Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Hermione and Ron in 'Prisoner of Azkaban'
When diving into the magical world that is Harry Potter, one relationship that often garners significant attention is the dynamic between Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. In Prisoner of Azkaban, the two face conflicting views and significant conflict, which can leave readers wondering: why was Ron so mean to Hermione in the early books? This article aims to dissect their interactions, shed light on their differing personalities, and explore why Ron's behavior was understandable, if not acceptable.
Understanding the Early Conflicts
Historically, Hermione has been portrayed as a capable and intelligent character who often interferes in affairs that can be quite overbearing and bossy. Her behavior, often seen as rude and demanding, led to a strained relationship with Ron early on. This was not exclusive to Ron; even Harry initially found Hermione's behavior frustrating (Rowling, 1999).
The first instance of Ron's frustration towards Hermione occurs in a music theory class when she snaps at him, pointing out his mistakes. Ron, understanding Hermione's nature, puts this down to her being a 'nightmare,' and his subsequent actions are a natural response to her behavior (Rowling, 1999). This initial conflict was driven more by Hermione's relentless nature than by jealousy towards Harry.
Ron's Concerns and Interactions
In ‘Prisoner of Azkaban,’ Ron repeatedly cautions Hermione about taking care and not letting her cat (Crookshanks) eat Scabbers, Ron's pet rat. Hermione’s stubbornness and refusal to listen to his concerns are understandable given her above-mentioned traits. The sighting of blood stains and the absence of Scabbers only added to his frustration (Rowling, 1999).
Personality Clashes and Social Skills
The conflicting personalities between Hermione and Ron also played a crucial role in their interactions. Hermione, coming from a world full of textbooks and thorough knowledge, was rigid in her actions and beliefs. On the other hand, Ron, more accustomed to the magical world, was laid back and enjoyed a laugh here and there. Hermione’s bossy personality and strict adherence to rules didn't help matters, as she frequently interfered in matters that should have been left to Harry and Ron (Rowling, 1999).
While Hermione’s intentions were good, her social skills were not as developed. She tried to show her help by demonstrating spells but often came across as arrogant. This ratio of good intentions to perceived arrogance meant that Ron, and by extension, Harry, found her difficult to deal with at times. An example of this is when Hermione’s overwhelming joy at learning levitation resulted in her rushing ahead of Harry and Ron, leading to their surprise and eventually Ron feeling awkward (Rowling, 1999).
Turning Points and Friendship
However, the turning point comes when the boys save Hermione from the mountain troll. This experience was pivotal in their relationship. For the first time, they faced a real danger together, united against a common enemy. As Hermione learned to appreciate not just friendship but bravery, the boys risked their lives to save her, and she learned to cover for them. This was a moment of shared experience that ultimately led to their stronger bond.
“But from that moment on Hermione Granger became their friend. There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other. Knocking out Mountain Trolls is one of them.”
This event marked a significant shift in their relationship, turning the earlier conflicts into a foundation for their enduring friendship (Rowling, 1999).
Conclusion
Ron's behavior towards Hermione in the early books of Harry Potter can be attributed to her bossy and demanding personality, which was not uncommon for her character. Ron's conflicts were driven more by her behavior than by jealousy towards Harry. Insulting reasons, such as jealousy or envy, miss the mark and do not reflect the true nature of their relationship (Rowling, 1999).
Understanding the dynamic between Hermione and Ron requires recognizing their differing personalities and the evolution of their friendship over the course of the series. Their relationship is a testament to how shared experiences and mutual understanding can bridge gaps and lead to enduring bonds, even when the process is initially rocky.
References
Rowling, J. K. (1999). Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Bloomsbury Publishing plc.