What if the theme of Harry Potter were -- we are our own worst enemy? (long)

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 123874


Gadfly McLellyn wrote:
<snip interesting discussion of Jungian dream symbolism in HP>
  I believe we see this evil being a collaborating power in
Dumbledore.  He has a frightening and powerful rage that we see in
PHOENIX, "An awful voice filled the kitchen, echoing in the confined
space, issuing from the burning letter on the table.  "REMEMBER MY
LAST, PETUNIA." (p 40).  Later in the book, "He was so angry," 
Hermione in an almost awestruck voice. 
> "Dumbledore.  We saw him.  When he found out Mundungus had left
before his shift had ended.  He was scary." (p 64).   I believe these
awful and scary parts of Dumbledore are the Grindelwald within - so to
> speak.  <snip>

Carol responds:
"Awful" is one of many words whose meaning has diminished or
degenerated within the last century or so. It's mostly used
colloquially to mean "disgusting" or "bad"--"that medicine tastes
awful," "that was an awful movie," etc. We seldom use it to mean
something really terrible or horrible: "Aren't those Dementors awful?"
The word, which *used* to mean "inspiring awe," now means something
closer to "yucky." Its use in that sense trivializes the truly
terrible or horrible. But the primary meaning of "awful" is neither
terrible nor bad in this trivial sense but "inspiring awe."

When Shelley wrote in "Mont Blanc" (1816),

        awful scene,
        Where Power in likeness of the Arve comes down
        From the ice gulfs that gird his secret throne,
        Bursting through these dark mountains like the flame
        Of lightning through the tempest,

he certainly did not mean that the scene was terrible or evil, much
less disgusting. He meant that it was almost incomprehensibly
sublime--awe-inspiring in its hugeness and power and splendor. 

Now granted, Dumbledore's anger is not sublime, but it *is* "awful" in
the Shelleyan sense of inspiring awe through its power and intensity.
Note that Hermione's voice is described as "awestruck," as Hermione
herself undoubtedly is. She is not repelled; she does not think him
evil; she is in awe of his *righteous* anger. Hermione is not afraid
but deeply respectful almost to the point of being reverential.

I think that JKR is using the word "awful" with regard to Dumbledore's
voice in its primary and original sense and that to read it in any
other way is to misread it. Dumbledore is powerful at all times and
not to be underestimated. His anger is terrible to behold even if
you're not its object. It's scary, even terrifying. But in the case of
the Howler, and of Mundungus's dereliction of duty, Harry's life is at
stake, and Harry is the only person who can destroy Voldemort. We see
the same power and anger in the MoM when Dumbledore saves Harry. Like
Gandalf the White, Dumbledore can be magnificently, powerfully
enraged. But only evil (read DEs and dark lords) need fear him.

Interesting that, as you point out, Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald
but did not kill him. I hope that implies a similar "murderless"
victory for Harry.

Carol, wondering exactly what happened to Grindelwald and hoping we'll
find out in HBP