The maligned Hagrid, kind vs intellectual vs interesting, Good/Evil

[Tabouli]

No: HPFGUIDX 33987

Mahoney:
> For example, I don't think that Hagrid was meant to be an example of 
institutional bigotry; rather I'm struck by how he reflects a certain 
type of colorful rural personality

Kimberly:
> Hagrid's had one heck of a sad life.  Think of the problems that 
others have - he's got many of them all put together.<

Very good essay, Kimberly... poor ol' Hagrid.  My heart was wrung, even though I quite see all of Jenny and Cindy's objections to him.  I'm fond enough of him myself.  I feel about him much the same way Harry seems to - affection tempered with a philosophical acceptance of his faults.

I've always put Hagrid in the "lovable oaf" literary category, which nicely encapsulates all his flaws and virtues.  Kind but blundering, loyal yet naive, well-meaning but prone to getting both himself and his allies into disaster with the best of intentions (see the giant spiders).  In my time-honoured tradition of separating what I like in a real person from what I like in a fictional character, I like him.  He's depicted consistently and entertainingly.  In real life, I'm not sure what I'd think of him, but I suspect I'd warm to his kindness and try to work around his irresponsibility (e.g. by not relying on him too much or giving him too many responsibilities!).  Interesting that in the series, Dumbledore has no such qualms.  If I were the big D, I don't know that I'd be putting Hagrid in charge of classes full of children.  Presumably, like so many of D's other questionable deeds (most notably shunting Harry off to the Dreadful Dursleys), this is Character Building... bringing out the best in people through challenge and hardship.

Does anyone else, like me, suspect that Character Building is, far more than education, Dumbledore's highest priority?  Presumably this fits in with his "it is our choices that make us what we are" and his "making the right choice, not the easy choice" philosophy.  Knowledge can help people identify the best choices, but it's more important to have the strength of character to choose them?

Bonnie:
> I have always valued kindness above intelligence - much to 
the chagrin of some of my more "intellectual" friends. And yet, when 
it comes to being there when you need them - the kinder, simpler 
folks win hands down over the intellectuals<

Let's not forget that some intellectuals are kind too!  I, to the chagrin of some of my more "conservative" friends, have a worrying tendency to value "being interesting" over a lot of characteristics that arguably make for more fulfilling friendships (like "being nice"?).  Intelligence helps, but I don't find all intelligent people interesting!  I think complex, intriguing people often make the most loyal and kind friends if you're prepared to put in the effort to get to know them properly and understand them, even though they can appear intimidating and even "unkind" on early impressions.

As for HP characters, if I had to pick one who'd make an interesting, kind *and* intelligent friend in real life, it would probably be Dumbledore!  Quirkiness is a fine thing, there should be more of it.  Snape is fascinating, but I think even I might quail from his nasty streak...

Hmm.  All this analysis of Good and Evil, particularly the criticisms of some of the Aurors, reminds me irresistably of one of the questionnaires I used in my research... sample relevant question (from the Social Paradigm Belief Inventory, copyright Kramer et al 1992):

a) Our country generally does what's right.  This is because we have the moral imperative on our side when we make political and economic decisions.
b) Our country sometimes does not do what's right.  This is because questionable actions are sometimes necessary to bring about needed results.
c) Our country can try to do what's right.  This is because when principles and reality conflict, we can redefine them in exploring solutions which take both into account, but are not perfect.

Substituting "the Good side" for "Our country", which option is the closest to what you believe?  Which HP characters would hold which view?  Is Fudge a (b) man, and Crouch senior an (a) man?  Hmmm... 

Tabouli (who definitely spent too long at university...)


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