House Elves: Enslaved by Mind?

[davewitley]

No: HPFGUIDX 30956

Jenny from Ravenclaw wrote:
> Okay.  I just came up with this theory while I was in the shower 
and I thought it was great.  I mean, I had to pat myself on the back 
for it.  First, though, I must give much of the credit to David 
Frankis for putting the initial idea in my head.  

This is the perfect moment for an announcement I've been sitting on 
for some time!  David and Myrtle announce their special bathroom 
services partnership!  All magical and Muggle beings may apply!  
Nobody is too dead, too ugly or too newbie to benefit from the full 
range of Grownup services:

- whacky ideas in the shower!
- portraits that pass rude remarks as you undress!
- insane giggling as you disappear beneath the coloured foam!
- wand enhancement for the wizard who has been sold short!
- special moaning (supplied by Myrtle) for your enemies!
- For an extra consideration we can lock you in with the troll of 
your choice!

Mail us offlist at chamberpots @ hogwarts.ac.uk for our full 
unexpurgated catalogue!

> What if part of the tragedy of the House Elf situation is that 
their enslavement is in their minds?  I mean, what if they have been 
utterly  convinced that serving witches and wizards is their lot in 
life, but really, they can leave *whenever they want to*?  What if 
there was no spell at all that kept them in servitude to their 
masters?  Wouldn't that add a sad and complicated twist to the whole 
House Elf subplot?  

More seriously, I believe there's a bit of both.  I think Dobby's 
behaviour in COS is essentially that of someone who has already made 
the crucial first step to freedom in his mind: he has decided, 
beneath the surface veneer of obedience, to do what he thinks is 
right.  The magical (or mental) enslavement does not prevent him 
visiting Harry (twice), smashing the cake, intercepting his mail, or 
enchanting the bludger and the barrier.  He may even have manipulated 
Malfoy to bring him to Hogwarts, perhaps as part of a punishment.  
Once he has developed this frame of mind, the opportunity for 
complete freedom would eventually come.

I have argued before that the behaviour of the Hogwarts House-Elves 
shows that, underneath, they lack confidence in their own statements 
of happiness with their state.  I think that supports yuor theory.

> There is actually a chapter in "The Last Battle" that is similar; 
the ones who won't open their minds (if I recall properly) are the 
ones who are convinced they are living in darkness and thus do not 
physically see the light

That was the dwarfs (liberal theologians, I believe).

> Wow.  I hope that made sense.  I also hope I am the first one to 
have come up with this because I am really impressed with myself here.

I'm pretty sure it didn't come up in our last extensive debate.

> --jenny from ravenclaw, ready to be torn apart by the vicious 
listies 

Myrtle is ready to satisfy any taste, no matter how depraved!

David