HP and Moral Choices

[Sharon Hayes]

No: HPFGUIDX 176082

zgirnius said:

  I would point out that Dumbledore's actions
  vis-a-vis Draco in HBP have
  a similar flavor, so Harry's action is not even
  unique to him in HP.
  Arguably Snape does the same for Harry in "The
  Flight of the Prince"
  (he does save him from torture), though that is
  complicated by the fact
  that Snape knows they are on the same side and has
  a personal
  connection to Harry, so his motive is not a
  hero-to-villain one.

  However, it does seem to me not unusual hero
  behavior. I could swear I
  have seen several Hollywood movies in which the
  hero and villain battle
  it out in some unlikely and visually spectacular
  dangerous location  <SNIP>


Sharon:

  I agree with you about Dumbledore and Snape, I
  just haven't come across anything quite like it in
  literature.  It has been pointed out to me - -as
  you do above -- that it often happens in movies,
  but I still can't really find an equivalent
  character. Although someone told me that the Dr
  Who series (from UK) has some similar incidents, I
  am yet to find those. Also apparently Batman also
  saves an enemy. But there always seems to be some
  redeeming feature of the baddie that makes them
  deserve to be saved (such as being an ex of
  Indiana Jones). Draco, on the other hand, doesn't
  seem to have any redeeming features -- except
  maybe that he is a fellow Hogwartian and
  young/foolish?

  I still wonder what Harry's motive is for saving
  Draco. Dumbledore is so disposed to Draco becuase
  he sees some good in Draco, but I don't think
  Harry sees any good in Draco -- he spends the
  entire 6th book trying to prove what a baddie he
  is. Dumbledore understands that Voldie has put
  Draco in a bad position, and pities him for that.
  Harry doesn't understand or pity for that reason.
  Sharon


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