A Dark Glamour - Voldemort's Appeal -- Seduction

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 179062

--- "a_svirn" <a_svirn at ...> wrote:
>
> > bboyminn:
> > 
> > I suspect he strung many DE's along under the hope that if
> > they could get in close enough to Voldemort, get deeply 
> > enough into his good graces, Voldemort would reveal to them
> > the secret of immorality. 
> 
> a_svirn:
> Only if he recruited particularly dim individuals, who would
> believe any election campaign promise. Always a possibility, 
> though Snape and Rookwood don't fit the profile. 
> 

bboyminn:

Keep in mind that I am not saying the Voldemort is promising
this. What I am saying is that the DE's are hoping for it.
But that is a subtle form of manipulation; almost a form of
seduction. Seduction is the art of instilling desire. If
I seduce you, I make you want to want me. That way, in this
darker context, you are condemned by your own actions and
desires, not by the actions of the object of your desire. 
Seduction is a very powerful art.

So, Voldemort frequently speaks to his DE's using phrases
like 'we', 'we are oppressed', 'we deserve our rightful
place'. Then compounds that by constantly pointing out 
that he is doing so much to achieve immortality, with
the implication that when /I/ find the ultimate answer,
/we/ will have it. 

So relative to immortality, I see Voldemort engaged in
a subtle form of seduction. He isn't telling his DE's
that he will make them immortal, he is making them want
the secret and feel that they can get it - if only.... By 
wanting the secret badly enough, they are willing to do 
anything to win his favor. If he makes them /want/ enough,
he can make them dance like puppets on a string. Just as 
someone obsessed with sexual desire can be manipulated by
the object of that desire. 

Notice that none of the DE's does anything for apparent
personal gain or recognition, and I am well away that
what I am saying is somewhat self-contradictory, but none
the less true. No one ever says, I have achieved this or
that. It is not about personal accomplishments for personal
sake. It is always about being 'honored above all others'.
It is about moving up the food chain and gaining Voldemort's
favor. 

Really, a very excellent and thorough implementation of 
seduction on Voldemort's part. He has made everything about
him, the object of desire, and his favor. No one seeks to 
accomplish lofty goals. No one really seek Wizards in 
Power. All those actions are secondary to currying 
Voldemort's favor. 

And I contend, that that seduction is enhanced by the 
implications of immortality. If you can only make Voldemort
love you enough, then he might trust you enough to reveal 
his secrets. 

Terrible as the result is, you really do have to admire
Voldemort's skill at seduction. It's the ultimate form
of control.

Steve/bboyminn