JKR's Messages (was Re: Hermione In Trouble?)

[davewitley]

No: HPFGUIDX 120834


Carol wrote:

> I don't know about either of you, but I'm bothered by the word
> "innate," which suggests that their goodness is inborn--a concept 
very
> much at odds with the idea of choice. If they're innately good, 
they
> can make mistakes (and they do), but they can't become evil. 

I haven't been following this discussion very closely but I had the 
same trouble, and found the JKR interview to see if there's any 
context (go to the goat pen and search on 'innate').

There isn't much (it's the alleged corrupting influence of the 
books) but she did add that she believes all children are innately 
good unless damaged, which has implications for Riddle.

One wonders what she believes about adults, and the processes by 
which children become adults.  Presumably 'damage' in some form is 
involved.

I still think, though, that she seems to be saying that the trio 
will make good choices (and not because she has absolute control as 
author), which obviously raises the vexed question of what is meant 
by a choice if it's not a morally neutral one.

To be fair, I know of nobody who has actually succeeded in coming up 
with a coherent theory of choice, so perhaps it's asking a bit much 
to expect JKR to make characters who fit one.

David