OVERANALYZING THE TEXT

Hi, Naama.

Just one point. Draco's unsatisfactoriness originates (if I understand you correctly) from his presumed role of Peer Rival to Harry, right?

Well, I'm not sure that I agree that that is exactly his narrative role. I mean, yes, of course it is - he is a peer and a rival of Harry. The thing is, Draco is not Harry's true rival (arch enemy). The true rival is Voldemort, and in facing him, Harry is truly involved in a heroic struggle.

No, I agree. That was why I was so careful to consistently use the term peer rival, or peer antagonist. Naturally Voldemort is Harry's actual arch-enemy.

Poor Draco! He's not even strong enough to make me feel satisfied with him as Harry's peer rival! I would hardly try to set him up as Harry's ultimate foe. That would be pretty sad, wouldn't it?

The conflict with Draco is definitely not heroic, but that's OK. As far as narrative roles go, I'm quite happy with loser!Draco. He provides action which is fun to read.

Interesting. So do you see the entire schoolboy rivalry aspect of the books as in part a kind of comedic relief, then, providing some respite from the darkness and stress of the heroic struggle?

I hadn't thought to read them that way before. I'd been seeing them more as paralleling than as alleviating the darker aspects of the books, but your own reading makes a lot of sense -- and it is also far more relaxing than my own, which I confess that I often find a bit depressing.

Oh, and I wasn't aroused when Harry was writhing with Cruciatus!!

Nah. It's not watching the poor kid writhe and scream that's supposed to arouse you. It's imagining how you, and you alone, could Heal His Wounds And Make Him Whole. That's the part that's supposed to get you all warm and fuzzy inside. Hence the "comfort."

What's the matter with you, woman?!

I've spent far too many years analyzing how people read texts, and it has twisted my mind. Also, I'm no fun at parties.

—Elkins