See, I can't stand Lucius's beating up of Dobby, no matter how annoying the little elf is. That's more because Dobby's in a position of subserviance than because I actually like the character, though. To abuse someone who serves you and looks to you for protection is inexcusable, whether that person is a child or a servant (and when I say "abuse... a child", I don't mean most of the smacks he gives Draco, which can go overboard, yes, but are often just physical reminders of "Behave in public" and "Don't touch that, boy, we're in Borgin & Burkes!". I rather mean the emotional abuse he gives Draco and Dobby, the "Try a little harder and maybe I'll be proud of you" tone his conversations with Draco about schoolwork have, and the way it's obviously him who compels Dobby to engage in self-harm when the house-elf does something that goes against the Malfoys' wishes).
That said, he does have redeeming characteristics that keep him from being a villan in the same pod as Voldemort. First, horrid as he is, he does have some honest points: Harry can't go around expecting special treatment in the wizarding world. He doesn't get it in the Muggle world, so why should people with his ability be any different? Also, the Weasleys aren't as shiny and pretty as they appear, nor is Dumbledore. Yes, these characters are "better" than Lucius, since they don't seem to have fallen in with Voldemort, but they still abuse our protagonist in a way Lucius does not.
Okay, to sum up: Lucius is a bad guy, but he's a good character. He's the one who acts as a chorus counterpoint to Hermione and Dumbledore's narrative, know-it-all voice when neccessary and when Snape isn't around or simply isn't appropriate. Draco doesn't need to be coddled, because Lucius's "on-camera" smacks never cross into the realm of abuse, but Lucius is an emotionally abusive character.
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Date: 2005-12-13 08:45 pm (UTC)That said, he does have redeeming characteristics that keep him from being a villan in the same pod as Voldemort. First, horrid as he is, he does have some honest points: Harry can't go around expecting special treatment in the wizarding world. He doesn't get it in the Muggle world, so why should people with his ability be any different? Also, the Weasleys aren't as shiny and pretty as they appear, nor is Dumbledore. Yes, these characters are "better" than Lucius, since they don't seem to have fallen in with Voldemort, but they still abuse our protagonist in a way Lucius does not.
Okay, to sum up: Lucius is a bad guy, but he's a good character. He's the one who acts as a chorus counterpoint to Hermione and Dumbledore's narrative, know-it-all voice when neccessary and when Snape isn't around or simply isn't appropriate. Draco doesn't need to be coddled, because Lucius's "on-camera" smacks never cross into the realm of abuse, but Lucius is an emotionally abusive character.