PS Chapter Four
Nov. 3rd, 2006 10:59 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
sistermagpie.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
deathtocapslock*Looking back, who would be able to identify Hagrid as "The Keeper of the Keys"? The chapter should have been called "Bringer of Dumb Subplots" or something like that.
*Is it really so stupid for Dudley to ask "Where's the cannon?" after being jerked awake by the sound of that door knock? I call unsportsmanlike use of adverb.
*It's Hagrid at the door. I hate this guy.
*Hagrid's first words are to ask for tea and then call Dudley a great lump. This no doubt shows what a good guy he is, as it will show how bad Draco Malfoy is when, iirc, he calls Neville a lump later.
*There's really no disguising that Hagrid is treating the Muggles rudely and obviously favoring Harry. Thanks, Hagrid.
*I believe the movie, in its frantic attempts to make Hagrid look better, has him actually mistake Dudley for Harry. Real Hagrid, of course, knows that Harry Potter would never be a fat kid.
*Why is Hagrid calling Vernon a big prune? And by his last name? I don't think they've ever even met. Oh yeah, he's a Muggle.
*Harry's all choked up at being given a cake, which knowing Hagrid is terrible, but as far as Harry's concerned it's his first good cake, because it came from someone who could do magic.
*Vernon orders Dudley to not touch anything Hagrid gives him. Wise words, Vernon. The narrator seems to see it as a rude thing to say to Hagrid, just as Dumbledore will books later.
*Hagrid makes yet another crack about Dudley's weight, saying his great pudding of a son doesn't need any more fattening. WTF? No wonder I loved Draco so much when he showed up in his scene.
*Also btw, I think this quashes all those attempts to list Hagrid under "heroic fat people who prove JKR doesn't portray being overweight negatively."
*Of course, Hagrid himself doesn't need anymore liquor but he'll keep drinking anyway. He's a Wizard so it's okay.
*It's even more blatant than I remembered the way Hagrid shows up and reveals that the Dursleys are little better than slaves as far as the Wizards are concerned. He doesn't treat them as people taking care of Harry or as Harry's family at all, just goes CAPSLOCK and starts yelling at them about not raising Harry to understand all about Hagrid's world that they themselves know nothing about.
*Oh man, I don't think I can wait until the red alchemical stage. I want Hagrid to die now, please.
*Through the red mist of rage I feel at the way Hagrid treats Muggles, I'm dimly aware that he's still dragging out the revelation that Harry's a Wizard interminably. "Don't you know what you are? " "What am I?" "About our world? " "What world? " "You didn't tell him? " "Tell me what? " "Tell you that…" "See here, don't tell him…!" GET ON WITH IT! The cormorants outside get it by now!
*Nice that Dumbledore lists all his jobs under his title of headmaster. Not everyone puts their Conflicts of Interests right on their business card.
*So what happens if somebody doesn't owl the school back? Or has that just never happened in the whole history of Hogwarts?
*Hagrid responds to McGonagall with the announcement that he'll be taking Harry away tomorrow despite his guardians saying no. I wonder if the Grangers are getting this same treatment?
*Hagrid's so frazzled by the Dursleys he forgets to cry all over his letter and leave his trademark tearstains before sending it. How will they know it's from him?
*Vernon continues to stand up to the Magical Giant threatening him, thus proving Vernon's a big bully coward.
*Petunia lets loose years of resentment about being related to a Wizard. Though I suspect we're only supposed to hear and be shocked that she called her sister a freak. Which is totally different than the way Hagrid's been throwing around the word "Muggle." That's just the truth.
*Petunia actually sounds upset that her sister was killed through her involvement with Wizards, but that must just be a typo. Muggles don't have real feelings, and family doesn't mean the same thing to them.
*Hagrid, meanwhile, is furiously offended that anyone could even suggest Wizards could die in a Muggle way. Even though Petunia's story kind of makes Wizards look better than the real one.
*Apparently Dumbledore told Hagrid there might be trouble getting hold of Harry. No doubt they discussed how they could talk to the Dursleys as equals and explain why it was better for Harry to go to Hogwarts.
*Bwahaha! Just kidding. I wonder if Hagrid was given license to kill if the Muggle scum got too uppity.
*Hagrid blubbers about Voldemort for a while. Luckily he doesn't pick this scene to explain how Voldemort is evil for his racist views against Muggles. That would just be confusing.
*Hagrid also reveals he can't spell, but in a way that should inspire our affection. You might have thought we were supposed to laugh at his ignorance since we've been encouraged to laugh at Dudley's. That's just what a dumb Muggle like you would think.
*Harry's mum and dad were just the nicest people, they make Hagrid blow into a handkerchief. Oh, was I ever naïve enough to believe Hagrid's opinion on anything?
