But the question is—why does motivation matter, if it does? Obviously it matters in understanding the character, which is always good. But in understanding bigotry, how different is it for a character who's considered not to be a bigot to use a slur (like Hagrid calling Filch a "sneakin' Squib") from a bigoted character (say, Malfoy calling Hermione a "Mudblood.")
I'm inclined to think it doesn't matter at all beyond, as you say, understanding the character and his/her motivations. What's really in a person's mind and heart is kind of irrelevant if their words and (arguably, more importantly) actions don't match up. I mean, I see no difference between the twins giving Dudly the toffee and the DE's tormenting the muggle family at the campground. The reader knows all the differences between the situations, but the ultimate action is that of powerful wizards using magic against helpless and terrified muggles.
A big theme in the series seems to be that of whether or not people deserve what happened/is happening to them, and I think (I *hope*) that this theme will be turned on its head before the story is over. Because everyone thinks they're justified in their own beliefs--nobody is the villian in their own story, you know?--and I think (I **hope**) that at some point Harry is going to have to realize something about his worldview is hinky when the good guys/his friends/people he likes are doing the exact same things (and often for the exact same reasons) as the bad guys.
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Date: 2007-06-29 06:55 pm (UTC)I'm inclined to think it doesn't matter at all beyond, as you say, understanding the character and his/her motivations. What's really in a person's mind and heart is kind of irrelevant if their words and (arguably, more importantly) actions don't match up. I mean, I see no difference between the twins giving Dudly the toffee and the DE's tormenting the muggle family at the campground. The reader knows all the differences between the situations, but the ultimate action is that of powerful wizards using magic against helpless and terrified muggles.
A big theme in the series seems to be that of whether or not people deserve what happened/is happening to them, and I think (I *hope*) that this theme will be turned on its head before the story is over. Because everyone thinks they're justified in their own beliefs--nobody is the villian in their own story, you know?--and I think (I **hope**) that at some point Harry is going to have to realize something about his worldview is hinky when the good guys/his friends/people he likes are doing the exact same things (and often for the exact same reasons) as the bad guys.