name I have embarrassingly completely forgotten. The werewolf guy. Sirius in particular intrigues me. I would love to know what he did in the wizard world.

[alexandral]

I don't mind the balance given for James' character too, it is just the way the story is written in the book gives me an impression of Rowling excusing his behavior (or may be not thinking that this is something important enough to give more explanation to the story). I would love more explanation, may be see how James changed under Lily's influence. As it stands in the books, his behaviour is just "swept aside" under the blanket of his awesomeness.

[charlie_bz]

Yes, you're right. There's so much more to those early stories than the little glimpses we got. James' behavior was bad. Really bad. I was surprised she went that way with him. I like to think that not only was it Lily's influence but he realized what a total jerk he was and didn't want to be that kind of person. Maybe he met Vernon Dursley and it scared him straight!

Have you seen all the movies? Not sure what would count as spoilers so I don't want to say too much.

[alexandral]

Oh, yes, I have watched all the films! i have also read all the books, but in rather fast manner (I didn't like them as much the first time round).

And yes - I want that little scene from Harry's father POV. I wish it was there, otherwise it feels like the author "excuses" James. I don't think she meant to, it is just one smaller thing.

[llewelyne]

I love Harry Potter basically cause I grew up with it and it played a huge part in my life. I started reading the books at age 12 and then the last movie came out when I was 22.

When I used to be "sick" (as in I didn't wanna go to school cause I was bullied so much) I read the first 3 books (only ones released here back then) over and over again and just dreamed away. They helped me, in a way.

So yeah, cause of nostalgia I just don't feel the same way about it as you. I agree about James though, though I never cared much about him or his story.

[alexandral]

Oh, I totally can see how the books can become personal! BTW, I want to take chance and say: although my opinion about Harry Potter series is not 100% positive, it is just my opinion. I don't mean it as universally correct!

** hugs ** I am so sorry you had to go through all this. I can't even start to imagine how hard that must have been!

[singing_tree]

Just wanted to say I agree with you on Hermione. I liked her a lot in the books, but never as much in the films. I think they made her too brave and rebellious and not nearly as nerdy.

[alexandral]

Yes, this is how I feel too. I think they made her into more of a usual young herouine, where she is so different from any girl herouine I rememeber and very very real in the books: she is bossy, nerdy, and she is very much her own person (not just Harru and Rob's third). And I don't think she has too much screen time overall. The storyline with her campaigning for the rights of House Elves is absolutely awesome.

Actually, thinking back, she is more or less herself in the first film, but after the first film she becomes much less nerdy.

[stabbim]

I agree with you about James, I always had the impression that Rowling didn't want him to be perceived as the bully that he probably was. I also would have loved to see him develop into someone who isn't a bully any more.

[alexandral]

From what scarce information we are given about James, it all just doesn't add up in my head. First: we have Snape's memories which is probably the most "honest" account because the memories can't be faked (or changed to suit the situation). In them James comes across as one of those "jock" personalities. Then there are all those mentioning about the goodness of James from his friends. Things just don't add up. I want a bridge in between (which is possible)! I just need it for the anti-bullying narrative to feel true!

[endlessdeep]

My favorite character through the entire series was Snape. When Harry saw the memories of how his father treated Snape and the involvement of Harry's mother Lily I knew then that Snape was in love with her. I have to say I was disappointed that James Potter bullying Snape as well

[alexandral]

I never was a 100% Ron/Hermione shipper too. I mean - I adore them both (and I adore Ron exactly because he is so clueless) . I will confess to you - I always shipped Hermione and Viktor Krum and was disappointed this didn't go any further! Harry and Hermione I always saw like a par of really good friends.

Oh yes, I love Neville and Luna too. I haven't got to their best parts yet, though.

And yes, I know that this is a "children's story". but you see, when I was growing up children's books had some "bad" but really strong endings.Like the ending of Little Mermaid!

I would have loved more story about Order of Phoenix. I would have loved some new characters in it, though , because we know all too well how the main characters end up.

[geeklee]

i love hermione and viktor and there seemed to be much more chemistry (and logic) to that pairing than her and ron. i also agree with your initial post: there is something between hermione and draco. probably why so many people write fanfiction about them. i confess to feeling that rowling missed a huge opportunity by not getting those two together. it has such a romeo/juliet ring to it and would really have struck a blow against the pureblood/mudblood situation

[endlessdeep]

Oh yes. Krum. I'd forgotten about him. That would have been excellent. What was it she said she didn't like about him. I can't remember now.

And yes, I know that this is a "children's story". but you see, when I was growing up children's books had some "bad" but really strong endings.Like the ending of Little Mermaid!

True. I remember reading children's stories with stronger endings as well. I agree the ending to the Harry Potter series was somewhat weak.