Pettigrew's choice

[annemehr]

No: HPFGUIDX 54965

Julie and finwitch, I think you two are arguing in circles because you 
are misunderstanding each other's points.

 
finwitch (on Peter's betrayal):> <But it *is* explained!>
 
Julie: Oh, I don't disagree that an explanation is offered:
 
finwitch: Pettigrew himself, explaining:
         "He would've killed me! What was there to be gained by       
          opposing him?"
         There. The rat. Survivor. Anything - anything at all, to stay 
         alive.
 
Julie: Just because Peter gave an explanation doesn't mean it's an 
       acceptable one, though. Ultimately, we are responsible for our 
       choices. Peter *chose* to do what he did.


Annemehr:
Both of you agree that Peter did not, all on his own, get the idea to 
join Voldemort and then seek him out.  You both agree that *Voldemort* 
sought *Peter* out, and that Peter, out of fear, capitulated and 
joined him.  finwitch is saying that the *explanation* for Peter 
working for Voldemort is that he chose to save his own life rather 
than refuse to betray his friends.

Julie, I think what you mean is that capitulating because he was 
afraid is not a valid *excuse* for what Peter did.  It is a valid 
*explanation*, though -- i.e. it's the reason for what happened.

Annemehr
donning referee's uniform ;)