Vengeance

[Cindy C. <cindysphynx@comcast.net>]

No: HPFGUIDX 51772

Elkins wrote:

> I keep obsessing on scenes like the Train St...er, *Step* and how 
> they are constructed), is that this emphasis on Vengeance-As-Peril 
> seems so very much at odds with the author's fondness for 'just 
> deserts' humour and 'comeuppance' resolutions to her plotlines.

I beg your pardon?

Oh, you mean the Train *Stomp!*  <winks at Dicey>

Anyway, I'm not entirely sure what to make of JKR's treatment of 
vengeance.  For instance, we are meant to enjoy Harry's throwing mud 
at Malfoy from the cover of the cloak.  Come-uppance humor, once 
again.  Harry gets to take vengeance upon his tormentor without 
consequence.  I read JKR as signaling that we are not to be bothered 
by what Harry does.  

Similarly, there's Hermione's slap of Draco.  That one struck me as 
another moment when a character is allowed a bit of vengeance 
without author condemnation.  

I do have to say that I sense a double-standard.  Vengeance from an 
Evil character is bad; vengeance from a Good character is OK, so 
long as no one gets hurt.  And maybe sometimes even if someone gets 
hurt.  Ton Tongue Toffee, anywone?

And vengeance by an Evil character against an Evil character 
(Voldemort torturing Wormtail as punishment for letting Crouch Sr. 
escape)?  I get no sense that JKR wishes the reader to disapprove.

Cindy