Ghost's touch

[kausarqadir]

this is mentioned many times, that when ghosts touch someone, that person felt that he/she has touched icy cold water................ but ghosts can not grasp things.
then we have got Peeves, who throws things on people, showing he CAN grasp things.... and mess with them. :D
my question is Y this difference?

[Boing]

Peeves isn't a ghost, but a poltergeist. Now, don't ask me what the difference is, but he is described as a poltergeist and not a ghost, so there definitely is a difference in JKR's mind and perhaps one of the differences is that poltergeists can grab onto things while ghosts cannot . . .

[cindyqtpi]

I think by general defination, a poltergist is something that makes noise and trouble. General Mischef makers. Ghosts on the other hand, are spirits of former living people, not always mean.

my question is why is Peeves terrified of the bloody barron!?

[Kingsley]

Well it is assumed that Peeves is afraid of the baron because of the Baron's unicorn blood stains on his clothes--that would mean that he was up to no good before he becamse a ghost

As far as Peeves touching something yes it is because he isnt a ghost--which is a spirit of the former being-- but a poltergeist which is more of a spiritual manifestation brought forth with only intentions of mainly causing mischief

The short lady in the movie Poltergeist explained this concept--am I the only one who saw that movie ;)

[Boing]

You're not the only one who saw it - just the only one who remembers direct quotes and the nuances of a poltergeist from it. That was a classic.

Ahem, back to topic at hand . . .sorry. :o

[Hermione]

I found this thread (http://www.maturepotter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=658&highlight=poltergeist) in the boonies of MP, it explains differances between ghosts and poltergeists.

A poltergeist is a ghost whose primary goal in life (or death, as it may be) is to cause trouble, mayhem and mischeif. This definatly discribes Peeves.

But if all he does is cause trouble, why does Dumbeldore keep him around? Apart from sheer amusment, is there another reason?

[Boing]

Could he get rid of him if he wanted to? I mean, does a ghost have to listen to a living person if the person says for them to leave? If Peeves has chosen Hogwarts as his residence, do the people there have any say in whether or not he stays or goes? Also, the Bloody Baron keeps him in line enough so that he's not that bad, so there's no reason to get rid of him.

[Hermione]

Remeber Moaning Myrtle haunted the girl who teased her and made her go into the bathroom and cry? But then she joined the Ministery of Magic and Myrtle had to come back to Hogwarts? So yes, maybe there is a way to force them to leave, like an exorcism or something like that.

Yes, the Bloody Baron keeps him from turning the place totally upside down. But he still does cause a bit of mayhem anyway.

[Alz]

I think the difference is covered and JKR even made the point on her site recently I think?
I think that everyone pretty said the main difference - I think a ghost is lost in-between life and death and usually because of the manner they died - it's like they need to work out their own minds before finally crossing over.
A poltergeist it just malice and chaos - in fact I am sure we have a thread about this elsewhere?
Let me go check ..

[Hermione]

Scroll up Blaise, I already found it. :cool:

[Sirius Potter Fan]

I think Peeves is just comic relief for the books, and he does have good points...tormenting umbridge? He can be influenced by others other than the bloody barron as well... NH Nick got him to cause a distraction to keep filch away from Harry once, and Peeves listened to Fred and George when they left. and who knows, he could play a more significant role later... but i doubt it. He's just good for a few laughs.

[Hermione]

I think Peeves is just comic relief for the books, and he does have good points...tormenting umbridge? He can be influenced by others other than the bloody barron as well... NH Nick got him to cause a distraction to keep filch away from Harry once, and Peeves listened to Fred and George when they left. and who knows, he could play a more significant role later... but i doubt it. He's just good for a few laughs.

Definatly agreed, Peeves is comic relief. As are Fred and George. Witht hem gone from school I think he will need to take over more as the funny guy.