Class origins

[David]

No: HPFGUIDX 29409

Cornflower wrote:

> As for class issues that are not obvious (such as the Dursleys oh-
so-
> muggly middle-classness), I'm wondering if the Great Britainers 
> might help us North Americans de-code the language a little. 

I wondered whether this would be necessary when I asked the question -
 it's a great opportunity for us Brits to latch onto obscure cultural 
clues with condescending disdain.

To my ears (eyes?) there are not many clues - the Malfoys, yes, 
obvious; Hagrid, yes, his accent is mainly regional, but its strength 
is indicative.  At one time Dean's support of a soccer team would 
have indicated working class, but no longer.  We are on safer ground 
with Neville - his family's names, the fact they holiday in 
Blackpool, all scream working class.  Stan Shunpike and Ernie Prang's 
accents likewise.  The Dursleys definitely lower middle, through and 
through.  But Sirius, Lupin, Snape, Dumbledore, all conceal their 
origins or are just generally middle class.  The Weasleys are middle 
class - I don't really go with the impoverished gentry view of them.  
They could just as easily have bought the Burrow (on a mortgage of 
course) when they got married - particularly if Arthur was one of 
many children, as Draco implies.

Can't think of any other clues right now.  James Potter, in 
particular, is an enigma.

David