Acceptable Abuses?

[karenoc1]

No: HPFGUIDX 95815

Thank you all for your interesting replies!

Let me just say that I feel that everyone on this discussion list 
realizes that we are reading a work of fiction.  And I think that 
discussing plot inconsistencies (eg, Dumbledore upset with one type 
of abuse and not about another) is definitely legit.

I really want to discuss Dumbledore.  Is he the greatest headmaster 
at Hogwarts?  How much do these little inconsistencies affect 
readers' response to him?  (After all, inconsistent character 
responses to social issue--regardless of whether social issues should 
or should not be superimposed on JKR's fictional world--will affect 
readers' responses.  The days of the New Critics are long gone.)

Personally, I think that JKR's point about Dumbledore is that these 
final days of his are his most important test.  The last rise of 
Voldemort will determine whether or not Dumbledore was the greatest 
headmaster of Hogwarts, because this is the time where how he helps 
shape his students characters will affect how they respond if tempted 
(or coerced) to joining Voldemort's company.

Again, thanks for your thoughts!!

karenoc1