Text vs Sub-Text

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 174735

There are a couple of extremely heated debates going on
right now; one regarding Harry's use of Crucio and the
other with regard to Lily's Letter. Though there are 
many other equally heated debates going on.

First keep in mind that I never deny anyone their 
opinion. I've always said that once we all hold the
same opinion, the conversation is over. I mean,
what is there to talk about if we all agree?

But I am somewhat disappointed in the vehemently 
negative criticisms of some people. Especially on issue
that have a somewhat moralistic tone to them. Harry 
using the Crucio being a perfect example.

Here is what I think. I think some people are looking
for things in the TEXT that rightly belong and are
found in the SUB-TEXT. I don't want these stories to
end with -

'..and the moral of the story is... always obey your
parents, go to Sunday School, and eat you spinach.'

I don't want good book to literally give me the 
answers, I want them to force me to ask the hard 
questions, and to use the books as a illustration 
that might help me resolve the answers in my own
mind. As, I've said before, Revelation is a greater
teacher than Explanation. The answers that spring up
from the well of my own intellect, are far more 
powerful than the droning answers that come from
teachers and preachers.

The very fact that we are arguing these points tells
me that JKR has done her job. Was Harry evil, or at
least bad, for using the Cruciatus Curse? I say in
that circumstance he was wrong, but his actions were
understandable and forgivable. But JKR doesn't spell
it out for me or for others. That is why others think
it was a horrendous thing for Harry to have done.

These opinions, these positions, don't come from the
author, they come from us. Perhaps that is why the
discussions are so polarized, perhaps that is why
each side is so vehemently in their opinions.

I really don't want, and don't find it beneficial to
have these moral dilemmas neatly resolved and spelled
out for me. How do I learn and grow from that? I learn
and grow more by not having it spelled out, by not 
having it explained, but by having to reach deep inside
myself and find the answers there. 

It's not up to JKR to resolve every moral dilemma, it's
up to me.

Just a few, slightly off topic, thoughts.

Steve/bboyminn