Why I Love...Draco Malfoy
It's hard to find a specific character in a book that you hate but love at the same time. Most of the time you hate them with a passion, feel indifferent, or, in rare cases, love them despite their many shortcomings. Because of that, this week's "Why I Love" is dedicated to my favorite villain; one that I love despite his MANY shortcomings.
Draco Malfoy. The poor kid! I know, I know. Many people absolutely hate the white-blonde snot, but for some reason I felt sorry for him more than I hated him. For me, Draco was a victim of circumstance. He grew up with parents who demonstrated a hate for the "other" and didn't really know a different view of the world. In many ways, he is like Harry. Whoa...did I just say that? Yes, I did! Though Draco had parents, who loved him in their own way, he was also brought up in an environment that did not encourage outward displays of affection or acceptance. He was stunted in his development at a young age and this definitely effected how he interacted with people and creatures who he did not understand. Growing up in a "superior" household, and constantly being taught that you are better than other people, really does wonders for your psyche. Also, due to his privileged upbringing, Draco was not accustomed to being questioned about his actions or thoughts. This led him to embrace his "God" complex and, when confronted by his peers and whatnot, he acts out (though he does question his motives at times). You especially see this in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Draco has such a wonderful development as the books go on and, despite the fact that he never really moves away from his thoughts of superiority, you do see that he is ashamed of his father at the end of the books. This is a HUGE step for him and one of the many reasons he is my favorite villain.
I could have included many other characters in this post, namely villains that I absolutely hate (Lord Voldemort, Bellatrix, Moriarty, The Voltari, Alec d'Urberville, Sauron, Claudius, and so on), but I contained myself.
Draco Malfoy. The poor kid! I know, I know. Many people absolutely hate the white-blonde snot, but for some reason I felt sorry for him more than I hated him. For me, Draco was a victim of circumstance. He grew up with parents who demonstrated a hate for the "other" and didn't really know a different view of the world. In many ways, he is like Harry. Whoa...did I just say that? Yes, I did! Though Draco had parents, who loved him in their own way, he was also brought up in an environment that did not encourage outward displays of affection or acceptance. He was stunted in his development at a young age and this definitely effected how he interacted with people and creatures who he did not understand. Growing up in a "superior" household, and constantly being taught that you are better than other people, really does wonders for your psyche. Also, due to his privileged upbringing, Draco was not accustomed to being questioned about his actions or thoughts. This led him to embrace his "God" complex and, when confronted by his peers and whatnot, he acts out (though he does question his motives at times). You especially see this in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Draco has such a wonderful development as the books go on and, despite the fact that he never really moves away from his thoughts of superiority, you do see that he is ashamed of his father at the end of the books. This is a HUGE step for him and one of the many reasons he is my favorite villain.
I could have included many other characters in this post, namely villains that I absolutely hate (Lord Voldemort, Bellatrix, Moriarty, The Voltari, Alec d'Urberville, Sauron, Claudius, and so on), but I contained myself.
Draco...eeehhh. I was disappointed that his family got out of the whole thing unscathed. Again. I couldn't forgive his shortcomings.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely made me look at him in a whole new light. Haf-Blood Prince was his stepping out though. And it ws the first time you could see that he was wavering in his beliefs and didn't really have the heart to complete such a terrible act.
ReplyDeletei think you absolutely hit the nail on the head with this post about draco... i think you picked up on exactly what the author intended but didn't blatantly spell out for you by any stretch of the imagination. i think draco is a hidden gem in the harry potter series! i love this post!!
ReplyDeleteOh Melissa, how I love you! I remember you staying true to Malfoy long before all the books were out!! You forgot one horrible villain, who I have to say, may be the best one written in the series; UMBRIDGE!!!
ReplyDeleteAlexis...I was angry that nothing bad happened to his family as well, but I just couldn't abandon Draco. I've always had a soft spot for him :)
ReplyDeleteKate...Thanks! I couldn't agree more with thinking he's a hidden gem.
Kelly! You are so right! I can't believe I forgot her. Oh man I hated her. And I definitely have to add Hilly Holbrook from The Help to this post. Hated her so much.
There were so many to choose from. Umbrdge, Malfoy, Snape, and of course The One Who Can't Be Named.
ReplyDeleteBut Hilly....enough said! LOL!!