[HPforGrownups] Re: Slytherin's evil

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 2893

Caius Marcius wrote:

> > A trap many have fallen into, characters in many works of fiction and
> sometimes in real life---a strong enough character will be able to use
> something innately evil toward an ultimately good end.
> > I, for one, don't think it's possible.
>
> Think of the actions of  Judas Iscariot, Pontius Pilate, and Joseph Caiaphas
> in bringing about the resurrection of Christ.

These examples don't fit the parameters I was setting out. None of these
individuals were inherently good, looking at a big picture, and trying to use an
evil implement to a good end. I was thinking more along the lines of the sort of
trap one sees in (eureka! she actually comes up with an example!) Lord of the
Rings, when Saruman the White, a strong character for good, gradually turns to
evil through the years via study and close contact with objects used for/by
evil. That whole hubris thing---I'll be strong enough to withstand the
temptation and force this thing to do good. That was the whole temptation of the
Ring. That's more what I meant.

> Or of Adolph Hitler in the creation of the state of Israel.

Ditto. Your examples are all good, but of a different situation, a small-minded
or narrow-focused individual's bad actions ultimately helping to bring about a
greater good. They may or may not be aware of the larger picture at all. This is
what some black radio commentator I heard the other day get lambasted about,
when he was trying to make the point that if his ancestors had not been brought
to America as slaves, he would not today be where he is. Poor guy, nobody seemed
to understand he wasn't saying slavery was good, but that it led to a (for him)
ultimate good.

Did that make sense?

--Amanda