Good and bad expression of house traits (Was Nice vs. Good)

[Sherry]

No: HPFGUIDX 153069

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "houyhnhnm102" <celizwh at ...> wrote:
>
> houyhnhnm:
> 
> I have been intrigued by Rowling's statement that the four houses
> represent the four elements.  In astrology, each of the three signs
> associated with a particular element has its negative and positive
> expression, but no sign is superior to any other.

Amontillada:

I think I've read her remark about the four elements again, but I'd
forgotten it. Thanks for reminding/informing me of it, in any case!
The astrological or the historical evidence of the four-element theory
might be helpful in identifying the positive and negative qualities of
the houses.
> 
> So what would a "bad" Hufflepuff trait be if not conformity? (I should
> have used the word "conformity" rather than "mediocrity".  It is
> closer to what I was trying to say.)
>
a_svirn:
It's just that I wouldn't say that
conformity is the other side of fairmindedness, in the same way as,
say, impetuosity and recklessness can be the other side of bravery.

Amontillada:

Actually, conformity as the other side of fairmindedness seems just
right to me. As I interpret the two terms, _fairness_ implies standing
up for what's right and just even when one has to oppose the common or
usual standard.

On the other hand, _conformity_ means being afraid to oppose the usual
and make oneself stand up for that which is fair and just. I interpret
the two very much as opposing characteristics.

> What is a "bad" Ravenclaw like?  We know the virtues of the other two
> houses.  What are their vices?
> 
> I am open to suggestions.

Amontillada:

I can't think of a single word for it, but what about extreme
detatchment...for example, immersing oneself in theory or studies,
such as Wizarding history to the point of ignoring reality, such as
Voldemort? This habit is sometimes seen in intellectuals--hence the
common (in our world) stereotype of a study-absorbed scholar.

Amontillada