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

[Horst or Rebecca J. Bohner]

No: HPFGUIDX 19692

> The dependence on Muggles theory is a common theme in Irish
> folklore and in modern fantasy such as "Battle for the Oaks" by Emma
> Bull.

WAR FOR THE OAKS, actually.  But yes, I know what you mean.

>>  But I suspect (especially knowing JKR's fondness for the Narnia books,
and for the writings of G.K. Chesterton) that she *will* uphold the potency
of good, and show the ultimate banality and triviality of evil, in the end.
<<

> Some critics seem to think that evil should be shown as 'trivial'
> but I think JKR wants us rather to empathize with the  suffering of
> evil's victims and the faith and courage needed to resist. It would be
> hard to do this and show evil as "trivial" at the same time.

Sorry, "trivial" was a poorly chosen word.  I certainly didn't mean that the
effects of evil on human beings are trivial, or that the existence of evil
is an inconsequential thing.  What I did mean was that ultimately, good is
going to triumph over evil in such a profound and all-encompassing way that
we will finally realize that no matter how powerful and potent evil may once
have seemed, it is nothing in comparison to the power and glory of good.

> I think
> the "wrong will be right when Aslan comes in sight" formula of the
> Narnia books is too simplistic for the world JKR has created.

Well, there we disagree.  I don't think it's a formula, and I don't think
it's simplistic.  I do agree that there is no Aslan or Aslan-like character
in JKR's universe, but I wouldn't say that makes her a more realistic or
sophisticated author, or one with a better grasp on the nature of good and
evil, than Lewis.  JKR is simply telling a different *kind* of story.
--
Rebecca J. Bohner
rebeccaj at pobox.com
http://home.golden.net/~rebeccaj