Slytherin Traits

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 116456


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> > Ginger's take on things:
 Mostly it sounds like Slytherin wanted the "movers and shakers" of  
the world.  He wanted to educate those who would find themselves in 
positions of power and influence.  Maybe this is why there is still  
such a high regard for pureblood status among the higher circles  
despite Dumbledore and others like him.

Potioncat:
I agree. I see them as those families in the RW whose kids attend 
the best school possible (according to skill or finance), who choose 
activities that will look good on college applications, who play 
competitive sports, and are never at rest. These kids look good. 

I don't think we see those Slytherins in the books.  Now, perhaps 
JKR's intent is to show the negitive side of these traits.  Or maybe 
she sees the traits as negative. Or maybe those Slytherins are off 
our screen because they're too busy being successful to join the IS 
or bother Harry.

And maybe it is the power hungry,ones who do join the IS.


  
>>> Finwitch: 
 
Determination, resourcefulness, cunning, ambition -- would make a 
fine Healer...  Ambition to find a cure for a lethal disease that 
is  as yet curable, to heal better than anyone...
 
Also, some activists certainly have a disregard for rules and seem 
to  be ready to use any means to achieve their goal- saving the 
WildLife, Caged minks etc...
 
Many Activists of Politics, indeed... many rebels, too...

I'd say that goodness for a Slytherin is highly dependant on what 
his/her goal is. Ends justify the means is Slytherin motto, I'd 
think... 



Potioncat:
I agree fully.  These traits are very often present in RW doctors, 
and in other doers-of-good.

And I think you've hit the nail on the head.  The ultimate goal  
would determine the actions.  If the goal is to learn as much as 
possible, you'd have a student who would study hard and write long 
papers.  If the goal was merely to get a good mark, you might get a 
student who would put his/her effort into cheating.

I'm not trying to defend Slytherin as much as I'm looking for the 
good in it.