envy vs. jealousy?

[Kathi Russell]

No: HPFGUIDX 115835


charme:
> How interesting that "envy" should also be in Webster's definition for
> "jealousy."  I guess by "degrees," envy is less negative than "jealousy." 
> I believe Hermoine describes Ron's behavior in GoF as "jealous."

> Envy -
> A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction with
> desire for the possessions or qualities of another.
>
> Jealousy -
> Fearful or wary of being supplanted; apprehensive of losing affection or
> position. Resentful or bitter in rivalry; envious: jealous of the success
> of others. Inclined to suspect rivalry. Having to do with or arising from 
> feelings of envy, apprehension, or bitterness: jealous thoughts. Vigilant
> in guarding something: We are jealous of our good name. Intolerant of
> disloyalty or infidelity; autocratic: a jealous God.


So we could say that envy is "generally" directed at another's belongings or 
personality traits, whereas jealousy is more a fear of being replaced by 
someone/something that is perceived as being better or more desirable. 
Jealousy is more personal, it would seem to me. Hmmm - I'm going to have to 
give this some thought. I can see where a case can be made for either 
definition that would apply to Ron and Harry. I can also see where Harry 
might feel envious of Ron. Ron has a loving family, Harry does not. Harry 
definitely feels discontentment with his situation and resents the fact that 
he is without a family. Although I wouldn't necessarily say that he feels 
resentful towards Ron in particular for his family - just that he feels 
resentful towards the whole universe for taking away his family.....

Hmmm - I simply ADORE playing semantics - don't you???  LOL
Thanks for looking those up. Why didn't *I* think of that!!!  <hanging head 
in shame>

Kathi