Possession

[suehpfan]

No: HPFGUIDX 89910

Julie wrote:
Snip
> A former post (I can't find it at present...no time) 
> suggested that the "evil" is something much greater 
> than Voldemort.  It is the same evil that possessed 
> Grindelwald and possibly the same that possessed ole 
> Sal.  Remember when Flitwick (in the movie MM) talked 
> about the founders?  SS got along with them at first 
> then dissented.  I think having an evil presence that 
> can possess others (SS, Grindelwald, Tom) makes this 
> a far more complex and dimensional character development 
> than "Tom = Bad Guy and Harry = Good Guy."
> 
> much more snipping (I am trying to behave)

Sue here:
>From my perspective, having an evil force that possesses people and 
moves through time makes the characters far less complex.  How easy, 
how simple.  No one ever has to be accountable for their actions, 
they were posssessed.  I see complexity of character as being born 
from gut wrenching decisions, the ones that no one wants to make. For 
instance, the decision Harry made in the shrieking shack when he 
saved Wormtail's life.  The decision Harry makes at the end of every 
book to put himself back in the care of the Dursleys and follow the 
rules.  Etc.

Tom Riddle was faced with many similar decisions and his choices were 
profoundly different.  He decided (IMO) to enter the chamber and 
release the monster, he decided to kill his father and grandparents, 
etc.  I believe the quote from JKR in a previous post (can't locate 
it right now) stating that Voldemort was an example of wrong choices 
which he began making at an early age is really important.  I see 
Harry and Tom as being basically identical (there are many references 
to this in canon) and that as they grow up they make markedly 
different choices and hence become markedly different people.

In the end, I believe, we will see two complete people. Tom Riddle, a 
guy who made poor choices and wound up with no choice but to live 
with the consequences, even if there may be times he would rather 
not. Harry who will also have to live with the consequences of his 
choices, good and bad.

I don't see either character as so simple (Tom=bad, Harry=good).  I 
do know that in the RW there are really bad people who NEVER feel 
accountable for their actions (ie. the serial killer who murders 
countless victims and then blames his mother and alchohol etc). Some 
people are just bad, I don't see that as making them less complex.

Ramble, Ramble....Sue