Voldemort: Sexism/Honor etc.

[Indigo]

No: HPFGUIDX 22072

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Susan Hall" <shall at s...> wrote:
Susan wisely shed much light upon the following: 
> 
>  However, my point was that although Voldemort is indeed somewhat 
sexist, he is neither sexist enough nor stupid enough to let Lily go 
once he'd killed  James and Harry because he would be putting himself 
in grave danger having  created an enemy with nothing to lose and the 
most powerful motive for  revenge going, something Machiavelli points 
out is something no prince can adequately defend himself against. 

This is absolutely true, and a situation I would not have considered 
on my own, most likely.  But yes, Lily would be all about vengeance 
if Voldie killed James and Harry but let her live.  *If* she had the 
fortitude.  Voldemort, being somewhat sexist if such is the case, 
probably counted on it to destroy her utterly and sink her into a 
bottomless pit of despair from which she could never hope to strike 
at him.

Arrogance to the point of foolishness is often the hallmark of a 
major villain, after all.


I don't think he would have taken the
 risk.  So I agree with you that he probably isn't a total sexist,

Possibly.  It's hard to determine concretely one way or the other.  I 
mean, there's Narcissa Malfoy -- and we didn't see *her* Apparate in 
with Lucius -- nor Mrs. Crabbe nor Mrs. Goyle.  

So to my mind, at least, Mrs. Lestrange stands out among wizarding 
women on Voldie's side.  I think that being devoted to her man and 
his cause might be laudable to a sexist, but I think Mrs. Lestrange 
herself is in it for her own reasons.  Being the only woman in an 
entire all boys club of evil wizards is not an easy situation, I'm 
sure -- so she must be willing to get something back for the 
sacrifice.


 but
> disagree about whether he would have let Lily live.  

So you believe he lied when he said "You don't have to die."

I certainly can't find
> any canonical evidence for a "skewed sense of honour" towards 
wizards.


Goblet of Fire.

Instead of taking Harry out on the spot, Voldemort made sure Harry 
had his wand, and they *duelled*.  

That's what I mean by skewed sense of honour.  That might've been 
arrogant pride talking but it also came across as giving a worthy 
adversary a fighting chance.

Indigo