Percy (Was: My "one" most rock solid OoP prediction

[talisman22457]

No: HPFGUIDX 60504

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "hickengruendler" 
<hickengruendler at y...> wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "talisman22457" 
> <talisman22457 at y...> wrote:
> >   I wasn't going to respond to hickengruendler's opinion that 
J.K.  named Percy after that "flower of knighthood," Perceval *** 
(#60438) . . . he can't seriously be considered as 
> > a heroic figure without some textual support.   
> 
> But according to this argument, no Weasley (except Ron) can be 
> considered as a heroic figure right now. *** already stated in my 
first post, that I like Percy very much, because I think he can go 
either way. *** I don't know if I misunderstand your posts, but the 
> way I read them, you don't have a single doubt that Percy will 
either become evil or an idiot like Fudge. And I don't think it is 
that  obvious. Well, JKR said he will make his decision in book 5, 
so hopefully we will know more next week.
> 
> Hickengruendler

Talisman responds:
  I'm not sure the argument re: are any Weasleys heros? is on the 
table right now. Nonetheless, my opinion regarding them is set out 
in my initial Weasley rant #60434.

   Let's agree that one of the reasons we enjoy J.K. is that she 
eschews "black and white" characters/moralization and instead 
explores the ambiguities of the human experience where all things 
that are called good are not good, nor all things deemed bad truely 
bad.  In my opinion every character has a blend of characteristics 
worth contemplating. (e.g. Snape was a Death Eater, but turned spy 
for Dumbledore, at his own great peril.  He indulges in petty 
cruelties to Harry and Co., yet helps protect the Philosophers' 
Stone (and dashes in the path of Fluffy when it seems imperiled) and 
wards off Quirrells attempt to kill Harry, etc. He is pitiless 
toward Sirius, but Dumbledore trusts him.  He has apparently resumed 
his perilous missions and he may yet die a valiant death fighting 
Voldemort.) Even aside from the characters's prevailing 
personalities we see many instances where acts of good-will lead to 
bad results, and misbehavior saves the day. 

  So far Percy's blend seems to me to be no more than that of the 
self-righteous person who smuggly follows the rules but produces 
undesirable (and later evil) results. If he is not to meet a bad end 
he will indeed have to change. As to my opinion regarding Percy and 
change, I posted a response to lilymaid's #60464, but my message 
hasn't shown up yet. Presumably will arrive before this one, and may 
answer your question. Sorry I don't have a message number to give 
you.  I think he could change, but it won't be easy, or without a 
price.

  On the other hand, the divided family motif is a classic in 
stories of civil strife and a good foil for examining the character 
differences that are central to this series.

   I actually hope your faith in Percy is rewarded. Since he's one 
of your favorites, I'd rather you get this one. Instead, I'll focus 
such positive mojo as I may have on the characters I really like.

Regards,
Talisman