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[brigettlaporte-blog]

Harry Potter Vs The World Response

Do you think there are other models of childhood in the book? Do you agree that Harry would be a Radically Other child or would he fit better into another category?

Mien D.

This is the first time I have read  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, and I’m very glad this was an assignment since I’ve been wanting to read this book eventually, anyways. In response to Harry Potter v.s. The World by Mien D., I would have to disagree with calling Harry as a Radically Other child and suggest that he is better suited, broadly, under the “Developing Child”  lens due to his transitions from being treated child with the Dursleys to as an adult by Dumbledore. Through a more narrow lens, the Dursley’s, however, could have seen him as a “Sinful Child”, giving this book a couple of Models of Childhood. Throughout the story, however, he seems to be going through stages of “Development”, more so than stuck as a naturally “Sinful Child”.

A naturally “Sinful Child”, according to Historical Models of Childhood by Carrie Hintz and Eric Tribunella’s  is one that is, “...easily swayed to do wrong, and susceptible to evil” (Hintz/Tribunella, 18). The Dursley’s, I believe, see Harry through this lens due to their distrust, and disgust with his being. While debating on where to leave Harry due to his lack of a babysitter, Aunt Petunia exclaims, “And come back and find the house in ruins?”, in response to leaving him on his own (Rowling, 25). This shows her distrust and belief that, naturally, he will do some sort of evil by ruining their house, though he has given them no reason to believe that he would. This is one of many distrusting statements the Dursleys have given towards Harry, showing their view of him as naturally Sinful and evil. Throughout the book, however, Harry is seen in a more trusting and respectable light in great contrast to the Dursley’s view of him.

Through Dumbledore’s eyes, Harry seems to be a “Developing Child”, giving him the respect a child deserves but also understands how young Harry is and how he has not yet reached adult stages to truly understand all of the truths in the Wizarding World. “The Truth...It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should, therefore, be treated with great caution”. (Rowling 298) Here Dumbledore expresses his respect to Harry through trusting him with the truth, explaining that though the truth may be complicated, Harry is allowed to be answered respectfully and honestly. Dumbledore, however, is also wary on exactly what he tells Harry and what he is allowed to know at this age, “When you are older... I know you hate to hear this… when you are ready you will know”, he says in response to Harry’s question about Voldemort's intentions to kill him( (Rowling, 299). He understands that this isn't an ideal answer, but must be done because Harry isn't grown to the full Development as an adult to fully comprehend ALL truths.

Brigett L.