On why Lucius became a Death Eater (for another WIP)

[lavivi]

Inspired by buttfacemakani, I recently started writing a Lucius/Narcissa fic (I have about thirty things - and the majority of them Hellsing, yes - in progress right now).  Anyway, as it is really my first Malfoy fic (besides Put a Light in the Window, which is Draco/Ginny, and in which I kill both Lucius and Narcissa off), I've been doing some musing on both of their backgrounds.  Particularly Lucius', since I've never really focused on that before.  

So at the moment I'm pondering his motivation for becoming a Death Eater.  Taking an enlightened perspective, I'm assuming it's more than just "yay killing mudbloods sign me up."  I believe he's an intelligent man - and also a Slytherin, so self-interest is a pretty strong motivation in all his doings - and so hmm.

I could pull out a few theories on why, but I'm also wondering if any essays or developed theories might have already been presented on why Lucius became a Death Eater.  Could anyone summarise their ideas, or pass a link?

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_lavinia_/]

Heheh, I was really surprised the next day (er, would that be today?) when I saw the next daily_snitch edition had come out and it reminded me I still hadn't gone a single comment in response to this. I've seen essays recently on whether or not the fandom is fading, and I never thought anything of it until I asked such a relatively simple question, and got absolutely zero response for so long after the post was made.

Oh, I'll definitely give a link! *beams* It's going well so far, I'm pleased.