I'm just trying to see whether some of the themes I guessed about in Chapter 1 apply here in Chapter 2:
On the topic of false interpersonal connection, it's interesting to think about Harry and Dobby's encounter as a failure. Obviously, Harry is put off because Dobby has chosen to be so manipulative, using trickery and blackmail to induce Harry not to return to Hogwarts. But Harry also fails to make a real connection with Dobby, which may be why events in the kitchen eventually spiral out of control. He never once makes a straightforward appeal to Dobby, that he needs to be quiet because of the Dursleys. Rather, he reacts with panic to each squeak and sob that might attract Vernon's attention, and tries to find a way to distract and quiet him. Of course, Harry has every reason to feel freaked out by this odd visitor, but I just thought it was interesting that, despite his empathy for Dobby's life at the Malfoys, his first instinct is to manipulate, not to connect. There is a parallel, here, maybe, with Vernon's attempt to obsessively control what should be a friendly, relaxed social visit. So again: a limited toolbag of interpersonal relations. Affirmation and annihilation, manipulation and control. No sign yet of trust, of spontaneous friendship and pleasure.
no subject
On the topic of false interpersonal connection, it's interesting to think about Harry and Dobby's encounter as a failure. Obviously, Harry is put off because Dobby has chosen to be so manipulative, using trickery and blackmail to induce Harry not to return to Hogwarts. But Harry also fails to make a real connection with Dobby, which may be why events in the kitchen eventually spiral out of control. He never once makes a straightforward appeal to Dobby, that he needs to be quiet because of the Dursleys. Rather, he reacts with panic to each squeak and sob that might attract Vernon's attention, and tries to find a way to distract and quiet him. Of course, Harry has every reason to feel freaked out by this odd visitor, but I just thought it was interesting that, despite his empathy for Dobby's life at the Malfoys, his first instinct is to manipulate, not to connect. There is a parallel, here, maybe, with Vernon's attempt to obsessively control what should be a friendly, relaxed social visit. So again: a limited toolbag of interpersonal relations. Affirmation and annihilation, manipulation and control. No sign yet of trust, of spontaneous friendship and pleasure.