*You know, Dumbledore was kind of stupid sending Hagrid to do this job. Snape could have done it much easier. The Dursleys would hear him insult Harry and James and be glad to send him off with Snape. They'd probably have been exchanging Christmas cards ever since.
*Because Snape's the Death Eater. Those are the people who hate Muggles. Sometimes it helps to remind people of that, since it's usually our Muggle-lovers who are actually bullying them.
*Hagrid mentions Voldemort killing some of the best Witches and Wizards, including the Bones and the Prewetts. Again, not that blood means anything, but these are totally the best families and we'll see that throughout the series.
*Hagrid then gets violent because Vernon, the guy whose son he just insulted, dared insult somebody back.
*Hagrid looks at Harry with that blazing look of warmth and respect, the one that says "You were fundamentally better than other people at birth, just like me!" (Don't worry--it's not Ginny this time, so they won't kiss.)
*Harry and Hagrid share their first smile over the fact that Harry's anger at others causes bad things to happen to them in revenge. And there was some doubt what house Harry belonged in?
*Hagrid declares that Harry will finally be going to school with his own sort! Now where have I heard that phrase before…someone else in the books uses it…who could it be?
*Vernon then makes a generic crack about Dumbledore and Hagrid maturely responds by trying to turn Vernon's son into a pig. This must be an example of that Gryffindor taboo against going after those weaker than you are. Hagrid's only picking on the man's child in self defense!
*At least Hagrid shows the proper remorse a grown man should feel after lashing out at a child by making yet another fat joke.
*Hagrid tosses Harry his coat, telling him not to worry if it wiggles because it's got mice in the pockets. Frankly, I'd be more worried about the smell than the movement.
Designated Hero
Hagrid arrives to save Harry from the Dursleys. Sort of a lateral move if you ask me. I'm surprised Hagrid doesn't casually announce he'll be bunking with Petunia as a bedwarmer.
Exploitation Filmmakers' Credo
Yes, the Dursleys know about Wizards and they haven't told you, Harry. Are we all up to speed yet?
Idiot Picture
Wizards are more powerful than Muggles, but not much different when it comes to brains.
Idiot World
Sure Voldemort sounds scary now, but you haven't seen one of his clever plans yet!
Misdirected Answering
Or in this case no answering. Stop dragging out the information we already know already!
Final score: 5
Signs of things to come:
Silly Vernon! You don't get to decide who comes into your house-you're a Muggle! If you don't open the door Hagrid will just knock it down.
Within a page of his appearance Hagrid has: insulted a fat person he's never met just for being fat, bullied Muggles, used Muggle as an insult, and explained that Harry is a great wizard because of his bloodline. Bonus points for the veiled hint that the Weasleys are superior by blood.
This is also our first hint that nobody likes to say the name Voldemort. Unsurprisingly, there's not explanation as to why anyone should hate to say his name.
Also first mention of Dumbledore being the only one Voldemort is afraid of. He just is.
Hagrid also does something completely unacceptable and asks Harry to cover for him.
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no subject
Date: 2006-11-03 04:13 pm (UTC)You know, Dumbledore was kind of stupid sending Hagrid to do this job. Snape could have done it much easier. The Dursleys would hear him insult Harry and James and be glad to send him off with Snape. They'd probably have been exchanging Christmas cards ever since.
There must be ten thousand stories like that. Sadly I can't seem to remember any right now... I'd really like to reread them as an antidote to this chapter!
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Date: 2006-11-12 07:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-11-03 04:18 pm (UTC)While being of mixed blood and decidedly big-boned his own self. Because why stop with obnoxious, bullying behavior when you can have hypocritical, obnoxious, bullying behavior.
Wait.
Wait.
Shit, Wizards are the British equivalent of the American religious right! It all makes sense now! And also explains why all Slytherins are gay.
(I categorically refuse to explore the implication that Snape would be a Log Cabin Republican here, by the way.)
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Date: 2006-11-12 07:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-11-03 04:32 pm (UTC)Hagrid is NOT FAT! He's Big Boned.
*Hagrid responds to McGonagall with the announcement that he'll be taking Harry away tomorrow despite his guardians saying no. I wonder if the Grangers are getting this same treatment?
Hell no, the Grangers have a big calendar with red Xs through all the days counting down to Sept. 1. Actually they hired a decorator and ordered drapes for her room the day her letter arrived.
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Date: 2006-11-03 08:18 pm (UTC)(He's actually a great argument tier, too, since he's technically a half-giant and so presumably not overweight in human terms - although he could be that, too, I suppose.
Which negates JKR's gigantic hypocrisy in having him blithely lecture poor Dudley about his size; but then leaves her open again on the whole 'All fat characters are losers or evil' - not that Hagrid isn't incompetent, just like Neville and Molly, but if he's not fat, he's one less dubious good guy to be positively represented.)
