hubris

[Susan McGee]

No: HPFGUIDX 3209

--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, Amanda Lewanski <editor at t...> wrote:
> Susan McGee wrote:
> 
> > Since we were talking about the 7 deadly sins as a framework for
> > discussing HP, thought it would be interesting to discuss it in 
terms
> > of Greek thoughts...
> 
> Susan, I've been going mad trying to remember a term....the thing 
that
> Voldemort has done, thinking that taking Harry's blood to reanimate 
would
> make him invincible, when it will really be his downfall. Even if 
he knows
> there's a chance of it leading to his defeat, he's too sure of his 
own power
> to entertain the chance, and thus leads to his own downfall (or so 
I think
> will happen). I've been thinking of it as hubris, overweening 
pride, but I
> don't think it's the right term and I've forgotten all my Greek 
drama stuff.
> 
> --Amanda



Oh, goodness, I'll think more about the Greek tragic themes and see 
if I can get at what you're thinking of, perhaps it's the idea of the 
fatal flaw, the element that will encompass one's destruction. In the 
meantime, I think
you have identified something important. 

There is a LOT of stuff about how Voldemort (final t silent)has 
transferred some of himself to Harry (Parseltongue). The stuff about 
the wands at the end of GoF -- how they are connected...both having 
Falkes' phoenix feathers in them (is that right?) Also in CoS, after 
Ginny confides in Tom, he is able to grow strong on her secret fears, 
and put some of himself into her, and control her.

Voldemort is so sure that he must have Harry Potter's blood and no 
one else's. He will show everyone he can defeat Harry (and let's not 
underestimate that he bragged to his death eaters how he would 
personally finish Harry off and then he fails. He must be enraged at 
his failure ONCE AGAIN -- this IS his FOURTH (is that right) failed 
attempt to kill Harry....)

By getting Harry's blood, he removes the protection that Lily left 
Harry. But, as Amanda has just suggested, perhaps he has sown the 
seeds of his own destruction by this fact -- maybe that accounts for 
the gleam of triumph in Dumbledore's eyes......

Hope this long run on makes some sense to someone...

Susan