Ron-Coming of Age

The theme of coming of age is one that I find interesting in the Harry Potter series. Each character develops in their own unique way, some being more predictable than others. Ron Weasley is one character that particularly sticks out when reflecting back on the series and “coming of age”. Ron, like Hermione, begins as Harry’s sidekick and is often only known as “Harry’s friend”. However, Hermione is extremely smart and studious, thus from the beginning you expect much out of her. Ron was portrayed as poor and unintelligent, but he was also very loyal and a pure-blood. Ron felt pressure to live up to his brothers’ standards and yearned to achieve numerous accomplishments. This was shown when Ron looked in the Mirror of Erised and saw himself as head boy and Quidditch captain. Yet, Ron’s character seemed to develop slower and I had not expected him to be where he is in the beginning of the seventh book. He occasionally became discouraged by the taunts from Malfoy and his gang, but he continually worked hard. After receiving his O.W.L scores and becoming prefect his confidence was boosted. One particular instance that sticks out of Ron maturing was during the D.A. lessons. He was able to accomplish many spells and jinxes, realizing that he truly can achieve what he put his mind to. During the Order of the Phoenix Ron joins the battle with the Death Eaters and shows how he has grown.

When I first read the series I did not expect much of Ron until the fourth and fifth books. He was always portrayed as the sidekick who was loyal but not necessarily talented. Yet, as he developed the theme of “coming of age” encompassed him. He becomes supportive and helpful making himself known by name instead of as “Harry’s friend”. He is a member of the D.A., a prefect, on the Quidditch team, and even received good marks on his O.W.L.S. All together, Ron grows into an interesting character from what I would have predicted in the beginning.