The Train Stomp vs. Dissin' The Slyths WAS Re: [HPforGrownups] Re: House points

[Jim Ferer <jferer@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 51327

Elkins:"In reference to canon, I would say that the forces of moral
cynicism are represented in the text by Voldemort's "no good or evil,
only power and the will to seek it." It is also reflected, IMO, in
House Slytherin's emphasis on winning at all costs -- using *any*
means to achieve ones ends."

Agreed, but an enabling corollary is to believe everybody else is no
better; and to point out any deviation from an absolute ideal as proof.

Elkins:"The oppositional viewpoint, on the other hand, seems to me to
be represented by Dumbledore's insistence on upholding moral standards
of behavior -- lines in the sand, so to speak."

Standards are essential. Ethics are essential. Harry is learning to
share Dumbledore's wisdom in this, but I think Dumbledore would
understand the Trio's actions on the train, especially since, as Dicey
pointed out, they weren't deadly or even particularly violent, the
magical equivalent of a fat lip.

Elkins:"As for holding people up to somewhat "inhuman" standards of
behavior, I think that the books do rather support this as a virtue.
Lily did, after all, give her *life* to save her son. That's a pretty
inhuman standard of conduct right there, isn't it?"

No. Higher animals have that instict, and humans do. We hope. I would
give my life for either of my daughters without thinking, and so would
you, I'm sure. That's why we're so shocked and disturbed (I've been
physically ill) when parents hurt their children; it's so *unnatural.*

Elkins:"It does seem to me that in these books, spiritual temptation
often takes the form of the desire for "payback." Snape in PoA is an
excellent example. So is that jeering hysterical mob in the Pensieve
scene in GoF."

Excellent point, and well taken; but the response to the provocation
wasn't a thought out plan of retribution. Now, if come next school
year, the Trio plotted and carried out revenge against Draco and his
goons, that would be problematic, and I don't expect it.

The fundamental point I'm trying to make is that you have to give the
Trio plus Forge a pass in the face of such a provocation. It's too
much to ask otherwise.

Jim