Moral Clues - Liars and Murderers

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 76663

This post isn't going to amount to much. I guess it's just as much a
comment on JKR's writing style as it is about Harry's personality.

Have you noticed that every (nearly every) time Harry lies, it's
called a lie and usually includes a reflection of quilt and
self-awareness of his action on Harry's part.

This is significant because, in nearly every case, we as the reader
are well aware that Harry is lying. The act is so clear that it really
matters not whether the narrative says '...Harry said.' or '...Harry
lied.'.

If the lie itself is so self-evident to the reader then why point it out?

I think it is because JKR want to constantly remind us, that Harry is
aware that he is lying. Of course, common sense says Harry knows his
statement is false, but he knows it in a much deeper sense; there is a
part of him that is intimately aware that what he is doing is wrong.
In a sense, when the narrative say, '...Harry lied' we are seeing a
bit of Harry conscience peaking through.

Also, notice in the latest book, now that Harry knows he must
ultimately kill Voldemort or be kill by him, and even though he is
well aware of how evil the Dark Lord is, and even knowing that he will
probably have to kill Voldemort in the defense of his own life, Harry
still calls it murder. He will have to murder or be murdered.

I think that is a very special insight into Harry's conscience too,
and I think it should make us realize just what a horrible burden this
Prophecy is. When Dumbledore and Harry are talking about power Harry
has that Voldemort doesn't, Harry finds that hard to believe. He
reminds Dumbledore that he couldn't possible do all the things that he
saw the Dark Lord do in the Ministry of Magic battle scene. Most
poignantly, he reminds Dumbledore that "...I can't possess people--or
kill them--". I think he is speaking of something far deeper and more
ingrained in himself than the knowledge of the appropriate curses or
skill.

These were just a couple of little clues that gave me an insight into
Harry's character.

Many other people have said, that they just can't picture Harry
killing Voldemort, not even in self-defense. I haven't alway held that
opinion, but as I think about it in light of the current book, I find
it hard and hard to imagine Harry doing such I thing. 

I would prefer to think that Harry will vanquish and destroy
Voldemort, not with a show of force, but with an unexpected act of
mercy. The trouble is, I just don't know how JKR could ever maneuver
Voldemort into a state of mind where that act of mercy would have that
enormous impact on him. One the other hand, if I am to maintain my
faith in Harry and the principle he appears to stand for, there has to
be some kind of passive vanquishing of Voldemort, but I don't have a
clue what it could be.

Just a thought.

bboy_Mn