[HPforGrownups] JKR, Harry Potter, and the Nature of Evil

[Amber]

No: HPFGUIDX 19559


> My question is this:  What *is* evil, and how is it expressed in the 
> Harry Potter books? Conversely, where's the "good" in the series?  Is
> it always diametrically opposed to "evil"... or do they sometimes
> exist in the same context, the same scene... even in the same person?

Gah. What loaded questions.

My first kneejerk reaction is to say that both evil and good are
undefinable. I don't think there is one definition that the whole of
society can agree with because everyone's experience is different.
Furthermore, it seems that evil and good are very broad and have many
different levels and degrees. I couldn't even begin to think of all the
different types of evil/good that exist. I would be sitting here
forever writing that email. (although it would make for a cool
project...hm) Furthermore, they overlap and change with time. One act
that may be consider "evil" at one point may be considered "good" at
another. 

As for relating to HP, I have to think about it more. These are very
deep and important questions that I know *I* will have to ponder very
carefully. Already my head hurts, although I like thinking about this
stuff.

~Amber


=====
"Roses are for love. Not forget-me-not, honeysuckle, silly 
sweethearts' love but the love that makes you and keeps 
you whole, love that gets you through the worst your 
life'll give you and that pours out of you when you're 
given the best instead."
 - Robin McKinley "Rose Daughter"

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