Bad vs. Evil

The Nature of Evil
(Average Rating: 4.2)

By Nichola Weall on 07/08/05

This editorial will no doubt be the first of many which will touch upon the subject I find most fascinatingly portrayed in the Harry Potter series; evil. I find myself intrigued by its meaning in the novels, because its nature and theoretical significance never ceases to shock and amaze. J K Rowling presents evil to us in a way which constantly makes us readdress and reconsider the way in which we view the difference between the good and the bad. Some traditional stories tell of good triumphing over evil, and although I believe the Harry Potter series will result in the good being victorious, I think the nature of evil as depicted by Jo is much more spectacular and enthralling.

The nature of good is very much a main theme in the series, closely linked with the idea of innocence. When Harry first makes his way into the world of magic, with us the readers closely tagging along, he is 11 years old. At this stage in his life, he is innocent and a stranger to first-hand evil. During the course of his innocence, he meets Dumbledore. With a flattering introduction, Dumbledore is a symbol of great strength to children such as Harry. Indeed, for his first few years at Hogwarts, Harry may have viewed Dumbledore as invincible. As he progressed through his years, he began to notice signs of weakness in Dumbledore and came to realise that he, however powerful, is only human. A noble, wise, strong and caring human who is subject to all the flaws that nature provides. Dumbledore is, however, for me, the epitome of good. He is (or should we say was?) pure of heart and caring in every way we would expect a noble man to be.

Good, like evil, comes in varying degrees. It is not always easy to draw a line between good and bad (Professor Umbridge being a fine example). Within the series, we, the readers, come to associate good and evil in two forms; those who are supporters of Voldemorts cause, and those who are not. A question, in which I constantly find myself asking, is just how many characters in the series are actually capable of evil?

A typically bad character would simply be someone who encompasses characteristics which make them unpleasant and disliking. Characters who I believe fall into this category would be Draco Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, Dolores Umbridge, Severus Snape (in the process of reconsidering however) and most of the Death Eaters.

Evil, for me, means something far beyond the realms of bad. Evil has been defined as a complete lack of conscience. To achieve absolute evil, one must be capable of the execution of acts without remorse, emotion or empathy. Evil is a term used to define acts or thoughts which are so extraordinarily opposite to those of a reasonable person that they are deemed punishable. Therefore, can evil realistically rival good in the series?

Although it can reasonably be argued that bad is just a lighter form of evil, I think the difference will prove to be evident in the final novel. I think that the sixth novel illustrated the difference well, in the form of Draco. He had been told to kill Dumbledore. However, murder being one of the most evil acts of all in a world of modern morality, it is fair to say that Draco would not have killed Dumbledore. Draco is not evil; he is merely carrying the traces of being bad.

The difference takes us to Voldemorts ideology. Where would it lead him, if he was to achieve his goals? Lets say that Voldemort was to win the final battle. Just as Dumbledore epitomizes good, I think Voldemort epitomizes evil. If everyone, including the Death Eaters, were as evil as Voldemort, would he achieve what he wanted? The simple answer would be no. Evil is naturally destructive and concerned in surviving at any cost. It would not take risks for others, or sacrifice themselves for other people. It also has the tendency to see itself as uniquely superior, hence dictatorship usually being associated with evil.

The point here is that good is much more easily embraced than evil. It also has the ability to exist longer than evil, and within an evil empire, there is only room for one superior. There is no such thing as competition or rivalry with Lord Voldemort. He makes demands, and he expects them to be followed. Like most dictatorships, the leader rules by fear. Fear is not a very effective means of control, because those controlled under it may escape by any means in which they may become safe. Safety used to mean anywhere Dumbledore was until his death, and now that he is gone, Harry must face the true evil alone without protection. He will come of age, and even protection at the Dursleys is no longer possible.

When the final battle approaches, it will be interesting to see just how the characters will act. Aside from Snape, who now is no such much a mystery and more of an enigma, most characters will probably show their true colours so to speak, and play their part in the end of the Second War. What is to become of Draco Malfoy? What will happen to Bellatrix, and will Harry seek revenge for the death of his Godfather?

It is useful to note that although the Death Eaters are capable of many atrocities, their evil does match up to that of Voldemorts. Narcissa Malfoy tried to protect her son, Draco. She still feels love for her son, and presumably her husband. Can she really be evil? Bellatrix, who quite plainly said she would surrender her sons to Voldemort if she had them, worships the Dark Lord to the point of what appears to be unhealthy obsession. Does this mean that she has not departed entirely from the feelings and emotions to which Voldemort has severed himself from? How many other Death Eaters are capable of evil? Will any back out?

Sometimes in the series, the lines which divide the good from the bad begin to blur. Professor Umbridge, for example, would have made a delightful Death Eater. What defines people, to the extent that they can be classed as good or evil? I think this is one of the reasons why the Harry Potter series is so brilliant. Jo presents each character in a way which allows readers to judge which side they are on, and what their beliefs are, and what impact they have on their overall character. The series directly addresses the impact of evil. It is evident in every single novel.

In upcoming editorials I will touch upon the subject of evil and how it is incorporated into various other themes. Next week however, I will address the ultimate burning topic, and question whether evil exists here; Professor Snape. Till next time, take care.

This is a brilliant essay!