Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil (Nel Question - LONG)

[jferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 38333

Marina:"It seems to me that evil, in the HP universe, is represented 
by rejection of moral conflict.  "No good or evil, only power and 
those too weak to wield it."  For people like Voldemort, Lucius, and 
Draco (who may not be evil yet, but is rapidly heading in that 
direction), the only relevant questions about a prospective course of 
action are "what's in it for me?" and "can I get away with it?"  The 
question "is this the right thing to do?" is irrelevant to them."

You have painted a good picture of sociopathy, which is what Voldemort 
 *and* Lucius exemplify, although Lucius is much better at it. The 
lack of empathy and restraints make it possible to treat all others as 
objects, things to be manipulated, destroyed, or excruciated at will. 
The sociopath is blind to the sufferings of others compared to his 
desire.

My first reaction to your "...and Draco (who may not be evil yet, but 
is rapidly heading in that direction)..." was, "what exactly are you 
waiting for?", but I don't think Draco *is* a sociopath at this point. 
 He does care for his mother, at least, and seemingly his father, so 
some human feeling survives (but not much, mind).

Marina:"Being good is complicated undertaking -- too complicated for a 
single person to personify it. Dumbledore probably comes closest, but 
he's made his share of mistakes.  (For example, I believe that his 
handling of the Prank and its aftermath was a case of failing to 
figure out the right course  of action.  And so was his public 
humiliation of Slytherin House at the end of PS/SS)"

I can't agree that his "public humiliation" of Slytherin was a mistake 
or a moral failing at all. It was just, as the Trio had certainly done 
something extraordinary earing their House merit and glory.