I never understood why Hagrid didn't give Harry better directions to the Platform. I know that JKR wanted this to be an introduction to the Weasleys, but I think Hagrid could have said "Go between 9 and 10 and wait for this family". I guess she wanted to emphasize that Harry cannot depend on adults and he must figure things out on his own. Any other thoughts?
That's a good point but I've always felt that Hagrid's approach to life is a blinkered, it-will-all-work-out one. As much as I love him, he just doesn't "get it" sometimes. If he thought of it at all, he figured Harry would find someone to help. He was just lucky it was the Weasleys instead of the Malfoys. :-)
I think he just forgets that Harry doesn't know this sort of thing. I mean, he's astounded to begin with that he's the one who has to explain everything in the first place. Then Rowling makes a point of saying how he points at perfectly ordinary things like they're something special. He probably just didn't even think about the fact that Harry wouldn't know how to get onto the platform since it's assumed common knowledge for most wizards in the area, particularly children.
I also agree...he simply thinks Harry knows everything he's supposed to know. Period. I love the way JKR describes things...the Dursleys would have had his fortune 'faster than blinking'...totally delightful! Heart Writer and half of Anne Marie Jenner
I never understood why Hagrid didn't give Harry better directions to the Platform. I know that JKR wanted this to be an introduction to the Weasleys, but I think Hagrid could have said "Go between 9 and 10 and wait for this family". I guess she wanted to emphasize that Harry cannot depend on adults and he must figure things out on his own. Any other thoughts?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point but I've always felt that Hagrid's approach to life is a blinkered, it-will-all-work-out one. As much as I love him, he just doesn't "get it" sometimes. If he thought of it at all, he figured Harry would find someone to help. He was just lucky it was the Weasleys instead of the Malfoys. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think he just forgets that Harry doesn't know this sort of thing. I mean, he's astounded to begin with that he's the one who has to explain everything in the first place. Then Rowling makes a point of saying how he points at perfectly ordinary things like they're something special. He probably just didn't even think about the fact that Harry wouldn't know how to get onto the platform since it's assumed common knowledge for most wizards in the area, particularly children.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Casi on this one.
ReplyDeleteI also agree...he simply thinks Harry knows everything he's supposed to know. Period. I love the way JKR describes things...the Dursleys would have had his fortune 'faster than blinking'...totally delightful!
ReplyDeleteHeart Writer and half of Anne Marie Jenner