Ron Weasley - Part 3., Hero, zero, or somewhere in between ? |
 Feb 10 2008, 09:34 AM
Post
#1
|
|
Dumbledore's Personal Secretary  Posts: 4,714 Joined: 10:28am December 31, 2006 Location: At a violin concert with my boss.  |
The Ron Weasley thread Part 2 here was closed because it had reached more than 50 pages. You can continue your very interesting discussion on all things Ron in this shiny new Ron Weasley Part 3 thread. We also give you a poll where you can vote for what you think is Ron's biggest strength and his greatest weakness. Vote away, and do give us your reasons for your choices. Rowena. LL. Mod.  --------------------  |
 |
 
 
|
|
Feb 10 2008, 12:11 PM
Post
#2
|
|
Stocking Snitches at Quality Quidditch Supplies  Posts: 665 Joined: 11:29am November 2, 2006 Location: HP fandom  |
I elaborated on this in the previous version already, but I gladly repeat: for me, Ron Weasley is a hero. He is the example of the everyday boy/man who does admirable, exceptional things. He is a true, worthy Gryffindor as proven by the fact that he was able to retrieve and wield Gryffindor's sword in DH.
As to the poll questions: As Ron's biggest weakness I voted his insecurity. I think his insecurities and self-doubts were the 'driving force' of all the other things, i.e. his jealousy. Had he been more secure in himself, he would have realized that there was no need for jealousy. These insecurities also lie beneath his mistakes and they held him back for a long time, be it with regards to Quidditch, academics (he always thought he never could make a difference anyway since all his brothers had achieved everything already, I always felt that was one reason behind his laziness in school) or especially with regards to Hermione. For biggest strength I took 'others', because I couldn't vote more than one option. I think being there for his friends and supporting them, his Gryffindor courage as well as being able to admit to his mistakes are all equally Ron's strengths and I couldn't even say which one is his biggest. I would like to get back to our Ron/Lavender discussion from the previous version: I think Lavender really liked Ron, but she certainly didn't have deep feelings for him. It was more a teenager crush. She might have always liked him, but suddenly he was even taller, a bit more grown up, a bit more cool (Quidditch keeper) and the fact that he had participated in the fight at the MoM surely wasn't hurtful either. I basically agree with what Laura W said in the previous version, especially this: QUOTE I also think the immature Ron - although a lot of 15-year-old boys think about girls as Ron did - needed to have a purely physical relationship with a girl in order to see how shallow that is. With Lavender, he got that out of his system. That is the main purpose of Won-Won/Lav-Lav and JKR has even said that in one of her interviews: QUOTE(JKR on MN/TLC interview @ July 16th 2005) JKR: ... Now, that didn't mean necessarily physical experience, but he had to grow up emotionally and now he's taken a big step up. Because he's had the meaningless physical experience - let's face it, his emotions were never deeply engaged with Lavender - [Much laughter in which Melissa emits a "Won-Won"] JKR: - and he's realized that that is ultimately not what he wants, which takes him a huge emotional step forward. -------------------- Ron Weasley: Keeper, Knight and King JKR: "I don't think good books are written to a formula" JK Rowling Chat, AOL Live, May 4, 2000 |
|
|
|
|
Feb 10 2008, 12:56 PM
Post
#3
|
|
Leaky's Resident Weasley Expert Posts: 2,478 Joined: 8:52pm March 1, 2005 Location: Ravenclaw Common Room attempting to ACCIO Jason Mraz.  |
Well I voted Ron's insecurities. Obviously. Every flawed thing Ron has ever done has been in direct relation to how insecure he is. I can't think of one exception to this. And for those people who find Ron's flaws unforgivable, I would ask you to look inside yourself. Haven't you ever felt unworthy? Imagine feeling that way almost all of the time.
