S.P.E.W. (responding to Liz's comments

[Ahketsi at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 37170

Those are all excellent comments, Liz. I am referring to her analysis of 
Harry's, Ron's, and Hermione's reactions to Lupin being a werewolf and also 
her comments regarding  how the three characters feel about S.P.E.W. (Got 
caught the first time for not specifying! Sorry Dicey!)

The topic that intrigues me the most is Hermione and S.P.E.W. 

Hmm, I know it's funny that that Hermione's acronym for her elves' rights 
campaign spells the word "spew", but it really just seems to me that Hermione 
is intelligent enough to realize her acronym takes credibility away from her 
cause. What do you think?

As for the actual debate of Elf rights, I don't know what to think. It seems 
like a lost cause since the elves' refuse to defend themselves, but if they 
are truly brainwashed, as Hermione believes, then they are deserving of the 
same status as witches and wizards, as members of the magical community. It 
seems to me that the argument "it's in their nature" to care for wizards is 
simply an excuse to leave things the way they are. Hermione is certainly 
passionate about it, but maybe overly passionate. 

In any case, Hermione certainly should not continue fighting for the rights 
of elves in the upcoming years since there will obviously be more important 
battles to fight (Voldemort...) But Hermione is a remarkable character, I 
absolutely admire the maturity she has shown throughout the series. she 
always does what she thinks is right, no matter what the consequences. 
Embarrassment always takes last priority if it's right, then she does it. 

Back to the debate, again I am strongly inclined to believe that the elves' 
are being oppressed. I am almost completely convinced by Dobby's desire to be 
free. He was convinced more easily than the others since his masters were 
such terrible people. House elves just seem to enjoy simple living, so when 
they're in good company, with masters who treat them nicely, they think they 
are exactly where they want to be. 

But then what about Winky? Well, it seems like she was treated nicely, her 
whole family was, and she felt obligated to look after her masters. Not to 
mention it's the way her family has been doing things for generations. I 
think this has just been going on for so long that they can't break out of 
it. But I do believe that there are house elves out there, besides Dobby, who 
feel trapped by their obligations, deprived of greater things. 

Anyway, that's all I have to say. I've never posted before. I don't know if 
it is customary here for people to introduce themselves, but I'm Jacey and 
I'm just here to join in on the discussions. So greetings to you all! 

-Jacey 


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