In an interview she said:
-
Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — J. K. Rowling
sesquick-seabag — 9 years ago(October 31, 2016 11:06 PM)
In an interview she said:
Fat is usually the first insult a girl throws at another girl when she wants to hurt her. I mean, is fat really the worst thing a human being can be? Is fat worse than vindictive, jealous, s1c84hallow, vain, boring or cruel?
Isn't it odd then how, in the Harry Potter universe, being fat almost always marks a character out as having those very negative qualities she mentions? The only two exceptions I can think of are Hagrid and Madam Maxime, who may even be normal size for a half-giants anyway, and Mrs Weasley, who is described as plump rather than fat. The others are all bullies and thick-headed, except Slughorn, who is a professor and a fundamentally decent person, though snobbish and vain (he shows no interest in getting to know students from humble backgrounds, though he's not actually mean or unfair to them). But she always, in every book, makes reference to Dudley as being "porky" and having "piggy little eyes", and that he's so fat his bottom droops over the edge of the chair. I don't think even Roald Dahl was as mean-spirited. -
Mercader79 — 9 years ago(January 12, 2017 05:57 AM)
The only two exceptions I can think of are Hagrid and Madam Maxime, who may even be normal size for a half-giants anyway, and Mrs Weasley, who is described as plump rather than fat.
here's also Neville as a positive "fat" character. And Dudley redeems himself.
Far too many exceptions then. So basically not true. -
Grayswain — 9 years ago(January 18, 2017 06:38 AM)
It's not JK being mean spirited.
It's the character Harry reflecting on the people in his life depending on how he feels about them.
Which is why Molly is discribed as plump and kind whereas Dudley is insulted over the way he looks.