Letters to the Editor
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I can't believe this is really the end
Thanks for finally writing an article whose sole purpose does not appear to gloat about having inside informationt on the last "Harry" book.
I do take exception to the authors cited who believe that J.K. Rowling has created an "idealized" boarding school world. Rather than being celebrated for his bravery and trials, Harry has been constantly ostracized and harassed by other students and even teachers. Yes, he does have strong allies, but also many detractors. What he goes through is not just the "typical" coming of age pranks by peers, but something deeper.
Unlike an American school, none of the staff seem overly concerned with bolstering their charges' self-esteem. Rather the "stiff upper lip" mentality is very much present. I'm willing to bet that it is partly the less than plesant treatment Harry received at Hogwarts that is as much a catalyst for his anger as his upbringing with the Dursleys. By book seven, he has zero patience for adults who try to sugarcoat the truth. Perhaps if he had been given more positive adult guidance at Hogwarts, Harry would be more "well-adjusted." But then I'm an American reader.