[HPforGrownups] Re: Opposite of Gryffindor? - Nature of Sorting

[Magda Grantwich]

No: HPFGUIDX 125507

--- Steve <bboyminn at yahoo.com> wrote:
 
> But as Phineas Nigellus pointed out, Slytherins have plenty of
> courage, but in the thick of things, Slytherins will courageously
> save
> themselve and their own, rather than jump in and selflessly save
> others. In this illustration, it is not the presents or absents of
> courage, but the quality of character and selflessness that are the
> determining factors. So the presents of courage doesn't alway
> manifest itself in couragious (read - heroic) ways.


Well, to be fair, that's not exactly what Phineas says: 

Chapter 23 - OOTP

"We Slytherins are brave, yes, but not stupid.  For instance, given
the choice, we will always choose to save our own necks."

Phineas doesn't say anything about not saving others.  What he's
commenting on is the thin line that divides Gryffindor bravery from
Gryffindor bravado.  A dead hero is no good to anyone.

He's not talking about leaving others behind or not putting yourself
out for others in dangerous situations.  As a Slytherin he's opposed
to recklessness, to not planning for unforeseen circumstances and
he's in favour of getting your priorities right.  Sometimes charging
into a situation with nothing but selfless heroism to get you through
it isn't the best plan - something we see when Harry insists on going
to the MOM.

Magda (who doesn't doubt at all that Gilderoy Lockhart was a Gryffindor)


	
		
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