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Date: 2006-11-03 04:53 pm (UTC)Actually I really shan't. It's okay. Really. I'm fine with Hagrid now, because no matter how much his very dialect torments me, he is the only Designated Good Guy who actually had to face some consequences. Because he's a bad teacher, nobody liked his classes and nobody took them to NEWTS level. Not one single person, including the kids he showers with loving favouritism. So while he has good intentions, he is an enormous failure, it's all his own fault and he can suck it up, and Draco Malfoy was right nyah nyah nyah.
*takes a deep breath* The world's gone all... swimmy. It's okay, everyone. Reality does not bend around Hagrid! That's all I wanted!
What an interesting scene this is which JKR has crafted, in retrospect showing how Dumbledore started his manipulation by sending his most childlike and simple guy, who'd bond with Harry and instantly feed him the super-simple super-strict party line, which the poor abused lad swallows hook line and sucker. I also enjoy the way in which she plants clues for the wizarding world's future violent and unreasonable nature, and the way in which Petunia's obvious resentment-of-and-yet-sadness-for Lily foreshadows Sirius' feelings about Regulus in OotP. Excellent, excellent!
I am going to go have a quiet lie down.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-12 07:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-11-03 06:24 pm (UTC)Racism! Illegal magic! Breaking and entering! Bullying of a defenceless muggle child! *Weeps into her glass*
Having said that, if HBP taught us anything, its that you shouldn't underestimate people: thinking of the muggles as stupid and worthless is surely going to come back back and bite the wizarding world on the arse: especially since Voldie appears to be focusing on muggle targets...Hmmm.....I find myself thinking of the Wizard/Muggle distinction not in terms of the Pureblood/Muggleborn divide, but in terms of human/house elf: The lacl of respect is just...chilling, and possibly very, very silly...
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Date: 2006-11-12 07:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-07-23 06:24 pm (UTC)I'm certainly not mad at Harry for hating the people who have abused, belittled and bullied him his whole life and enjoying seeing the tables turned. His reaction is pretty normal. I doubt anyone would react differently? Of course that does not excuse Hagrid.
Who only bothers to get really angry when Dumbledore is being insulted, not when Vernon tells him "about trying to stomp out" Harry's magic. That clearly shows us Hagrid's priorities.
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Date: 2006-11-03 08:40 pm (UTC)Alright, I almost fell off me wheelchair laughing on this one. I really really did. It was a close thing. I managed to get the wheels in time. Which is absolutely OT... Right. I love you and if I weren't a chilly atheist I'd worship at your altar, O GREAT ONE!
And
Logic - but HPworld is no place for such an entity, is it? - would dictate that if Hagrid is TEH GOOD here, then Slytherin PWNS all, or if not, then Hagrid is actually more of a racist (speciesist?) than poor ol's Anagram of Doom. I mourn logic's passing away to a -possibly - better world.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-12 07:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-11-03 09:59 pm (UTC)You are so laconic, yet eloquent, sistermagpie! (couldn't help smiling)
*as far as Harry's concerned it's his first good cake, because it came from someone who could do magic.
It isn't what but from whom that counts. After all, the wise Talmud quote preaches “Join the company of lions rather than assume the lead among foxes.”
*Oh man, I don't think I can wait until the red alchemical stage. I want Hagrid to die now, please.
If only one of them could be killed, would you vote for his or Ginny's death? If one of them dies, will you be actually happy? Why? Do you really think it will make this book better? Considering the obligatory heartbreaking mourning scene, accompanied by the glorious return of Harry's CapsLock & 'I don't want to be human' + 'Revenge is sweet' sentiments, the opposite seems to be true. In addition, if Hagrid dies, he will certainly get a bigger storyline like Sirius in OoTF. Or have you been so annoyed with them that their deaths would be welcomed for their own sake despite the mentioned above drawbacks?
*Nice that Dumbledore lists all his jobs under his title of headmaster. Not everyone puts their Conflicts of Interests right on their business card.
Since there ALWAYS is only one absolutely right way of behavior in every situation, he has never had any conflicts.
I'm surprised Hagrid doesn't casually announce he'll be bunking with Petunia as a bedwarmer.
She is too ugly to deserve this honor. Madame Maxime is much more beautiful. And this is canon!
Wizards are more powerful than Muggles, but not much different when it comes to brains.
Wizards seem much dumber than Muggles, but if you refer to the way they view the world I agree.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-12 07:43 pm (UTC)Wizards do seem dumber than Muggles--I guess that's why Muggles always have to be dumbed down. Like in the first chapter of HBP the Prime Minister must be Fudge.2.
