[HPforGrownups] Re: Special treatment - yes or no/Rules

[Magpie]

No: HPFGUIDX 146053

> Tonks here:
> I am a bit confused by what you say.  Surely you don't mean that
> people should just do as they will, come what may.

Magpie:

No, that's not what I meant--I explained it better in this post here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/message/146030

I meant more the difference between doing something based on your own 
decision rather than in order to please your chosen authority figure or 
whatever, but I think I explain more in terms of the story in that post, and 
how I think JKR is showing that it's important to make your own decisions 
about right and wrong but also showing that doesn't always lead to the right 
decisions.  Most of the really good characters in the book do seem 
associated with rule-breaking, often of the most trivial kind--pranking, 
sneaking out, etc.  MWPP put people in danger once a month but just laugh 
about it now.  The only "higher law" they were interested in was what they 
wanted to do.

Tonks:
  How else can you explain that everyone, in all places, in all times see, 
for example, that murder
is wrong.

Magpie:
That we are able to feel empathy for others, and that certain values make 
for more successful societies, so those are the ones that survive.:-)

Steve:
In response to your specific allegation, that Dumbledore intentionally
 planned this method of awarding points to rub in the humiliation of
Slytherin, I think you are taking too narrow a view (and I also admit
to overstating your position somewhat).

Magpie:
No, I don't think Dumbledore intentionally planned his method of awarding 
points to rub in the humiliation of Slytherin.  I think he intentionally 
planned the awarding of points to make it a happy surprise for Harry or make 
more of a big deal about the awarding of these points and didn't think about 
Slytherin much at all. I think his delivery reflects that. That's why I keep 
arguing against the idea that Dumbledore was sending a message to Slytherin 
by doing it.

I do agree that Slytherin's losing of the contest itself is no big deal--I 
don't think Dumbledore had to apologetic about it or anything. So I think I 
am completely agreeing with your view of what happened.  Mostly I see it as 
JKR knowing how to set up the scene for maximum satisfaction on Harry's 
part, and I'm not surprised she did that.

-m