House Elves...

[meboriqua at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 16939


> 
> The only evidence that I see that shows HE(')s actually getting 
> something from their masters is that they seem to know/keep all of 
> the families secrets. (Perhaps HE's automatically have knowledge of 
> the dealings of their given family?) 
> 
> Then again I might be missing the point. Are you trying to say that 
> one can't survive without the other. If so I don't buy it. Humans 
can obviously survive without HE(')s (glances at messy kitchen...on 
> second thought...) and Dobby seems no worse for wear at not serving 
> the Malfoys.
> 
> --Animal rights, eh? So does this mean that SPEW was JKR's way of 
> poking fun at PETA? I believe strongly in animal rights ( THAT is 
> however better suited for the OT-chatter list). There's one big 
> difference though, animals can't talk or tell us how they feel so 
> it's up to humans to make that interpretation. The HE's can talk and 
> so some would argue don't need Hermione to speak on their behalf.
> 
> 
> Just because most people don't agree with Hermione doesn't mean no 
> one does. Didn't Arthur Weasley says something like (paraphrase) "I 
> agree with you about the treatment of House Elves Hermione, but 
now's 
> not the time to discuss it." Of course he could've just been trying 
> to shut her up.
> 
> Scott
> Who loves sock, but doesn't like cleaning and doesn't think he could 
> be a House Elf...

I still agree with you, Scott.  House Elves seem to be quite able to 
take care of themselves - it is the wizard world that makes it 
difficult for them.  Remember Dobby saying how hard it was to get work 
once he had been freed (GoF)?  Also, if it so natural for elves to 
serve wizards, then why is it so hard for elves to leave the wizards 
they serve?  Dobby couldn't even get away on his own - in the end, 
Harry was the one who freed him.  Why cast a spell to keep someone 
bound to you if they want to serve you in the first place?

--jenny from ravenclaw, who is now seriously considering wearing a 
S.P.E.W. pin to work from now on... *********************