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Date: 2015-07-23 06:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-11-05 10:50 pm (UTC)This part would fit with an "it was all a dream" ending. Hagrid's bullying of the Dursleys and references to Harry's speshulness is so much a wish-fulfilment fantasy he might as well be a product of Harry's subconscious. From the POV of an angry eleven-year-old the Dursleys are only getting what they deserve, which, okay, you can sort of see his point. But Hagrid clearly doesn't care what they deserve. He's a bigot with less maturity than Harry himself. He'd be equally offensive to loving Muggle parents who are hiding their boy because they think he's being stalked by crazies. Which is not reassuring as to the wonderful world Harry is about to enter.
This is also our first hint that nobody likes to say the name Voldemort. Unsurprisingly, there's not explanation as to why anyone should hate to say his name.
Even if you look outside the 'verse there's no explanation that holds up. Suppose wizards have developed a superstition, like Voldemort's the WW Bloody Mary. Rational wizards like Dumbledore make a point of using the name because Voldemort is not in fact a supernatural boogeyman. Fine. Except Snape – who ought to know - claims that only someone as powerful as Dumbledore could say the name safely. If he really means only a DE would be scared to say it because the Dark Mark is a oneway radio link, some evidence would be nice.
-L
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Date: 2006-11-12 07:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-19 07:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-11-06 07:54 pm (UTC)Sweet. Because cakes pulled out of dirty old coats, crawling with insects and mice just scream LOVE and taste even better. Better than cakes from old women who babysit you and own many cats.
*Hagrid blubbers about Voldemort for a while. Luckily he doesn't pick this scene to explain how Voldemort is evil for his racist views against Muggles. That would just be confusing.
Its strange, Hagrid knew Riddle/Voldemort. Yet, he never reveals any more emotion about him than any other wizard. The same with McGonagall. How can that be?
*Petunia actually sounds upset that her sister was killed through her involvement with Wizards, but that must just be a typo. Muggles don't have real feelings, and family doesn't mean the same thing to them.
I'm hoping that James had Lily drugged up to the gills with love potion and Petunia knew all the horrible facts.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-12 07:46 pm (UTC)Tom Riddle's history is less coherent as time goes on. Sometimes it makes me think of, which leader was it? Someone always used to refer to Hitler as "Corporal Hitler" because for all his claims of being a military genius he was a corporal in the army. I'd think plenty of Aurors would love to refer to Tom that way.
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Date: 2009-04-19 07:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-19 07:06 pm (UTC)Re. Mrs Figg, horribly lonely old women who make an effort to reach out to one human being are so annoying. Harry's so full of love, it's a pity he never shows any of it.
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Date: 2006-11-10 01:28 pm (UTC)It's mean, but it's no Fleur 'affectedly' being disgusted by maggots at the breakfast table. (That's the kind of reaction you fake for attention.)
I believe the movie, in its frantic attempts to make Hagrid look better, has him actually mistake Dudley for Harry. Real Hagrid, of course, knows that Harry Potter would never be a fat kid.
Heh, I've gotta kinda love the PS moviemakers (even though I'd actually rather file my nails than rewatch it) for immediately altering Hagrid as much as they could, what with the whole cake thing, too. And of course, cutting his stupid Racism is Serious Business, Yo, When It’s Me sub-plot in GoF.
Harry's all choked up at being given a cake, which knowing Hagrid is terrible, but as far as Harry's concerned it's his first good cake, because it came from someone who could do magic.
I love the part where he means to say thank you, but what comes out are…um, totally different words. Just in case the audience may not have given him the proper credit for his polite impulses.
The narrator seems to see it as a rude thing to say to Hagrid, just as Dumbledore will books later.
Yeah, don’t forget that it’s outrageous that Vernon’s telling his son not to take any food which hasn’t even been offered (speaking of manners, I would think that once I’d stalked someone across the UK, woke them up, bent their gun – is that supposed to be some political thing? Like, take that, destructive weapons of man! Have a wand, instead. – and insulted their family; I might offer them breakfast, especially since Hagrid is quick to whine for refreshments from them.) but it’s also outrageous in GoF when Dudley so stupidly accepts wizard food and Gets What He Deserves.
Vernon continues to stand up to the Magical Giant threatening him, thus proving Vernon's a big bully coward.
Standing in front of Petunia, with Dudley being protected by his mum. What a bunch of losers. It's not like that's the sort of familial devotion and trust that could be the basis for the whole series, or anything.
Hagrid also reveals he can't spell, but in a way that should inspire our affection. You might have thought we were supposed to laugh at his ignorance since we've been encouraged to laugh at Dudley's. That's just what a dumb Muggle like you would think.
From the treatment of Crabbe and Goyle's intellect, I'm forced to assume that Hagrid just Isn't Trying. Or maybe it's his giant half's inferior blood?
Hagrid, meanwhile, is furiously offended that anyone could even suggest Wizards could die in a Muggle way. Even though Petunia's story kind of makes Wizards look better than the real one.
