The Pairing in “Potter”
Nov 11th, 2009 by ariellep
J.K. Rowling is often praised for the character complexities and development in the Harry Potter series. Although a variety of individuals introduced throughout the novels, it seems almost every character comes with a parallel or pair of themselves. With this pair usually, but not always, coming from the other generation.
Hermione and Professor McGonagall as the Wonder Twins
These two are the most important, strong, smart, female figures in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. They are usually the ones that keep Harry on track. They both occasionally adopt mom-type roles, but only when it is absolutely necessary to helping Harry. They both like to be right. Hermione is always concerned with being right both academically and morally. She is often described as bouncing up and down with her hand in the air so that she will be the one called on to answer the question. This tends to annoy quite a few people, like Professor Snape, who docks points from Gryffindor because she is an “insufferable know-it-all”. McGonagall on the other hand is a teacher, so she doesn’t have to worry about being called names. They both share strong moral convictions too. When Harry tells Hermione that the Weasley twins had given him the Marauder’s Map, she immediately asks him to return it to the proper authorities. Hermione is terrified of stepping out of line at the beginning of the series, just as McGonagall is always ready to shove someone back in line.The two characters are logical and levelheaded. They plan ahead and think things through before they do them. They prefer tangible evidence and facts over ideas and schemes. This shows in their obvious, and shared, distain for Trelawney’s mind games and Divination, the study of omens and the supernatural.
Lupin and Sirius as the Go-Getters
Remus Lupin and Sirius Black are the more action prone of all the characters in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, besides maybe Harry himself. They act before they think, the exact opposite of Minerva and Hermione. This is proven during Sirius’ first attempt to kill Scabbers. For some reason he thinks it’s a good idea to jump on to Ron’s bed, while he is in it, to kill the rat. Rons wakes up and is seriously disturbed by the image of Black looming over him with a knife in hand. Black just wanted to get it done and over with, not thinking about safer options that wouldn’t attract as much attention. Lupin, although he wants to get stuff done, is a little calmer about it. Where Sirius has been driven crazy about the thought of killing Pettigrew, Lupin has had time to thik it through. He wants Pettigrew dead just as much as Black, but he offers an explanation to the children for their actions instead of jumping into it. They are both portrayed as very loyal people who are willing to do anything for their friends.
Ron and Hagrid as the Common Relief
These two provide some common relief in an uncommon situation. Ron and Hagrid both have more everyday problems to deal with. Ron wants to make sure his rat isn’t eaten by Crookshanks, and instead of fearing for his life because a supposed murderer is out to get him, he fears for his Potions grade. Hagrid ,too, has more traditional issues to deal with. He is a first time teacher. A job that comes with a lot of stress whether you’re teaching about magical creatures or about addition and subtraction. They both care for Harry very much. They are almost always willing to help him with whatever he may need, and to join the adventure whenever they can.
Neville and Trelawney as the Dazed and Confused
These two characters are both complete messes. Neville is scattered and scared, he loses something every five seconds, and always seems close to tears. Neither of them seem know what they are doing. Neville wanders about lost in the crowd, and doesn’t ever know what exactly is going on. Trelawney is just as baffled as he is, but does it with style, probably acquired after years of complete confusion. She dons the air of someone who knows what they are doing, and belittles those, like Hermione, who don’t agree with her.
Malfoy and Snape as the Grumpy Old Men
These two characters are angry with Harry. Snape holds a grudge with Harry’s father James Potter. And since James is now dead, he holds it against Harry. Malfoy, on the other hand, can’t get past Harry’s initial rejection. They both want to revenge on Harry. They go about their anger towards Harry in a similar way. They both mock and taunt Harry with information to get him riled into action. Snape using Harry’s idealization of his father against him, and Malfoy using his knowledge of Harry’s connection to Black and later Buckbeak. They believe that the best way to get satisfaction would be to watch him fail, after they have set him up.