JK Rowling and Introversion

[sweettalkeress.livejournal.com]

So here’s something that just occurred to me as I was pondering stuff. I’ve recently gotten interested in a book called Quiet, which is designed to be empowering for introverted people, especially in the US where they’re often marginalized. And one of the things it mentioned is that Rowling is an introvert. So how do you guys think that’s influenced her writing (if it even did at all)?

It sometimes seems like she doesn’t think very highly of introverted people in general, since Snape (for example) is an introvert generally regarded with disdain, while Harry always hangs out with his friends and Ron has a large family, which we’re supposed to think of as charming (to say nothing of how the Marauders’ friendship is portrayed). Not to mention, Gryffindors are portrayed as being virtuous because they’re bold, charismatic, and hang together in packs, rather than because of any virtues that a more introverted person might have (Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, the most introverted houses, are treated as little more than window dressing).

On the other hand, it seems like many supposedly sympathetic characters also have traits in common with negative introvert stereotypes. For example, Hermione is a neurotic bookish know-it-all whom nobody likes, Harry treats his friends as people he can use and summarily ignores or pushes away anyone he fails to accept as equally special, and Ron argues and fights with his family constantly and wishes to be better than all of them. And then, of course, there’s Dumbledore, who thinks himself too good to fraternize with anyone other than Harry and the like, it seems. Meanwhile, Voldemort had many acquaintances over the years, but never cared for them, and we're supposed to think of this as ultimate moral degeneracy.

So what are your thoughts on this? Anyone care to comment?

Incidentally, I'm not trying to offend anyone here. I'm an introverted person myself, which is why I got interested in the book in the first place.

Comments

[wolf-willow31.livejournal.com]

Yes, is JKR really an introvert? I certainly never would have guessed that! To me, she seems to actively seek attention and loves to put herself in the spotlight with interviews, websites, playing guessing games with the fans, pontificating on her work, etc. She'll probably go into withdrawal when all the fans have moved on to other things.

I'm an introvert, and I'd never do the stuff she does. I started writing purely for my own entertainment, and have no idea why I started posting a story (I must have been out of my mind!), but when I realized that people were actually reading it, I was so frightened that I almost hid under the bed. You'd have to hold a gun to my head to get me up on a stage, or on camera.

If JKR's an introvert, I'm Queen of the Nile!

[oneandthetruth.livejournal.com]

I started writing purely for my own entertainment, and have no idea why I started posting a story (I must have been out of my mind!), but when I realized that people were actually reading it, I was so frightened that I almost hid under the bed.

Well, there are degrees of introversion. You're obviously at the extreme end; somebody closer to the extroversion end of the spectrum could handle some publicity, although you're probably correct that they wouldn't court it.

As for posting your story, even the most extreme human introverts are still herd animals and thus in need of attention and adulation from their own kind. Speaking as one of the actual readers of Birds of a Feather, my only problem with it is that you don't update it often enough. You either need to have longer chapters or update more frequently. It's an adorable, sweet story, I think the only HP fanfic I've read that's actually appropriate for children. It would make a great children's book, in fact. I love Fawkes's POV. I think my favorite scene was the one where Severus was being attacked by the hands, and Fawkes sat there laughing, thinking his pet wizard was putting on a funny show just for him.

[wolf-willow31.livejournal.com]

You either need to have longer chapters or update more frequently.

Actually, what I need is to have more free time and/or be independently wealthy. :P

I just got back from traveling with my family (I survived!), and I received inspiration by reading Terry Pratchett, Carl Hiaasen, and Christopher Moore while stuck in various airports. So I will get back to writing now.

(Thank you for the encouragement! *blushes*)

[nx74defiant.livejournal.com]

Actually, what I need is to have more free time and/or be independently wealthy. :P

Me too!!

I'm looking forward to more Birds of a Feather, also.

[wolf-willow31.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you're enjoying it. Really. I wish I could write faster, but I keep getting tangled up in the subplots. I'll keep working on it.

I've got to remember to update the posts on LJ, too. I'm a few chapters behind there, but I post at fanfiction.net promptly.