It’d make sense that magical adults would be far more individually strong than muggles. Think of the power that they’d have at their finger tips. The problem is that JKR had NO IDEA to show how 6th/7th years would learn to harness their abilities in readiness for adulthood. They go from battling Cornish Pixies in 2nd year, to the Final Battle with just a hint of Unforgiveables in-between.
The last two years should have demonstrated them really having to stretch themselves. I remember being *totally* unconvinced by Hermione’s crazy skillz in Book 7. When did she learn to it all? Arithmancy? There was only about a month between the last two books. When they needed to access Slytherin House in Book 2, she came up with the idea of Polyjuice Potion which she'd read about, then carefully followed instructions and we *saw* her prepare it. In Book 5, they needed a way to secretly arrange meetings for the DA, so she went away and prepared those fancy coins (and the parchment to smite Harry non-believers).
By Book 7, there was no sitting down, coming up with an idea, then going away and working on it - unless it was that nonsense plan for getting into the Ministry - she just always had an answer for anything as it came up. The rot started in Book 6 - what did Hermione *do*? JKR wanted the story to go in certain directions, but no-one had to work for it anymore - things just happened when needed. It got worse, too - accio Horcrux books, anyone?
Hermione’s 'gifted' in moving on the plot. Her abilities and knowledge ebb and flow depending on what JKR needs at the time. She started off as brilliant, but insecure which was fine. The more perfect she became, the more obnoxious and hypocritical she was. Her only hope was standing next to Ginny. It’s been said a lot, but Hermione and Umbridge really are the same person - how can the author not see that?
I never mind about things like Owls carrying ridiculously large items, (or brooms flying and teleportation) - it‘s magic! Just as appalling plotting, appalling lack of regard for your own canon, appalling writing and APPALLING characterization *isn’t* magic. I’m happy to accept that magic is totally incompatible with the laws of chemistry and physics, just like ending a book series on a high is totally incompatible with JKR’s abilities.
Word on everything you said about the inability of Ron and Hermione to just get together already. I know what she was trying to do with all the bickering (I *love* Doris Day and Rock Hudson!) and it was more convincing than Remus/Tonks or Harry/Ginny, but it was a bit old here. Especially as the whole Marietta thing had put me right off Hermione, and I just wanted the whole thing over.
Some cynical types would say that JKR didn’t want to alienate those who couldn’t see Ron/Hermione coming from years before - when the books were still good - and risk them not buying Book 7 in a temper. (I agree with you, Harry and Hermione came over as platonic. The only spark I’ve seen was between the two actors who play them.) While I am *very* cynical, I think she was just being practical. If you cut out the ‘romance’, what exactly would happen in HBP? Voldemort - This is your Life, Sectumsempra and Dead Dumbles. This book rivals DH for the lack of plot. DH at least had some ‘action scenes’ at the beginning and end.
The whole Ron had to try-out again should have been cut. Harry never had to. I know it was to move the plot, but if something didn’t fit with what she’d previously written, she should have cut and rewritten it. (In which case DH would still be a year from publication). The whole love bit could have been cut by two thirds. If the book was then too small, she should have come up with MORE PLOT.
Why does Hermione *have* to go to Slughorn’s dinner? (Though I think she’d love to go without Harry and get the admiration he always insists on, despite her all doing the work.) If someone had refused to play Slughorn’s game, that would have shown some genuine integrity. Harry tried to avoid him, but that’s not the same. Ron, Neville and Luna are the characters I prefer and they weren’t invited. In fact the people who *are* invited are the most tiresome - there’s a link there somewhere.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-10-10 08:01 pm (UTC)The last two years should have demonstrated them really having to stretch themselves. I remember being *totally* unconvinced by Hermione’s crazy skillz in Book 7. When did she learn to it all? Arithmancy? There was only about a month between the last two books. When they needed to access Slytherin House in Book 2, she came up with the idea of Polyjuice Potion which she'd read about, then carefully followed instructions and we *saw* her prepare it. In Book 5, they needed a way to secretly arrange meetings for the DA, so she went away and prepared those fancy coins (and the parchment to smite Harry non-believers).
By Book 7, there was no sitting down, coming up with an idea, then going away and working on it - unless it was that nonsense plan for getting into the Ministry - she just always had an answer for anything as it came up. The rot started in Book 6 - what did Hermione *do*? JKR wanted the story to go in certain directions, but no-one had to work for it anymore - things just happened when needed. It got worse, too - accio Horcrux books, anyone?
Hermione’s 'gifted' in moving on the plot. Her abilities and knowledge ebb and flow depending on what JKR needs at the time. She started off as brilliant, but insecure which was fine. The more perfect she became, the more obnoxious and hypocritical she was. Her only hope was standing next to Ginny. It’s been said a lot, but Hermione and Umbridge really are the same person - how can the author not see that?
I never mind about things like Owls carrying ridiculously large items, (or brooms flying and teleportation) - it‘s magic! Just as appalling plotting, appalling lack of regard for your own canon, appalling writing and APPALLING characterization *isn’t* magic. I’m happy to accept that magic is totally incompatible with the laws of chemistry and physics, just like ending a book series on a high is totally incompatible with JKR’s abilities.
Word on everything you said about the inability of Ron and Hermione to just get together already. I know what she was trying to do with all the bickering (I *love* Doris Day and Rock Hudson!) and it was more convincing than Remus/Tonks or Harry/Ginny, but it was a bit old here. Especially as the whole Marietta thing had put me right off Hermione, and I just wanted the whole thing over.
Some cynical types would say that JKR didn’t want to alienate those who couldn’t see Ron/Hermione coming from years before - when the books were still good - and risk them not buying Book 7 in a temper. (I agree with you, Harry and Hermione came over as platonic. The only spark I’ve seen was between the two actors who play them.) While I am *very* cynical, I think she was just being practical. If you cut out the ‘romance’, what exactly would happen in HBP? Voldemort - This is your Life, Sectumsempra and Dead Dumbles. This book rivals DH for the lack of plot. DH at least had some ‘action scenes’ at the beginning and end.
The whole Ron had to try-out again should have been cut. Harry never had to. I know it was to move the plot, but if something didn’t fit with what she’d previously written, she should have cut and rewritten it. (In which case DH would still be a year from publication). The whole love bit could have been cut by two thirds. If the book was then too small, she should have come up with MORE PLOT.
Why does Hermione *have* to go to Slughorn’s dinner? (Though I think she’d love to go without Harry and get the admiration he always insists on, despite her all doing the work.) If someone had refused to play Slughorn’s game, that would have shown some genuine integrity. Harry tried to avoid him, but that’s not the same. Ron, Neville and Luna are the characters I prefer and they weren’t invited. In fact the people who *are* invited are the most tiresome - there’s a link there somewhere.