[HPforGrownups] In defense of Dumbledore (was In defense of Snape)

[Horst or Rebecca J. Bohner]

No: HPFGUIDX 19363

> Dumbledore.  I think he sort of wanted to give me a chance.  I think
> he knows more or less everything that goes on here, you know.  I
> reckon he had a pretty good idea we were going to try, and instead of
> stopping us, he just taught us enough to help.  I don't think it was
> an accident he let me find out how the mirror worked.  It's almost as
> if he thought I had the right to face Voldemort if I could . . ."
> (PS/SS 17).

> I've read a piece that quotes this passage in theorizing about
> Dumbledore as God:  the kind of God who steps back and lets us make
> our own decisions and mistakes in order to preserve human freedom.

I think Dumbledore does, in many ways, fulfill a God-like role in the
series.  He's not an allegorical character like Aslan or the North Wind,
he's just a very wise and powerful human wizard:  but his relationship to
the characters -- to Harry and to Snape in particular -- is Godlike.

His decision not to intervene and "save the day" on Harry's behalf even
though he possesses the power to do so may seem inexplicable on a human
level, but not (to me, anyway) on a divine one.  Rather than constantly
bailing people out of situations, D. is more interested in giving them the
chance to learn and grow through their struggles.  He supplies information,
guidance, and comfort to those who come to him:  but he does not make life
easier for them or take away their problems with a wave of his wand.  And he
is always ready to give a second chance to anyone who comes to him humbly
seeking his forgiveness or his help.

I forgot to say this in my previous message, although I've said it before in
e-mail:  anothe reason I identify with, even empathize with, Snape is that
more than anyone else in the series, he fulfills the role of the redeemed
sinner saved by grace (in this case, Dumbledore's).  Snape has come from a
long way down and he's still got a long way to go -- but his gratitude for
the mercy he's been shown by Dumbledore, and the respect, loyalty and
obedience he shows to the Headmaster as a result, is a promising start.
--
Rebecca J. Bohner
rebeccaj at pobox.com
http://home.golden.net/~rebeccaj