Personally, I think not being able to withstand tons of crushed metal is an improvement on not being able to withstand flashy green light and two words.
Hagrid's only picking on the man's child in self defense!
Remember to be outraged later when it turns out that Lucius Malfoy and Snape go after people's children because of personal resentments. And ambivalent when yet another DE, Barty Crouch Jr. continues the pattern.
Vernon then makes a generic crack about Dumbledore
Also note Vernon suggesting a good beating would cure a child (weird that he didn't adminster said beating, then. Clearly he's just a big pussy at heart. Real men don't hold back from attacking children!) This is outrageous, so don't laugh at any of the many hilarious scenes of Dudley/Draco getting their's. (Or indeed, Vernon and Marge - note the wording here, like in POA, is all about how the people getting attacked 'went too far'. Thank goodness this never happens with Harry and his cute verbal retorts about people's parents or wanting a scar.)
And that Hagrid's more upset that Dumbledore's being insulted than Vernon saying that the world is better off without the Potters. Like McGonagall, he recognises that Dumbledore is worth multiple lives.
Hagrid looks at Harry with that blazing look of warmth and respect
And Harry's humble enough not to feel proud. I know I, too, have the same kind of modesty. Whenever I'm complimented on my quietness as a baby or my early potty training, my low self-esteem prevents me from taking the proper credit for my awesome decisions.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-12 07:50 pm (UTC)Even Steve Kloves can see the problems with Hagrid--when he's not distracted by Hermione Sue, at least.
but it’s also outrageous in GoF when Dudley so stupidly accepts wizard food and Gets What He Deserves.
It's like the classic bully thing. Don't even try to argue or do the right thing because it just gives them another chance to show it's all a joke anyway.
Personally, I think not being able to withstand tons of crushed metal is an improvement on not being able to withstand flashy green light and two words.
Perhaps if the Dursleys had told Harry they were eaten by the Thestral they were riding?
Remember to be outraged later when it turns out that Lucius Malfoy and Snape go after people's children because of personal resentments. And ambivalent when yet another DE, Barty Crouch Jr. continues the pattern.
All totally okay because they can see the family resemblance, which indicates the sins of the fathers really have been visited on the sons.
The only place to get enraged about it is when Snape insults Harry!
no subject
Date: 2015-07-23 09:21 pm (UTC)His title sounds way more impressive than it really is. Do they even need those keys at Hogwarts? They can just unlock a door magically if they don't have the keys. If those keys are a serious security measure I'm surprised Hagrid hasn't lost them yet. I think Filch has them, too?
*Is it really so stupid for Dudley to ask "Where's the cannon?" after being jerked awake by the sound of that door knock? I call unsportsmanlike use of adverb.
Harry's dislike is clouding his judgement here. Dudley's reaction was kinda slow, but it's not like Dudley stayed awake like Harry or was expecting the worst like his parents.
*It's Hagrid at the door. I hate this guy.
I just dislike him. I liked him at first (the embarrassment!*hides face*), but I started to dislike him later on. Reading through this chapter again certainly opened my eyes! He is quite awful.
*Hagrid's first words are to ask for tea and then call Dudley a great lump. This no doubt shows what a good guy he is, as it will show how bad Draco Malfoy is when, iirc, he calls Neville a lump later.
Poor Neville. He always get to be the butt of the jokes. I wonder if that's the reason JK named him Longbottom?
Yeah, rereading this chapter made me dislike Hagrid greatly. I dislike Dudley -child or no-, but he did not deserve this. As far as Hagrid knows Dudley has done nothing wrong.
I wonder though why he doesn't react to Harry sleeping on the ground with a ratty blanket?
I'd say he was mean to Dudley because that pissed him off, but I don't see Hagrid offering Harry to sit on the couch.
*There's really no disguising that Hagrid is treating the Muggles rudely and obviously favoring Harry. Thanks, Hagrid.
Favouring Harry, whose parents he knew and likes is not the issue. It's his rudeness. At that point the Dursleys have yet to behave in a way that would excuse his behaviour.
Unless Hagrid knows about Harry's situation, which would make Hagrid's behaviour even worse, because he does nothing to help Harry.
I like this idea. Hagrid knows about Harry's situation, has been clued in by Dumbledore, and thinks a little Muggle baiting is the answer. Not helping Harry, because Dumbledore wouldn't want that.
no subject
Date: 2015-07-23 09:23 pm (UTC)Harry looks exactly like his parents, Dudley is blond. It has nothing to do with Dudley being fat.
*Why is Hagrid calling Vernon a big prune? And by his last name? I don't think they've ever even met. Oh yeah, he's a Muggle.
I really think he just heard some things about the Dursleys from DD that he disliked. "Would have trouble getting your letters" indeed. Not that this makes Hagrid any less prejudiced against Muggles. It would just explain why he is treating them like evil Slytherins.
