Yes, Travis. We are talking about her *parents*, and the problem would be solved if there were even the slightest indication in the text that Hermione had explained the situation and come to an agreement with them about what should be done. Instead, as far as we can see, she treats them like animals - not even children, but animals - performing drastic actions on them "for their own good" without their consent. In the Muggle World, which I far prefer to the Wizarding one, informed consent is an absolute legal requirement for such a drastic action, and I'd say it's a moral requirement as well. It is a moral standard Hermione does not meet, based on the evidence we have.
Of course, it is possible that Rowling has not really considered what Hermione's act here, and Ron's in the epilogue, actually imply. That was one of the points of my paper - I was trying to give the author the benefit of the doubt. But she has been very consistent in showing Muggles as inferior to Wizards, so I'm not sure you can give her that leeway, really.
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Date: 2008-07-02 02:13 pm (UTC)Of course, it is possible that Rowling has not really considered what Hermione's act here, and Ron's in the epilogue, actually imply. That was one of the points of my paper - I was trying to give the author the benefit of the doubt. But she has been very consistent in showing Muggles as inferior to Wizards, so I'm not sure you can give her that leeway, really.