Characters' inconsistencies WAS: Re:What did you like about Harry Potter?

[julie]

No: HPFGUIDX 183858


> 
> Winterfell replies:
> 
> Actually it is by definition both an irony and an inconsistency.  An
> inconsistency is : displaying or marked by a lack of consistency,
> especially not regular or predictable, erratic: inconsistent
> behavior.  Snape's actions (untill the noble reasons we find out
> about were later discovered) in AK'ing DD were not viewed as regular
> or predictable as a member of the OotP and as a trusted friend and
> colleague of DD. So they were inconsistent with his connection to
> DD.  Also, incidently, for those who crucify Harry for using Crucio
> and Imperius spells, I haven't heard too many people after reading 
DH
> who criticized Snape for using the AK curse.  It seems to be
> inconsistent to criticize Harry and not Snape.  They both used
> Unforgiveable Curses didn't they? Or would that be ironic?  Oh yes,
> Snape's was for a good reason, that's right.  (And Harry's wasn't?)
> 

Julie:
You hit on what is the sticking point for me, or the difference
in how I feel about Snape's AK versus Harry's Crucio. Because
Snape had a good reason, while Harry did not. Or, perhaps more
comparable, Snape's intent was to elicit a positive result--save
Draco and Harry, while sparing the already dying Dumbledore any
more pain--while Harry's intent involved nothing positive, as
he merely wanted vengeance against Carrow (and he even states 
so in the text). 

JKR herself has said that Harry's Crucio was WRONG, and that
she wanted to show Harry as human as the next person, able
to make mistakes and act for the wrong reasons. She has never
said the same about Snape's AK of Dumbledore, BTW. In fact I
have gotten the impression she believes Snape took the right
action there. 

That is certainly how I feel too--I believe that Snape
did what was right over what was easy (no one ever said 
what is right is always clean or comfortable), while 
Harry chose what was easy over what was right. (And be
assured I am referring only to these two instances, NOT to
the sum total of Snape's versus Harry's acts throughout
the books!) I also don't feel there is any inconsistency
in my view of these two acts, as I am judging each person's
intent, which to me is generally the best ethical or moral
compass of their behavior. 

Julie, who also found the inconsistency of Harry's Crucio
pertained more to the inconstant definition of Unforgivables
and their varying acceptability of use from book to book.