The Morality of Lord Voldemort and Albus Dumbledore: A Closer Examination

Discussing the moral and ethical implications of characters as iconic and influential as Lord Voldemort and Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter series is a complex and intriguing topic. Many readers and fans often ask who is more evil between these two figures. However, an approach that considers their actions, motivations, and the narrative perspective opens up a comprehensive discussion.

Evil and Charisma: Grindelwald's Case

Some argue that Lord Voldemort and Albus Dumbledore are equally evil. This perspective is supported by their shared willingness to engage in harmful actions, such as the murder of children, which clearly violates moral standards. However, another character who also meets this criterion is Grindelwald: a powerful and charismatic wizard who was willing to murder children in the name of a greater cause.

Grindelwald is often overlooked for his evil deeds because he possesses a level of charisma that Voldemort lacks. In the books, we see that Lord Voldemort in Book 7's memories appears less charismatic compared to Grindelwald. The quote, “You may not like it, but you got to admit Grindelwald has Style,” reflects this. This quote suggests that Grindelwald is more effective in his manipulation and control, making him appear less evil than he truly is.

Motivation and Means: Dark Magic and Ideals

When examining the motivations and means of these characters, significant differences emerge. Lord Voldemort acts purely for his own self-interest and for any means necessary to achieve his goals. He manipulates pure-blood wizards into passing anti-creature laws and then uses those same creatures in his army. His embrace of dark magic is unrestrained, and he is willing to kill and torture anyone within his forces. This single-minded pursuit of power reflects a deeply selfish and amoral character.

In contrast, Albus Dumbledore has different motivations. While he also seeks power and control, his goals are more nuanced. Dumbledore's desire is to elevate wizards and eventually dominate over Muggles. He does not seem to be bound by the concept of blood superiority, as he focuses on magic and the magical community's advancement. This suggests a broader vision for his power than pure domination or the same methods as Voldemort.

Another key point to consider is the number of Horcruxes Voldemort created. The creation of seven Horcruxes is seen as the height of evil, a level of inhumanity that indicates a deep descent into dark magic. In contrast, Grindelwald did not create seven Horcruxes, further lessening his evil in the eyes of the narrative.

The Hidden Depths of Dumbledore's Motivations

A final aspect to explore is the hidden depths of Dumbledore's character. While he appears to be a kind and grandfatherly figure, his actions paint a more complex picture. His brothers' soliloquy in the last movie and the flashbacks from Snape's tears in the pensive provide insight into a man driven by poverty, shame, and a desperate desire to be someone important. These motivations suggest a deep-seated insecurity and a willingness to go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals.

Ultimately, the question of who is more evil between Lord Voldemort and Albus Dumbledore can be answered by considering their motivations and actions within the narrative. Dumbledore is the one pulling the lever, Voldemort is the one who ties people to the tracks and drives the train. Dumbledore is the hero and Voldemort is the killer. However, the complexity and nuance of these characters make their moral evaluations multifaceted and open to interpretation.

Conclusion

While both characters exhibit notable evil traits, their motivations, means, and the narrative perspective provide a more nuanced understanding. Lord Voldemort's purely selfish and amoral actions set him apart, while Dumbledore's more complex and hidden motivations challenge the simplistic view of his character. The exploration of these characters' moral landscape offers valuable insights into their actions and ultimately why one is seen as the hero and the other as the villain.