Harry Potter is one of the most beloved book series of all time, with a vast and intricate world that has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers around the globe. However, despite its popularity, there are several inconsistencies and plot holes in the story, particularly when it comes to the behavior and motivations of certain characters, such as the Dursleys.
Are you insane? Of course I want to leave the Dursleys! Have you got a house? When can I move in?
– J.K. Rowling
Here are a few things about the Dursleys that may seem inconsistent or unclear in the Harry Potter series:
1. Why did the Dursleys never seek help for Harry’s abuse?
Despite Harry’s abuse at the hands of the Dursleys, they never sought help for him, nor did anyone else intervene on his behalf. The lack of action from adults around him, including teachers and neighbors, seems improbable given that Harry was attending school, where teachers should have noticed his injuries.
Some fans speculate that the Dursleys threatened Harry into silence or that the wizarding world was unaware of child welfare laws. Regardless, the lack of action towards Harry’s abuse creates a plot hole in the story and is a cause for concern in terms of the message it sends to young readers about seeking help when being abused.
2. How did the Dursleys afford to take care of Harry?
The Dursleys are described as a middle-class family, but it is unclear how they managed to support Harry financially. They are depicted as being quite frugal, so it seems unlikely that they would have willingly taken on the additional expenses of raising a child.
Some fans speculate that the wizarding world may have provided financial support or that the Dursleys may have received some form of compensation for taking care of Harry. However, the lack of explanation surrounding the Dursleys’ finances creates a plot hole and leaves readers with many unanswered questions.
3. Why did the Dursleys allow Harry to attend Hogwarts?
Given the Dursleys’ intense dislike of magic, it is strange that they allowed Harry to attend Hogwarts, a school for witches and wizards. It’s possible that they believed Harry would be safer in the wizarding world, or that they were simply relieved to have him out of the house.
However, the lack of explanation surrounding the Dursleys’ decision to allow Harry to attend Hogwarts leaves a significant plot hole in the story.
4. How did the Dursleys react to the events of the later books?
After the events of the later books, including the return of Voldemort and the Battle of Hogwarts, it is unclear how the Dursleys reacted or what their involvement was. Some fans speculate that they may have played a larger role in the final battle, while others believe they simply continued on with their mundane lives.
Regardless, the lack of information surrounding the Dursleys’ reactions to these events creates a significant plot hole and leaves readers with unanswered questions about their characters.
5. Why did the Dursleys never talk about Lily and James Potter?
Despite the fact that Lily and James were Harry’s parents, the Dursleys never seem to mention them or discuss their deaths. This seems odd, given that they must have known them to some extent and that their deaths would have had a significant impact on Harry.
Some fans speculate that the Dursleys were simply trying to erase any reminder of the magical world from their lives, while others believe they may have been ashamed of their connection to the wizarding world. Regardless, the lack of explanation surrounding the Dursleys’ silence about Lily and James creates a significant plot hole in the story.
