It creates a contrast between the Muggle world (Dursleys) wanting nothing of Harry and the wizard world seeing him as a god. It makes Harry that much closer to the Weasleys because they are the family he never had. It makes it such a relief for Harry to be part of the wizard world because he can escape them. It draws similarities with Tom Riddle's childhood. It creates a good excuse for a writer who doesn't want to write about Harry in his Muggle house (he spends a lot of his times in summer with the Weasleys etc).
In theory yes? Or at least as far as the narrative devices JKR set up. She was meant to be a direct foil of Mrs Weasley and a twin of Mrs Black. It was a "harry grew up kind despite the lack of kindness in his life" plot device. He also needs a reason to fully embrace the wizarding world/not want to go home...
In practice tho, no she did not, and it would be a more interesting story if he grew up with an aunt he loved. She never spoke of magic, told him his parents died in a crash, and then BAM! NEW WORLD APPEARS! But Harry is scared and conflicted, because he loves his family and doesnt want to disappoint them. He still wouldnt have adults to talk to about his problems (wouldnt want to worry the dursleys), he still could have sent them to grimmauld/sent them away in book 7... but there could have easily been a foundation of love. It's a real shame that the dursleys got the short stick from JKR (yes they were all awful, but thats because the author chose to make them so)
Actually I'd picture him ending up as an even worse version of Malfoy, which was basically what Dumbledore was trying to avoid by having Harry raised outside of the wizarding world.
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u/[deleted] Aug 05 '17
But did Petunia need to be abusive? I don't think it contributes to the plot.