Tom Riddle's Origins

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 84257

> I don't think that Voldemort's comments about his mum are 
> there to make us feel sorry for him.  This is just history 
> into the man and why he became what he did. Just as we discuss 
> Snape and Draco's childhoods, this is a brief glimpse into 
> Voldemort's. It also helps us to see some of the origins of his 
> Muggle-hating ideals. There has to be more to Voldemort's story. 
> Every book gives a little more on the backgrounds of others. I 
> think book six will open our eyes more to the powers and reasonings 
> of the Dark Lord.  I, as a lot of people, have always thought that 
> he mirrored Hitler in many ways. I hope this isn't true. I hope he 
> is original.
> 

Rowling makes the connection herself in an interview:

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/quickquotes/articles/2000/fall00-bbc-newsround.html

Still, Voldemort is in some respects an original character. I do like
glimpsing his younger self and seeing how he developed into what he
now is. The young Tom Riddle is very much a foil to Harry, a boy in a
similar situation who reacted altogether differently. We see what
Harry could have become but--and in fact still could (consider the
fanaticism of Barty Crouch, Sr., on the side of "good"). All that's
keeping him from becoming consumed by anger and revenge is his
heart--in contrast to Tom, who seems to have been born without one. (I
mean that figuratively, of course.)

> As for Draco, as soon as he comes of age, I think he will be a lot 
> more interesting. ( Get your minds out of the gutters ;) ) I think 
> that he is holding back because he is still under the influence of 
> his parents and the watchful eye of the staff. Bring it on Draco! I 
> want to see Draco lose his mind and inflict his insanity on everyone. ;)
> 
> -Tonks

Exactly. Draco (if I'm right) will go in the direction Tom did,
seeking revenge and even committing murder at a young age. I don't
think he has Tom's intelligence or subtlety, though, and he also has
the disadvantage of having already made his enmity toward Harry quite
clear. Snape will have to keep Draco under control without blowing his
cover. Should be interesting.

Carol