For strength, I sum it up the way JKR summed it up. "Ron Weasley is always there when you need him." That in an of itself is his greatest strength, and it enhances and makes possible all his other strengths. The fact that he is such a constant, is great. And he has to make various personal and physical sacrifices to be that. -------------------- Check out my newest post DH R/Hr fics!~Or my author page!~One Big Happy Wealsey Family!~My Livejournal Avvie by rupert-grint.us |
|
|
|
|
Feb 10 2008, 02:02 PM
Post
#4
|
|
|
Flesh-Eating-Slug Catcher Posts: 189 Joined: 6:57am January 25, 2008 Location: Italy, a small town on the hills |
EruditeWitch, I agree with you.
Insecurity is Ron's biggest problem, because having no self-esteem is what initially prevents him from achieving any result: he convinces himself that Harry is better than him, so he becomes jealous and he thinks Harry wants to be in the spotlight (GoF, for example). He can't see his own qualities, he thinks everyone should prefer Harry over him - including his family, so there's no need for him to try to achieve anything, because he'll always be "second best". Besides, since he is the youngest son his family has a lot of expectations on him, which he doesn't want to disappoint but he doesn't believe in himself, he is afraid of not being able to reach the same "level" of his brothers. Oh, and we can't forget he was born immediately before Ginny -- the long waited daughter. But he's always there when his friends need him, and he's ready to sacrifice everything for them. This is why I totally agree with galadriel12 - Ron is a hero in the true sense of the word, he is completely devoted to his friends without hoping to receive anything in return - even their esteem. And this is what makes him so special. |
|
|
|
|
Feb 10 2008, 02:43 PM
Post
#5
|
|
Harry's Best Friend Posts: 2,156 Joined: 1:22pm December 28, 2007 Location: Hovering over Steve Kloves shoulder, trying to make sure DH Ron is the 'real' Ron. |
Oooh, I love a shiny new thread!
I voted, betcha can't guess....Ron's insecurities, as his greatest weakness. And, as you have all said, those insecurities are the things that cause the other problems for Ron. As for his greatest strength? I agree with galadriel12 I can't choose just one. His sense of humor is what drew me to him to start with. I love to laugh. But as he grew through the books, I got to witness him being there for his friends in ways that seemed to be way above the call of duty. (Although being best friends with Harry, you've just signed up for that!) His courage was shining through in every book, in every difficult situation. And I will go further and say that his courage grew with each book. Ron's ability to realize and accept his mistakes endeared me to him, because that takes courage as well. Humble pie is not very tasty and we know Ron likes good food! LauraW, thank you. I appreciate your kindness. As far as Lavendar falling off the balcony, that was scary for me as well, but I really think that if she had died, JKR would have mentioned her at the end of DH. I think she was an important enough part of the story that she wouldn't have been left out when Harry looked into the Great Hall and saw those who had died. You and harrydavid brought up some really good points that made me think a lot more about Lavendar. She is a deeper character than I thought. I think she did really like Ron, although, I agree that neither of them were "in love," and I also agree that both of them needed the relationship as a part of their growing up process. --------------------   *heart, mind, soul avi by {{voldy}}* |
|
|
|
|
Feb 10 2008, 04:17 PM
Post
#6
|
|
|
Monster Book Stacker Posts: 368 Joined: 12:00am March 9, 2007 |
As Ron's greatest weakness, I voted for his sense of insecurity. I agree with others who have stated that his insecurity is the underlying cause of other weaknesses and mistakes that he makes. After he symbolically overcomes his insecurities by destroying the locket-horcrux in DH, he no longer struggles with jealousy, irrational anger, frustration over living conditions, or doubts about his own abilities...because the root cause is gone.
