Hinny and Harmony: Shipping Harry Potter
Among the most popular fictional realms explored in literature, one may find J.K. Rowling's "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry". At Hogwarts, there are hundreds of young witches and wizards in training, clinging to the ultimate goal of leaving a lasting impact on the wizarding world. However, in watching these students mature, the Harry Potter fan base cannot seem to help themselves from "shipping" (or supporting romantic partnerships between) any random combination of two characters in the Potterverse.
Perhaps the most inexplicably popular "ship" is the notion that protagonist Harry Potter should have been tied to long-time friend Hermione Granger. Admittedly, throughout the series, Harry and Hermione seemed to share a very deep intellectual and emotional connection. However, in thorough analysis of their relationship, most will come to the conclusion that the pair were simply very good friends, while Hermione's heart ultimately belonged to Ronald Weasley. After all, how many times did Hermione cry over Harry? The answer here, quite simply, is none. With this being said, where does that leave the protagonist of our series (besides as a third wheel)?
Ginevra Molly Weasley was born on August 11, 1981 in Great Britain. While we are referring to a fictional character, of course, "Ginny" never failed to make her mark as a strong, independent woman in the Weasley household. Throughout Rowling's seven-book series, the evolution of Ginny's character from a meek child (star-struck by famous Harry Potter) to a confident woman (who showed no fear in standing up to the villainous Bellatrix Lestrange) is certainly one to be commended.
However, although Ginny is a staple in the book series, her portrayal in the movie adaptations leaves little doubt as to why some may prefer "Harmony" to "Hinny". As the movies progress, Ginny Weasley never seems to become the strong-willed character that can be found in Rowling's novels. While actress Bonnie Wright's performance should not come into question, perhaps the collective stance of Harry Potter screenwriters should. Book Ginny was not too shy and awkward to approach Harry Potter for the entire duration of the series. Book Ginny would never have embraced inferiority by bending down to tie Harry Potter's shoelaces at age fifteen. Ginny Weasley is undoubtedly one of the most fantastic characters in J.K. Rowling's epic book series; unfortunately, her twenty minutes of uncomfortable screen-time will never accurately portray this concept.
From the aforementioned perspective, it is completely understandable that Harry and Ginny's relationship would make very little sense to those who have only experienced Rowling's series in the cinematic format. On the big screen, moviegoers will be given the impression that Ginny is extremely awkward and Hermione is the most prominent (and attractive) female in Harry's life. Bearing this in mind, it seems only logical to assume that "Harmony" is the most fitting combination. Nevertheless, if someone ever suggests that "Hinny" is ridiculous, or in some way unacceptable, it is our collective duty as the Harry Potter generation to chuck all seven novels in their direction and wait impatiently as they digest every facet of J.K. Rowling's 199-chapter masterpiece.
Perhaps the most inexplicably popular "ship" is the notion that protagonist Harry Potter should have been tied to long-time friend Hermione Granger. Admittedly, throughout the series, Harry and Hermione seemed to share a very deep intellectual and emotional connection. However, in thorough analysis of their relationship, most will come to the conclusion that the pair were simply very good friends, while Hermione's heart ultimately belonged to Ronald Weasley. After all, how many times did Hermione cry over Harry? The answer here, quite simply, is none. With this being said, where does that leave the protagonist of our series (besides as a third wheel)?
Ginevra Molly Weasley was born on August 11, 1981 in Great Britain. While we are referring to a fictional character, of course, "Ginny" never failed to make her mark as a strong, independent woman in the Weasley household. Throughout Rowling's seven-book series, the evolution of Ginny's character from a meek child (star-struck by famous Harry Potter) to a confident woman (who showed no fear in standing up to the villainous Bellatrix Lestrange) is certainly one to be commended.
However, although Ginny is a staple in the book series, her portrayal in the movie adaptations leaves little doubt as to why some may prefer "Harmony" to "Hinny". As the movies progress, Ginny Weasley never seems to become the strong-willed character that can be found in Rowling's novels. While actress Bonnie Wright's performance should not come into question, perhaps the collective stance of Harry Potter screenwriters should. Book Ginny was not too shy and awkward to approach Harry Potter for the entire duration of the series. Book Ginny would never have embraced inferiority by bending down to tie Harry Potter's shoelaces at age fifteen. Ginny Weasley is undoubtedly one of the most fantastic characters in J.K. Rowling's epic book series; unfortunately, her twenty minutes of uncomfortable screen-time will never accurately portray this concept.
From the aforementioned perspective, it is completely understandable that Harry and Ginny's relationship would make very little sense to those who have only experienced Rowling's series in the cinematic format. On the big screen, moviegoers will be given the impression that Ginny is extremely awkward and Hermione is the most prominent (and attractive) female in Harry's life. Bearing this in mind, it seems only logical to assume that "Harmony" is the most fitting combination. Nevertheless, if someone ever suggests that "Hinny" is ridiculous, or in some way unacceptable, it is our collective duty as the Harry Potter generation to chuck all seven novels in their direction and wait impatiently as they digest every facet of J.K. Rowling's 199-chapter masterpiece.
If you're interested in my assessment of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's (Philosopher's) Stone", click here.
If you're interested in my assessment of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", click here.
If you're interested in a Severus Snape character analysis, click here.
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