"Choices, not blood" in Potterverse

[ftah3]

No: HPFGUIDX 31509

Gabriel wrote:
> It it's true that JKR is trying to emphasize one's choices over 
one's blood - saying that Hagrid isn't evil because he has a giant 
for a mother, for example - then why are Crabbe, Goyle and Malfoy's 
parents all at the DE gathering - and conveniently, CGM are HRH's 
worst enemies. Wouldn't it have been more shocking to show one of the 
other student's parent there - for instance, Seamus' mother? Or at 
least to have one of the three NOT be there?

Because I don't think shock-value is the point.  It is, so far, in 
character for Draco Malfoy to be his father's son.  He idolizes his 
father, and repeats his father's rhetoric like gospel.  And the 
friendship between the young Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle has been 
specifically paralleled with the friendship between the elder Malfoy, 
Crabbe & Goyle.  So far it's just consistent characterization.

Also, in terms of the plot, the story isn't about the other kids 
overcoming their 'blood' (or conditioning).  In terms of 'blood' v. 
choice, the significant players are:

Harry ~ in whom 'blood' is muddled, because 'bits' of Voldemort 
reside in him due to the failed curse.  He overcomes this internal 
conflict through choice.

And

Voldemort ~ who is anti-Muggle *despite the fact that his father and 
grandparents were Muggles*.  He goes against 'blood' and makes the 
choice to revile those who are not pureblood wizards.

On a related note, 'blood' isn't the only factor which 
influences/must be overcome by choice.  Conditioning, history, and 
character are also factors.  For example:

Snape ~ who seems to be shaping up to be the Wretched Person Who 
Chooses To Be Heroic...While Still Being Wretched.  Character v. 
choice.

Ron ~ ...at least, sort of.  The House Elf thing:  will he overcome 
conditioning and choose to jump on Hermione's SPEW bandwagon?

Snape again ~ has a history with the Death Eaters, has made a choice 
to fight against them.

So, I think that yes, the overlying theme highlights the importance 
of choice, but the 'enemies' of choice don't fall simply in the 
category of 'blood.'  Therefore, imho the fact that the kids seem to 
be falling in line with their blood relationships doesn't negate the 
theme of the importance of choice.  

...sorry, I seem to be having flashbacks to my term paper days.  I 
hope that all wasn't too insanely annoying. %-\

Mahoney