As Ron's biggest strength, I voted for his being there for his friends. I think that actually covers a lot of Ron's decisions and actions. By "being there" he is obviously showing support for his friends. By "being there" he is showing courage, especially when he and his friends are carrying out a dangerous mission. By "being there" he is able to provide much needed humor to raise morale and brighten everyone's spirits. By "being there" he is demonstrating that he can take the initiative in recognizing and apologizing for his mistakes (whereas he could've done the opposite by "not being there" and hiding in fear and shame). So his being there for his friends actually shows many of his strengths at work. Or at least that's how I see it. This post has been edited by morgiana: Feb 10 2008, 04:45 PM |
|
|
|
|
Feb 10 2008, 04:21 PM
Post
#7
|
|
|
Professional Diagon Alley Window Shopper Posts: 68 Joined: 8:02pm January 7, 2007 |
For Ron's biggest weakness, I had to go for his insecurity. All of his worst failings and mistakes stem from that one thing. I know from personal experience that insecurity can make a person say and do things in the spur of the moment that on reflection they deeply regret. I would count his estrangement from Harry in GOF, his turning to Lavender in HBP and his leaving the Horcrux hunt in DH as classic examples of that. They were all things that at the time in an insecurity fueled moment would have seemed the right choice but on reflection would have been things he deeply regretted. The worst thing about all three was that at the time there was no chance to immediately put things right. Harry and Hermione were unwilling to forgive him in the first two instances, and of course he was unable to immediately return in DH. I could imagine him torturing himself regarding all three decisions during the time it took for things to work themselves out, especially after what happened in DH.
For his biggest strength, I tend to find that you always admire qualities that you personally lack. In my case, it led to me admiring his courage. There is no way that I could have done any of the things that Ron did during the series. Allowing himself to be taken out by the Queen in PS. Entering the Forbidden Forest facing one of his worst fears in COS. Standing up to Sirius Black, a supposed mass murderer, (on a broken leg no less) in POA. Following Harry on an incredibly dangerous mission into the DOM in OOTP. Duelling with Death Eaters at the end of HBP. Going on the Horcrux hunt in DH and then returning after he walked out, despite the fact he had no idea what kind of reception he would have on his return and the fact he knew exactly what he was letting himself in for. When I see some of the comments from Ron haters calling him 'a whiny coward', I always wonder what version of the books they have read or indeed if they've only seen the movies and not read the books at all. Not one of the people making those comments could claim to have done a fraction of the brave things that Ron has done during the series. How on earth can they judge him in that way? I can never understand all of the Ron hate, anyway. How can people have a problem with someone who is brave and noble, good and loyal, generous and kind hearted? Ron as a character has all of the best qualities that a person can have. There are times when I wish that I could be half as good as he is. Even his flaws have, in the main, been overcome by the end of the series. I do believe that a lot of the problems that people have with him are down to snobbery, both social and intellectual. Ron comes from an ordinary working class background. He isn't rich. He isn't suave and sophisticated. He isn't exceptionally talented or intelligent. He doesn't have those superficial qualities that a lot of people consider important in today's day and age. I believe that a lot of the Ron haters look down on him from the start because of those things, rather like the way that a lot of people look down on those of lower social standing in real life. They tend to prejudge them from outward appearances and superficial qualities rather than looking at the real person underneath. This would explain why Ron is never given any credit for his strengths and is hammered for his weaknesses. And it certainly would explain the contrast to how the wealthier middle class characters of Harry and Hermione are treated by these people. Their strengths are always played up and their weaknesses overlooked. Even wealthy scum like Draco Malfoy get a fairer hearing than Ron does. I'm not saying that it's a conscious thing but a lot of statements that I read knocking Ron for being poor, lacking manners etc. do seem to point in that direction. |
|
|
|
|
Feb 10 2008, 06:00 PM
Post
#8
|
|
