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Essay: In Defense of Slytherin

http://www.mugglenet.com/editorials/editorials/edit-blackd01.shtml

I highly recommend this article. I am one of the first to condemn Slytherin for all their sins, but when you look at the facts, it truly is the way that JKR says: Slytherin isn't all bad. This article was sent to me by my co-contributer, Paige (a hardcore Slytherin). She has tried to convince me for years. I am not there yet, but I have to admit that I may just be parroting Harry's prejudice. This essay goes through several of the Slytherin heroes in the series. Please read and comment.

Quote of the Week

"What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally the whole school knows."-Dumbledore, Sorcerer's Stone

Ah, the first book. This was Dumbledore's first post-trauma speech with Harry. This quote above all shows why he was so well loved, and so good at what he did. He understood his students. Somehow his honesty makes this speech so much more powerful. You wouldn't expect him to tell Harry this, but then again, why wouldn't he? It is one of the qualities that he shares with Luna: the power of honesty. As we see later, he isn't always honest, but here I find it interesting. I think that it somehow gave him some credibility, and it laid the foundation of such an interesting character.

Calie

Quote of the Week

"Where's Snape?" "Maybe he's left because he missed out on the DADA job again!" "Or he might have been sacked! I mean, everyone hates him-" "Or maybe, he's waiting to hear why you two missed the train?" CS, Harry, Ron and Snape

This quote is hilarious. Poor Snape. Everyone hates him. I love all of the little Harry-Ron-Snape moments, because they mostly always involve something funny, or an awesome quote. It is the perfect example of the kids hating the teacher situation that I'm sure everyone is familiar with. Not to mention, there's sarcasm all around! That makes for good laughs, and a spot in my favorite quotes. :)

Quote of the week

"I enjoyed the meetings, too. It was like having friends."

-Luna, Half Blood Prince

        Luna and Neville are somewhat pathetic characters, they truly are. But we see times, especially later in the series when they come into their own. In a way they are some more of JKR's red herrings; they seem weak and use, but in reality they are better than anyone else when it comes to being brave and doing what is right. This quote also reminds me of another quality that Luna has, her ability to point out the uncomfortable truth. She doesn't filter what she says the way that most others do. This is what often ostracizes her from the rest of society. She tells others about her beliefs or says things that makes them feel uncomfortable, as evidenced above. This quality gives Luna her uniqueness, her quirks. For most of us, it is what makes us love Luna.

Perfect Advisers: The Former Heads

      I have long marveled at the wisdom contained within the circular headmaster’s office. These are the brightest witches and wizards to have ever existed, perhaps. They are scholars, masters of their craft. Now, their only function is to aid the current headmaster. Though I have always been astonished by the portraits, it was not until my last read through that they reminded me of another collection of powerful people, whose only job is to aid a current leader: the President’s cabinet.

       For those of you who are not familiar with the American system of government (and for those Americans who should be, but aren’t), the President’s cabinet is a board of advisers. They are hand picked by the President and represent every government office. These people are tasked with helping the President make hard decisions. They are usually experts and thus make it possible for the President to lead effectively without being an expert in every area himself. If a President is wise, he will pick knowledgeable people with varying viewpoints. This allows him to make objective decisions that help the most people. But this is an ideal world, in reality the cabinet of the President is often filled with yes men. People who agree completely with the President and don’t offer any other viewpoints. They are still very knowledgeable in their field, but often their political leanings align closely with the President. They are still an important part of the government and are effective advisers; but they don’t offer the opposing viewpoints that give the President the number of options that would be best.

      Now, I’m sure you have already spotted some of the parallels that I saw as I read the series. The portraits in the Headmaster’s office are very much a cabinet of sorts to the headmaster. But I believe that they are even more: they are what a cabinet of advisers should be. These are all the people who have been in the position before. They understand what is expected of the headmaster, as well as the kinds of influence he or she will have. They can offer advice from their own experiences. They also have many varying viewpoints. The headmaster doesn’t get to choose only the people who will agree with him, as the American President does; he also has the advice of those who have opposing viewpoints to his own. This is best portrayed by Phineas Nigellus Black.This mixture of opinions allows him to make better decisions. These advisers also come from many backgrounds. They have expertise in different areas, as shown by the appearance of their portraits in places like St. Mungo’s and the Ministry. This expertise allows the headmaster to make good decisions, but at the same time not need to become an expert in every field. This is the area where the real world board of advisers comes closest to J.K. Rowling’s.

      Now that I see the parallels between a board of advisers and the portraits in the headmaster’s office, I also see that J.K. Rowling may have invented the perfect set of advisers. These witches and wizards offer experience, opinions, and expertise. They are more balanced in their opinions than their real world counterparts. These people provide the headmaster with the ability to become both wise and powerful, something that not all cabinets can do.

Quote of the Week

"Why spiders? Why couldn't it be "follow the butterflies?" -Ron, CS

This quote makes me laugh everytime I see it. I, too, am very afraid of spiders, and as a matter of fact, I chose it because I just had my sister kill a huge one in my room for me, and so I felt it was a perfect QOTW moment because it popped into my head. I've also almost wrecked twice when there were some in my car. Spiders stalk me, not kidding; they're everywhere. Anyway, back to what's important- As we've mentioned before, Ron is one of the best characters for humerous quotes. His character has the kind of bluntly sarcastic remarks that I use, so it makes them more enjoyable. I love his remarks on serious things like this. Awesome Ron moments.
Everyone have a safe, spider-free week, and vote on the poll! Calie and I should be coming out with some new posts shortly.

Paige Cyrus