I am more than one person...?!

I absolutely LOVE DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE.  It really is one of the best stories from classic literature.  OK.  So I say that with just about every book I read, but it really is true.  I love studying about the dual nature of "man."  (And Woman!)  I do believe that we all have that side of us that Poe says is a "spirit of perverseness" (from "The Black Cat") where we take an odd pleasure in "evil" or "wrong" that we do or that others experience.  For the most part, your average human is a GOOD person who knows right from and CHOOSES to do right--most of the time.  It is when we give in to that other side of our selves, that "spirit of perverseness," that can get us into trouble--at least if/when we give in over and over--on a consistent basis.

I, for one, don't believe that one wrong makes a person evil.  Even some murderers (considering that murder is often treated as THE WORST evil possible) aren't necessarily evil to the core just because they've committed a murder.  Sometime murder is an act of passion in a MOMENT we weakness where the person simply loses control.  Does that mean that those murderers shouldn't be punished or have consequences for their actions?  Absolutely not.  But we can't label them ALL as "evil" just because of one act of violence.

I know that I myself have had at least one moment of extreme rage where I could have easily committed murder if I had given in to my baser instincts--that true "spirit of perverseness."  In the moment, it felt good to get the emotions out of me that had been building up over an extended period of time, but at the same time, it felt more awful than I can explain simply because I was so completely out of control.  I honestly was afraid not just for the person I was screaming at, but for myself because I was so very angry.  I could have hurt myself, too.

It's always so fascinating to me to talk about all the modern-day stories that have as their theme the duality of man.  We had some great discussions in each of my classes today where everyone presented some great examples, some of which I've never even thought of!  One of my favorites was Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader!  I'd love to hear other examples that you can come up with....!!!!

Can't seem to leave Harry alone!

I just finished re-reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban--my 2nd time reading it on the Nook.  It's always interesting and fun for me to note the things that stand out during one reading but other points that stand out for me in another!  I just can't get enough of my favorite books!  I wish I had time every year to re-read ALL of my favorite books, not just the HP books!

Anyway, I finally figured out what the nicknames mean!  I know.  I know.  I'm slow.  I just couldn't figure out what Padfoot, Mooney, Prongs, and Wormtail meant!!!  But I GOT it this time!  It was like a flash of light epiphany when it hit me!

Remus Lupin is called "Mooney" because he because a werewolf at the full MOON!
James Potter is called "Prongs" because of the PRONGS on the stag he becomes!
Sirius Black is called "Padfoot" because he becomes a dog with PADS on his FEET!
Peter Pettigrew is called "Wormtail" because as a rat, his TAIL looks like a WORM!!!!

I can't believe that never clicked for me before during any of the previous 5 readings (overall) or even when I saw the movie versions!  It's really so simple!!!!  I was frustrated because I couldn't remember who was who, but now it's not a problem!!!!

Anyway, I still want to know how many times Ron, Hermoine, and Harry have ended up in the hospital.....(I know I'm forgetting something!  I'll try to remember to add to this list as I go through the last 5 books!  I don't know why it matters to me; it just does....)


Harry:  Book 1:  at the end after he fights Voldemort
Book 2:  when his arm is broken and then Professor Lockhart gets rid of all the bones in his arm; Book 3:  end when all 3 are there--Harry because he was attacked by the Dementors

Ron:  Book 3:  at the end when all 3 are there--Ron because of his broken leg, especially

Hermoine:  Book 2:  when she becomes a cat and again later when she is petrified
Book 3:  at the end when all 3 are there--Hermoine because she was attacked by the Dementors