Harry and Ron are inseparable.That, however, happens after they meet. In the early part of the book there is no Ron -no trusted sidekick, no best bud. Harry's life in the absence of Ron, or any friend for that matter( Harry can't even make any friends in school thanks to that wretched Dudley), with the Dursleys is a stark contrast to Ron's life with his big, boisterous and loving family.Harry would trade all the gold that his parents left him in a heartbeat to get a chance to have a family like Ron's. Harry, who grew up knowing that his parents were killed in a car accident and was the sole survivor, yearns for even a semblance of a family life. To a large extent that is one reason, I think, that he puts up with all the vexation and cruelty that is hurled at him on a daily basis by the Dursleys. They maybe hurtful, but they are the closest thing that he can call a family. ( Also he had no where else to go, sadly.)Of course, he truly detests their unexplained cruelty towards him and he longs for friendship(which is fulfilled by Ron to a large extent).
Ron has the perfect family by any standard. True, they are not the wealthiest or the most influential pure blood family but what they lack in riches they make up with love for each other. Ron is blessed with older brothers and a younger sister who loves him unconditionally- not to mention his parents. Love is the omnipresent force in Ron's life. Ron knows if all else fails he has his family to fall back on. On the other hand maliciousness, distrust and loathing is omnipresent in Harry's life before he meets Ron. Harry's life is devoid of love, laughter and joy. Unlike Ron he has absolutely no one that will lend him even a shoulder to cry on.
One other contrasting feature in their lives (before they meet) that is even more troubling is that Harry, unlike Ron, does not even know his true identity. The fact that he possesses the gift of magic within him is unbeknownst to him. Aunt Petuni and Uncle Vernon were hell bent on beating this magic out of him, literally. They never informed him about the great events that surrounded the mark on his forehead and the fate of his parents at the hands of you-know-who.
Ron knew exactly who he was and more or less comfortable with his identity. Ignorance in this case was not bliss.
I like the way you highlight how much Harry is in need of a friend at the beginning of the book. This sets it up for Ron's entrance into Harry's life. The picture is pretty cool too.
ReplyDeleteReally good. You've set up Ron's character, as well as his future position in the narrative, really well. I can't wait to see what you say when he shows up. And, yeah, I love the picture.
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