I do think JKR is very much aware of a darker side. She did a good job of exploiting archetypes to show this, which is what makes HP such a classic/ popular (and imo: /wonderful) story (c.f. Star Wars).
Now, for me, the best part of HP is that almost every triumph of our heroes is undercut by something sinister. Sometimes the skulls are consciously addressed (e.g. Dumbledore and Snape), but other things never are (e.g. Hermione scarring a schoolmate--possibly for life, without seeming to have second thoughts or remorse about it). It's unclear how much of those moments are purposeful. JKR's awareness of the subject makes me think it's possible, but her skill as a writer makes me doubt.
And yet said doubt increases the brilliance even more, because the author isn't telling you our heroes are ugly. The fact that she may not be aware herself made reading HP a process of discovery and moral revelation for me.
no subject
I do think JKR is very much aware of a darker side. She did a good job of exploiting archetypes to show this, which is what makes HP such a classic/ popular (and imo: /wonderful) story (c.f. Star Wars).
Now, for me, the best part of HP is that almost every triumph of our heroes is undercut by something sinister. Sometimes the skulls are consciously addressed (e.g. Dumbledore and Snape), but other things never are (e.g. Hermione scarring a schoolmate--possibly for life, without seeming to have second thoughts or remorse about it). It's unclear how much of those moments are purposeful. JKR's awareness of the subject makes me think it's possible, but her skill as a writer makes me doubt.
And yet said doubt increases the brilliance even more, because the author isn't telling you our heroes are ugly. The fact that she may not be aware herself made reading HP a process of discovery and moral revelation for me.