Savior complex? (was "Harry and Tom")

[naamagatus]

No: HPFGUIDX 111695

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "pippin_999" <foxmoth at q...> 
wrote:
 
> 
> That's true. But he also acts, as the Sorting Hat told him, out of 
a 
> powerful thirst to prove himself, and this, IMO, is what Hermione 
> calls the "saving people thing." 
> 
> I am not saying that Harry only wants acclaim, or  only wants to 
> be worthy of acclaim.  It is by no means wrong or inappropriate 
> for Harry to want to prove himself worthy of the terrible 
sacrifices 
> which others have made for him, nor do I think he is crazy 
> because he feels a powerful need to do so.
> 
<snip>

I don't think that Harry's "saving people thing" is connected to 
his "thirst to prove himself." For example, in the second task of the 
tournament, his savior complex was *at odds* with his ambition. He 
wanted to win, but he was more concerned about the others' safety, so 
he sacrificed (as he thought at the time) his ambition. And when he 
realized that the hostages were never at risk, he felt angry at 
himself and embarassed that he had been so stupid. There wasn't a 
sense of his feeling proud of himself for his bravery, etc. 
That shows, IMO, that Harry isn't saving people in order to show (to 
others or to himself) that he is brave or good or self-sacrificing. 
He does it because he cares.

Naama