Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Fear of Death

     This book very obviously demonstrates the two polar opposites of good and evil: Harry is good, and Voldemort is evil. But while the book demonstrates this theme very clearly, I don't entirely agree with it. Yes, I think Voldemort is evil, but I don't think the Death Eaters are. While the Death Eaters have done evil things, what I think is most important is what drives them to do what they do.

       I find to be very easy to pinpoint the Death Eaters as evil people without giving much thought to it. They have committed many evil deeds, deeds that virtually cannot be forgiven. They are the followers of true evil. But how much of their lifestyle was their choice? When Voldemort first came to power, before Harry was even born, the people of the wizarding world only had two choices: you either had to be with him, or against him. I can see why the Death Eaters thought that to ally with Voldemort was safer way to go. It was the safer choice, but it was not  the right choice. The Death Eaters are not evil for siding with Voldemort. The only thing that the Death Eaters really are are cowards.

        In retrospect, though, being a Death Eater is not  that safe either. If any Death Eater does not carry out what Voldemort has wished, they do face certain death. That is why I believe that it is fear that is the true root of the Death Eater's actions, not evil. They fear death. Fear of death is why they commit those evil deeds. Fear of death is why they joined Voldemort in the first place. They were afraid of Voldemort, and they still are afraid of Voldemort. But when you look back even further, it turns out that if Voldemort did not fear death, he never would have became who he was. So is it fear of death that drives people to do evil things? And does doing evil things automatically make someone evil?

11 comments:

  1. WOW LEAH! This an extremely thought-provoking response! I definitely agree with you! The Death Eaters are afraid of dying, so they will do anything to stay alive, even if that means going to the "dark side." I don't think the Death Eaters are evil, even though they made some bad choices.

    But being a coward is no better than being evil, in the idea that they are not the only victims. They made a bad choice, but you can't hold it against them entirely.

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  2. I don't know. Bellatrix looks pretty evil to me.

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    1. Of course Bellatrix is evil! And with the little information we know about her past, she has no reason to be hateful, cruel, and evil. In my opinion, she is worse than Voldemort.

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    2. Bellatrix has always secretly been one of my favorite characters... she's just so EVIL, you know? I think she follows Voldemort because it's something to believe in, something substantial and fulfilling, especially now that he's gaining power.

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    3. I think that Bellatrix definitley falls into a completely different category. She stands out from her fellow Death Eaters, and not in a good way.

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  3. What is interesting is to think about when Death Eaters show signs of goodness...for example, at the end when Narcissa is talking to Harry when everyone thinks he is dead. Dumbledore talked often about the capacity to love...I wonder if that trumps even death-eater-ship?

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    1. Of course! I think everyone must have some goodness in them.

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  4. Your post is brilliant! You've taken a theme that has been discussed multiple times and totally made it yours by raising really intelligent arguments.

    However, I wonder.... Was it only fear that caused the Death Eaters to join Voldemort? I think that some, like Lucius Malfoy joined because of their ambition as well while others truly believed in Voldemort's racist principles and wanted to "purge" (vocab word!) the world. Bellatrix seems like she would belong in the latter category.

    And to answer your last question I believe that it may depend on what the person's intent is. For instance, what if someone wants to help the world but may need to commit a few "evil" crimes for the benefit of humanity? Perhaps their goal(s) justify their actions? Or maybe, perhaps not. I suppose in the end, there can be no definite answer to your question.

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    1. Fear, definitely, but also to have a purpose. You know, some people join the local knitting circle, some people join the death eaters.

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    2. That's probably the best analogy I have ever heard in my life.

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  5. Micah why are commenting on this blog you're not even part of this!!!!!! Any who i believe that this blog is in fact brilliant! I like how you have really strong points and back up your theme! Plus i really love this whole discordant conversation is really interesting. Even if Micah doesn't belong in this blogging site like me i totally agree on her viewpoints. great job leah!!! <3 KEEP BLOGGING :)

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