[HPforGrownups] Where's the Canon? (Part Two) and Richard III

[Laura Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 34855

Elkins Said:

>>>I agree that right now, this does indeed seem to be the case.  Ever since my experience with my "subversive" Snape-the-Recanted-Voldie-Supporter theory, though, I've been decidedly leery about writing off JKR's apparent moral simplicity too quickly.  It seems possible to me that the series might continue its forward motion into the realms of moral ambiguity, in which case this aspect of canonical suggestion might well start to shift even further than it already has away from Slyth=Evil.  Only time will tell.>>>

    I have always attributed this "forward motion" as a result of the fact that the story, for the most part, is told from Harry's POV.  Youngsters tend to have relatively "simple" views of the world around them.  Black and White, Good and Evil, that sort of thing.  The younger, more immature, less educated you are, etc. - the less likely you are to be able to recognize the gray areas and differentiate between them.  A case in point is the fact that Hermione (whom I believe to be an exceptionally bright/mature/knowledge-seeking kid) is far less likely (especially in the later books) to automatically suspect Snape of, well, anything, than Harry or Ron.  So, it is entirely natural then, that as Harry matures and gains knowledge and experience, the books will mirror his metamorphosing state of mind.  Therefore, as Harry gains the ability to recognize moral ambiguity, we will see more of it in the books as well.

laura

P.S.  Tell me about this Richard III connection, please..Eileen, someone?  I really need to read more Shakespeare. :(

[Mod Note: Remember, folks, if the Richard III connection seems like it's going OT, take it to OTChatter ;) --JW]