*Harry's all choked up at being given a cake, which knowing Hagrid is terrible, but as far as Harry's concerned it's his first good cake, because it came from someone who could do magic.
I'm pretty sure Hagrid bought the cake. It sounded to tasty looking for Hagrid to have made it.
I just thought that Mrs. Figg's cake was REALLY bad. Like she couldn't do a nice thing for him before, since the Dursleys wouldn't like that and had been so looking forward to making him a cake that she made it a week in advance so it was really stale when she gave it to Harry. And Harry got the impression she just wanted to get rid of bad cake?
Otherwise Harry's behaviour makes no sense in universe (he did not know that a magic cake was waiting for him in the future!) and we'd have to look at authorial intent *cough* bias* cough
no subject
Date: 2015-07-23 09:23 pm (UTC)*Vernon orders Dudley to not touch anything Hagrid gives him. Wise words, Vernon. The narrator seems to see it as a rude thing to say to Hagrid, just as Dumbledore will books later.
It did sound rude, but I think fear played a great role. Not just prejudice. But Vernon is clearly just as prejudiced against Wizards as Wizards are against Muggles. Hagrid is just very intimidating, so Vernon seems more sympathetic.
*Hagrid makes yet another crack about Dudley's weight, saying his great pudding of a son doesn't need any more fattening. WTF? No wonder I loved Draco so much when he showed up in his scene.
I didn't like Draco for his prejudices against Hagrid. Because it was clearly that prejudices. He was just regurgitating what his father told him, same as Ron. At that point Draco doesn't know Hagrid.
*Also btw, I think this quashes all those attempts to list Hagrid under "heroic fat people who prove JKR doesn't portray being overweight negatively."
Totally. Even Neville is portrayed negatively because of it. And weirdly nobody calls Hagrid fat, despite being clearly overweight.
*Of course, Hagrid himself doesn't need anymore liquor but he'll keep drinking anyway. He's a Wizard so it's okay.
I disagree. Don't be prejudiced against wizards. Hagrid may be a drinker, but magic doesn't make Wizards more of drunkards than Muggles. I understand why you are defensive and resentful of Wizards, but this is not an objective way to look at things. Wizards are what Muggles would be if they had magic. Funnily methinks most Wizards and Muggles would disagree.
*It's even more blatant than I remembered the way Hagrid shows up and reveals that the Dursleys are little better than slaves as far as the Wizards are concerned. He doesn't treat them as people taking care of Harry or as Harry's family at all, just goes CAPSLOCK and starts yelling at them about not raising Harry to understand all about Hagrid's world that they themselves know nothing about.
The Dursleys deserve all the scorn they get for abusing Harry, but I wonder if Hagrid knows this. To me it read more like you described it. "How dare you not give him his letter, tell him about wizards, etc.!" On the other hand one would have to be blind not to notice Harry's abuse.
*Oh man, I don't think I can wait until the red alchemical stage. I want Hagrid to die now, please.
I don't want Hagrid to die. He's awful, but generally I normally don't want characters to die even if I hate them. I want Hagrid to get his just desserts. Him discovering the fact that DD is just using him and that he is being a tool. Being confronted about his prejudices and it having repercussions. Possibly him redeeming himself. Death would not be satisfying at all. And with your logic the Dursleys would deserve to die, too.
no subject
Date: 2015-07-23 09:24 pm (UTC)Let your rage about how deplorable Hagrid treats Muggles not cloud your mind. The Dursleys are still awful. AND they did not deserve this.
I'd rather someone sic Child's Service on them. That would have been truly satisfying, to have fellow Muggles judge them for what they perceive to be rightful abuse of a magical child and in Muggle Court no less! The neighbours would certainly have something to talk about then! And they would have lost guardianship of Dudley as well, and maybe without his parents around Harry and Dudley could have become friends. Dudley does become nicer to Harry later on in the books.
*Nice that Dumbledore lists all his jobs under his title of headmaster. Not everyone puts their Conflicts of Interests right on their business card.
I can't be trusted with power! *DD cries in a corner*
Barf.
*So what happens if somebody doesn't owl the school back? Or has that just never happened in the whole history of Hogwarts?
If its magical children, they would just leave it be. It's the parents decision. Other than Harry that is. If Harry didn't go to Hogwarts the WW would die from shock!
*Hagrid responds to McGonagall with the announcement that he'll be taking Harry away tomorrow despite his guardians saying no. I wonder if the Grangers are getting this same treatment?
I doubt it. I'm pretty sure McGonagall should have been the one to bring Harry his letter if DD hadn't interfered. I'm very sure that McGonagall has more delicacy than that.
Hagrid thinks that it's alright to take Harry from his godfather just on DD's say so.
If the Grangers said no, I think McGonagall would try her hardest to convince them otherwise, and if that didn't work...You might be right that the Wizards would just do as they please.
