Ron Weasley's jealousy of Harry Potter in Deathly Hallows primarily stemmed from the insidious influence of Slytherin's locket Horcrux, which amplified his profound insecurities about his relationship with Hermione and his own self-worth compared to Harry's fame and accomplishments.
The Corrupting Influence of Slytherin's Locket Horcrux
During their quest to destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes, Ron, Harry, and Hermione took turns wearing Slytherin's locket, which contained a fragment of Voldemort's soul. This dark object had a profoundly corrupting effect on anyone who wore it, preying on their deepest fears and insecurities. For Ron, the locket weaponised his pre-existing anxieties, making him irritable, suspicious, and acutely jealous of Harry. The Horcrux specifically targeted Ron's vulnerabilities, creating an intense surge of negative emotions.
Deep-Seated Insecurities Amplified by the Horcrux
The locket exploited Ron's most vulnerable points, causing his jealousy to manifest from two core fears:
1. Fear of Losing Hermione to Harry
Ron had strong, albeit often unexpressed, romantic feelings for Hermione Granger. The Horcrux capitalised on this, twisting his perceptions and making him believe that Hermione secretly preferred Harry. This fear was particularly potent for Ron, as he saw Harry as a direct rival, not just for Hermione's affection but also in terms of general admiration and recognition. The locket presented Ron with a vision of Harry and Hermione, suggesting they were romantically involved and mocking Ron for being "unloved" and "unwanted," which further fueled his despair and rage.
2. Feeling of Inadequacy and Being Overshadowed
Ron had always lived in the shadow of his accomplished older brothers and, more recently, his famous best friend, Harry Potter. The Horcrux exploited his deep-seated feeling that he was not as brave, talented, or important as Harry. It whispered doubts into his mind, reinforcing the idea that he was merely a sidekick, never quite living up to the expectations placed upon him by his family or the wizarding world. This constant comparison and the perception of being second-best contributed significantly to his resentment and jealousy towards Harry, who frequently took the spotlight and received widespread acclaim.
The Horcrux's Deceptive Illusions
The locket's power reached its peak when Ron attempted to destroy it. It showed him grotesque illusions designed to shatter his resolve, specifically targeting his greatest fears:
- Harry and Hermione together: The Horcrux conjured spectral versions of Harry and Hermione, accusing Ron of being a "poor, lonely, unloved" boy and confirming his worst fears about their relationship. It taunted him with visions of them as a couple, making him feel rejected and inferior.
- Ron's perceived worthlessness: It taunted him with the idea that he was nothing compared to Harry, highlighting Harry's accomplishments and popularity while demeaning Ron's contributions to their trio. This played into his existing fear of not being as good as his family expected from him, especially when compared to Harry.
These mental torments, intensified by the Horcrux's dark magic, led to Ron's temporary departure from the group, a moment of profound emotional struggle and jealousy that he later regretted.
Ron's Path to Overcoming Jealousy
Despite the severe impact of the Horcrux, Ron ultimately demonstrated immense courage and growth. His return to Harry and Hermione, and his subsequent ability to destroy the locket by facing his deepest fears, marked a significant turning point. This act symbolised his triumph over insecurity and jealousy, solidifying his place as an indispensable member of the trio and Hermione's eventual romantic partner.
