Death and magic

[potioncat]

> Sigune:
> 
> Question: does the Dementor's Kiss really kill? I understood it 
removed the soul but left the body alive, the result being 'worse 
than death'. I am ready to accept that my restricted command of the 
English language may be responsible for this, but for me 
something 'worse than death' means it is not the same as death. Or 
else it depends upon how you define 'death': is it purely physical, 
or rather spiritual?

Potioncat/Kathy
I think you've gotten it, your English is much better than you think. 
Just as the dementors themselves remind readers of depression, the 
kiss reminds me of two similar RL situations. One is when there has 
been a brain injury either through stroke or a physical accident. A 
person's body can remain alive, but most awarness and sense of self 
are gone. The other is Altzheimers(sp). In that case it's gradual, 
but at some point the person's body is merely alive.

Sad to say, I've watched both, either professionally or personally. I 
wouldn't wish the kiss on anyone.
Kathy