To be fair, it's a question of survival for the Wizards. They can't have Muggleborns break the Statue of Secrecy and do as they please. It's not like they can bind Hermione's magic so that their world isn't endangered. And it wouldn't be fair. A child should not have to make such a decision and even less their parents for them. Muggleborns need schooling so that they won't harm others with their magic and so they will control it and not give themselves away.
*Vernon continues to stand up to the Magical Giant threatening him, thus proving Vernon's a big bully coward.
I think he's pretty courageous in this scene, but he IS a big bully coward when it comes to Harry. How else would you describe him tormenting a child to feel superior?
no subject
Date: 2015-07-23 09:25 pm (UTC)No it is not. But Hagrid's faults are not her sister's. I don't like Lily, but I don't think she deserved this much hatred from her sister.
*Petunia actually sounds upset that her sister was killed through her involvement with Wizards, but that must just be a typo. Muggles don't have real feelings, and family doesn't mean the same thing to them.
I read it like this, too. I'm happy that Petunia still somewhat loved her sister a little bit, behind all that venom. Too bad Harry didn't profit from it at all.
*Hagrid, meanwhile, is furiously offended that anyone could even suggest Wizards could die in a Muggle way. Even though Petunia's story kind of makes Wizards look better than the real one.
No, it doesn't. Wizards do seem to survive a lot of things most Muggles would die from and if they had died in such a mundane way it would have been an embarrassment. They are supposed to be bright and good at magic, yes? Plus, protective magic. Remember Neville and the broom accident? A Muggle would have died. (It explains why Wizards are so careless about security). Of course it is offensive how condescending Hagrid is towards Muggles. People who have lost someone in a car accident must dearly hate Hagrid.
*Apparently Dumbledore told Hagrid there might be trouble getting hold of Harry. No doubt they discussed how they could talk to the Dursleys as equals and explain why it was better for Harry to go to Hogwarts.
*Bwahaha! Just kidding. I wonder if Hagrid was given license to kill if the Muggle scum got too uppity.
You are kidding, right? This would be totally out of character. But I'm sure DD primed Hagrid for some Muggle Baiting to make Harry all that more thankful to his rescuers.
*Hagrid blubbers about Voldemort for a while. Luckily he doesn't pick this scene to explain how Voldemort is evil for his racist views against Muggles. That would just be confusing.
JK is a very confused individual. She doesn't seem to know what she's trying to say ;)
Also I have the impression that V just used the divide in the WW to gain power and doesn't care about the cause at all, outside of exploiting it for his own gain. His primary goals are immortality and power after all.
*Hagrid also reveals he can't spell, but in a way that should inspire our affection. You might have thought we were supposed to laugh at his ignorance since we've been encouraged to laugh at Dudley's. That's just what a dumb Muggle like you would think.
Now that I think of it, we are supposed to think that Hagrid is endearing...Nope. Don't see it.
But maybe he has dislexia? After all he's very old and there is really no other excuse for not knowing how to spell V's name. In which case I feel bad for making fun of him.
*Harry's mum and dad were just the nicest people, they make Hagrid blow into a handkerchief. Oh, was I ever naïve enough to believe Hagrid's opinion on anything?
I was *hides*
*You know, Dumbledore was kind of stupid sending Hagrid to do this job. Snape could have done it much easier. The Dursleys would hear him insult Harry and James and be glad to send him off with Snape. They'd probably have been exchanging Christmas cards ever since.
DD wants Harry to be indebted to him. Snape is really not the person he wants to send. And everyone else might actually protest if they see Harry's living conditions. Hagrid IS the best choice. Plus I doubt DD wants the Dursleys to be more pleasant to Harry. The nastier they are the better.
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Date: 2015-07-23 09:25 pm (UTC)We only see more "Muggle-lovers" interact with Muggles. If Muggle-haters deigned to interact with Muggles they'd be surely just as bad. But I think that Snape would treat them better than most, lol.
*Hagrid mentions Voldemort killing some of the best Witches and Wizards, including the Bones and the Prewetts. Again, not that blood means anything, but these are totally the best families and we'll see that throughout the series.
I'd like to know who the DE lost. Or those who were suspected of being DE and just got unlucky. Supposedly the good side was just as bad as the DE at a point.
*Hagrid then gets violent because Vernon, the guy whose son he just insulted, dared insult somebody back.
Vernon has not insulted DD yet or he'd get violent all right!
Not-jokes aside, he did not get physical.
*Hagrid looks at Harry with that blazing look of warmth and respect, the one that says "You were fundamentally better than other people at birth, just like me!" (Don't worry--it's not Ginny this time, so they won't kiss.)
Well, no. To me it reads like more of that Boy Who Lived nonsense. Harry is a Hero after all, just like DD!