Ron Weasley's #2 squeeze  Posts: 2,807 Joined: 11:00pm July 13, 2007 Location: Ottery St. Catchpole  |
QUOTE(harrydavid) I think the text shows her taking an interest in him before he shows any in her. To me, he actually seems surprised by her interest on the way to the Quidditch tryouts. This also show her taking an interest in him before he gets on the team. Thanks, I couldn't remember.I don't see Lavendar as being a Romilda Vane type. I do think Lavendar knew Ron. Romilda only knew Harry as The-Boy-Who-Lived, a.k.a. a celebrity. Ron was a real person to Lavendar. He looked more hero like after the Ministry battle and adding his height, sense-of-humor, and being an athelete, he looked more like her type of boyfriend. QUOTE(Laura W) I do not believe either of the teenagers loved each other or anything like it. It was - for a while - something that suited both of them. I know Ron didn't love Lavendar. My main question is did Lavendar love Ron or did she just want a boyfriend and decide he was the one she was going to have?The Poll: I voted for insecurity, because like everyone else said, it's the driving force for everything else that is Ron. As his greatest strength, I voted for always being there. It helps you overlook his weaknesses and it magnifies, imo, his other strengths. In the end, Ron really is a great friend. This post has been edited by blue4t: Feb 10 2008, 06:03 PM --------------------  Win-gar-dium Levi-o-sa Ron Weasley: He Does it Anyway. |
|
|
|
|
Feb 10 2008, 06:33 PM
Post
#9
|
|
The nicer member of the A-team Posts: 5,461 Joined: 5:33pm March 30, 2007 Location: Pushing the sweets trolley on the Hogwarts Express  |
I went with Ron's insecurities being his biggest weak point. They seem to rule his life in a way and until he can get the better of them and they lead him into other weaknesses as people have said. I've always had my suspicions, even though it's not spelled out in the books either by JKR or by his parents, that Ron felt really insecure because of being that last boy before the girl. I put myself into his shoes and see how I would feel and I would always have a nagging suspicion that I was only there because I wasn't the longed-for other sex. I just feel like many of Ron's insecurities might stem from a sense of 'what do I have to offer this family?' and having him come up with 'very little'; even though that isn't true I can see why he would feel that way.
I think his biggest strength is his being there for his friends. He has moments of idiocy where he turns his back on Harry and/or Hermione but for the most part he is 'there' for them in a way they don't get from anyone else, and his forays into running off are never long lived and when the chips are down he always comes through. Harry in particular needs him around; he has never had a friend before and to have someone who is there for him through thick and thin is at first a novelty and later (when everyone is against him or only interested in 'the chosen one') it is a blessing that Ron sees him as him and not as an icon. Harry is my very favouriote character and I think Ron is a wonderful part of his life. He is the perfect person for Harry to have met on the train: they are enough alike and enough different to make great best friends. And as for those who think Hermione should choose Harry because Ron isn't good enough for her, I have a problem with that from Harry's point of view, let alone Hermione's. She is a great friend to Harry but she is not at all the right love interest. *shudders that the thought of their life together* ... she and Ron make a perfect couple: they give each other balance, which neither Harry nor Hermione could give each other. It's not a matter of Hermione choosing Ron over Harry, it's a matter of them being right for each other. -------------------- |
|
|
|
|
Feb 11 2008, 08:19 AM
Post
#10
|
|
|
Harry's Best Friend Posts: 2,156 Joined: 1:22pm December 28, 2007 Location: Hovering over Steve Kloves shoulder, trying to make sure DH Ron is the 'real' Ron. |
QUOTE(Sethtaylorsummer @ Feb 10 2008, 05:33 PM)  ... she and Ron make a perfect couple: they give each other balance, which neither Harry nor Hermione could give each other. It's not a matter of Hermione choosing Ron over Harry, it's a matter of them being right for each other. Exactly STS. And that's something that really has no logical explanation. Sometimes you can be as different as night and day, and still be right for each other. I think too, that when Ron and Hermione were together, she was able to help him with his insecurities. I believe just being with her would have boosted Ron's confidence. Also, Ron's love and, I would say, adoration, for Hermione helped her realize that she was more than just brainy.
-------------------- *heart, mind, soul avi by {{voldy}}* |
|
|
|
