[HPforGrownups] Re: Imperio

[Laura Lynn Walsh]

No: HPFGUIDX 176816


On 2007, Sep 06, , at 14:44, Carol wrote:

>  But the
> invasion of another person's mind, especially with the intent to
> control that person and force him to act against his will and even his
> conscience, seems to me a terrible thing.

This would also be true of Obliviate and modifying someone's
memory.  In fact, erasing memories is, to me, much more
invasive than Imperio.  You are erasing part of that person's
LIFE - and you are giving them no choice in the matter.  Perhaps
Obliviate should also be an Unforgiveable.

And as for Wingardium Leviosa being less invasive than
Imperio:  you are still causing someone to move against
their will.  And, in case of the muggles who were suspended
in the air above the crowd at the Quidditch World Cup, they
were caused acute embarrassment and shame.  Maybe
Wingardium Leviosa should be an Unforgiveable, too, when
applied to people.

I think there are plenty of examples of simple spells being
used in manners that are unacceptable.  The question is
what really makes something Unforgiveable?  To me, it is
not as important that the spell is one JKR has chosen to
call Unforgiveable, but rather whether the spell is used in
an inappropriate manner.  I would say that the use of the
spell (whatever spell) is Unforgiveable if it causes damage
to the person or to others; if it involves a matter of conscience
that the person would regret if s/he had consciously performed
the act without the spell; if the person was rendered incapable
of making other informed, conscious decisions; if the spell's
effects were long lived or permanent.

By that reasoning, Hermione's modification of her parents
memories is also Unforgiveable.  She does it with the best
of intentions, but she doesn't give them a choice, the effect
would have been permanent had she died, and she robbed
them of one of the most important part of their lives - their
daughter.

Laura
-- 
Laura Lynn Walsh    lwalsh at acsalaska.net
http://llwcontemplations.blogspot.com



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