*Harry and Hagrid share their first smile over the fact that Harry's anger at others causes bad things to happen to them in revenge. And there was some doubt what house Harry belonged in?
It is disturbing that Hagrid thinks that way, but for Harry it must be happy memories. If I was in his shoes I'd think so, too. I don't think you think Snape was unjustified in getting revenge on the Marauders, same case with Harry.
Funnily, it doesn't tell me which House he belongs to. Two Houses fit the bill. G & S
I don't know about Hagrid. He must have caused damage without any magic with his size.
*Hagrid declares that Harry will finally be going to school with his own sort! Now where have I heard that phrase before…someone else in the books uses it…who could it be?
From almost every Character we hear some racist remark. Neville and Luna might be the exceptions. I don't remember them saying anything offending, maybe.
*Vernon then makes a generic crack about Dumbledore and Hagrid maturely responds by trying to turn Vernon's son into a pig. This must be an example of that Gryffindor taboo against going after those weaker than you are. Hagrid's only picking on the man's child in self defense!
Attacking Dudley is unacceptable. It was Vernon he had a problem with. And what kind of problem! Just for insulting someone! (Typical Gryffindor reaction though). It also shows Hagrid's priorities that he only gets really angry when DD is being insulted. Who cares about Harry being abused! Hagrid certainly doesn't. Utterly appalling.
*At least Hagrid shows the proper remorse a grown man should feel after lashing out at a child by making yet another fat joke.
Only Slytherins can be racists. Yeah. Someone should get their head checked. cough*JK*cough
no subject
Date: 2015-07-23 09:26 pm (UTC)It is an improvement from before, at least he won't get sick. Question is why Hagrid doesn't just transfigure another couch for Harry. Maybe he's not good enough? Or doesn't he simply not care enough to use magic for something like this. Naw, Muggle baiting is way more important!
Designated Hero
Hagrid arrives to save Harry from the Dursleys. Sort of a lateral move if you ask me. I'm surprised Hagrid doesn't casually announce he'll be bunking with Petunia as a bedwarmer.
There are Nargles buzzing around your head.**
Idiot Picture
Wizards are more powerful than Muggles, but not much different when it comes to brains.
Not at all. No difference at all. Muggles are Wizards without Magic.
Idiot World
Sure Voldemort sounds scary now, but you haven't seen one of his clever plans yet!
He seems clever compared to the rest of the WW. But then there is evil!DD. If it wasn't for his need to be righteous, not only powerful, he'd totally have gone to Slytherin. I wish the Sorting Hat would tell him that, he might just die from shock! Laughs evilly. What, me? Never! I can't be an evil, slimy Slytherin! I'm god! -I mean good! The bestest! the Greatest! For the Greater Good! *Wails* Wait, you must be an instrument of evil, you scoundrel! I shall murder/vanquish you! Aren't I just so noble? Pats himself on the shoulder. Smouldering remains of the hat: ....
no subject
Date: 2015-07-23 09:26 pm (UTC)Signs of things to come:
Silly Vernon! You don't get to decide who comes into your house-you're a Muggle! If you don't open the door Hagrid will just knock it down.
DD could not have sent someone worse. I wish Minerva had handled things. NOT Snape. Petunia would have flipped. I changed my mind, I want to see that! Lol
Within a page of his appearance Hagrid has: insulted a fat person he's never met just for being fat, bullied Muggles, used Muggle as an insult, and explained that Harry is a great wizard because of his bloodline. Bonus points for the veiled hint that the Weasleys are superior by blood.
You forgot Harry being a Hero. A toddler hero. So ridiculous. Snorts in derision. Oh, our messiah!
This is also our first hint that nobody likes to say the name Voldemort. Unsurprisingly, there's not explanation as to why anyone should hate to say his name.
Pure superstition. Which is ridiculous, they're wizards! But nope, it makes sense, they are humans, no matter how much they think themselves better than Muggles. It's like there not being any number 13 on planes because its an unlucky number.
Also first mention of Dumbledore being the only one Voldemort is afraid of. He just is.
I think V's fear is more Freudian. DD gave him enough reason to fear him as a child. I don't think his fear is reasonable at all now that he is an accomplished Dark Lord. He should be able to beat an old man whose prime is long gone and who has supposedly a lot less knowledge about combative Magic (aka Dark Arts) and is very rusty when it comes to duelling. It is the the other way around, DD is the ONLY person V has to fear at all! The rest are sheep. Or Deux Ex Machina. But I don't count those.
Hagrid also does something completely unacceptable and asks Harry to cover for him.
I'm very sure that the truth came out and that this is the real way Dudley lost his tail. Imagine this happening in the real world. Doctor's confidentially would not have meant a thing under such circumstances. I'm very sure Dudley's tail was removed magically and the Dursleys were confounded. And DD was behind it all.