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What did Dumbledore's comments to the Dursleys mean?

bunya dragon View Member Profile	Nov 7 2008, 07:52 PM Post #1
Flesh-Eating-Slug Catcher Posts: 202 Joined: 3:24am June 3, 2008 Location: Enjoying the latest HP book club	Dumbledore, when at 4 Privet drive said: 'You did not do as I asked. You have never treated Harry as a son. He has known nothing but neglect and often cruelty at your hands. The best that can be said is that he has at least escaped the appalling damage you have inflicted on the unfortunate boy sitting next to you.' Why does Dumbledore think that Dudley Dursley has suffered appalling damage, but not Harry? Should the Dursleys have treated Dudley the same way that they treated Harry?

Replies (1 - 3)

keola sombra View Member Profile	Nov 8 2008, 04:31 AM Post #2
Disgruntled House-Elf at The Leaky Cauldron Posts: 437 Joined: 2:11pm June 21, 2008 Location: shopping in Diagon Alley	The Dursleys were terrible to Harry, verbally and physically abusing him, he had a terrible childhood and made sure he didn't have anyone to turn to. Dudley on the other hand they adored, he was a spoiled brat, gave him anything he wanted, never having to lift a finger probably part of the reason was to have a bigger contrast betwene the boys, clearly showing who was their favorite. But in their behavior Dudly is left very overweight, dumb, unable to take care of himself, and with an misguided view of the world... Harry on the other hand was fine despite their bahavior, he grew to be a independent person with a stong view of whats right and wrong, and the bravery to stand up for others and himself. So that's what I think Dumbledore was refering to how they left Dudley far worse of than Harry By that he didn't mean they should have treated Dudley as they did Harry, but somewhere in betwene, they should have grown up as brothers, equals, been given the same things, affection and nurture, so that they both grew up in a safe, loving family environment. -------------------- One who doesn't have determenation doesn't have a future...

DumblondKatie View Member Profile	Nov 8 2008, 05:50 AM Post #3
Rat Spleen Restocker at the Apothecary Posts: 494 Joined: 10:29pm August 9, 2008 Location: Sending Ginny a Hogwarts Toilet Seat	Ye, I think its because though Harry has been abused by the Dursley's all his life at least he has a sence of independance and a taste of disapointment in the real world. When he goes out on his own, he will know how to survive and how to do things for himself. Where as Dudley will not. He has no idea hats going on out side his perfect bubble and therefore will not make it on his own in the real world. That being said, Hermione did everything for Harry and Ron in DH, so maybe he won't have that much sence of indepenace and making it on his own, because hes used to Hermione taking care of these things, but thats errelevent to this topice But at the end what I think DD is trying to put across is that they had no love for one child while a bucket load for the other. If they had shared their love equally around then Harry would have found indepenace but beeing happy at the same time, and so would have Dudley. -------------------- ] <---- ♥ Yup. I'm a Shipper.

Alva View Member Profile	Nov 15 2008, 06:42 PM Post #4
Eeylops Owl Cage Cleaner Posts: 224 Joined: 4:53pm September 7, 2005	Why does Dumbledore think that Dudley Dursley has suffered appalling damage, but not Harry? I don't think that Dumbledore wants to say that Harry hasn't suffered any damage. The damage Dudley has suffered is of a different kind. I think he wants to say that both neglect and pampering can do damage to a child. Should the Dursleys have treated Dudley the same way that they treated Harry? I think Dumbledore is probably glad that they didn't treat Harry the same way as Dudley. A Harry with Dudley-like qualities wouldn't be intrested in or able to save the Wizard World... -------------------- "I am not worried, Harry, I am with you."

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