Voldy, Macbeth and the ambiguity of prophecy (spoilers)

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 129105

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "inkling108" <inkling108 at y...> 
wrote:

Inkling: 
> To me the most intriguing part of JKR's FAQ response was the part 
that 
> touched on the significance of prophecy in her literary world.  To 
wit:
> 
> "If neither boy was 'pre-ordained' before Voldemort's attack to 
become 
> his possible vanquisher, then the prophecy (like the one the 
witches 
> make to Macbeth, if anyone has read the play of the same name) 
becomes 
> the catalyst for a situation that would never have occurred if it 
had 
> not been made...Destiny is a name often given in retrospect to 
choices 
> that had dramatic consequences"
> 
> and
> 
> "the prophecy...remains ambiguous, not only to readers, but to my 
> characters.  Prophecies (think of Nostradamus!) are usually open to 
> many interpretations.  That is both their strength and their 
weakness."
> 
> When I read this I realized I had to reexamine all my assumptions 
> about the prophecy.  I also ran to the bookshelf to pull out 
Macbeth.

Geoff:
I don't know whether our thoughts touch base or not but I posted some 
ramblings involving Macbeth quite recently (but before JKR's 
references). The thread was "The prophecy - a maverick view" and 
started at post 128332; it might add an item or so to the mix of 
ingredients.