The Elf Problem (OoP)

[quigonginger]

No: HPFGUIDX 67462

Some spoilers in here!

Actually, this was a post I was mentally putting together before OoP 
and decided to see what JKR would throw out at us to either support 
or sink my theory.  As always, feel free to agree, disagree, or 
ignore.  All references are to US editions, paperback for CoS, 
hardcover for GoF and OoP.

Kneasy wrote: (snippity-snip-snip-snip)

> The three individual Elves encountered so far cannot be typical.
> We make elves what they are says Dumbledore and what have we got?
> Dobby - ex Malfoy household. Not exactly an environment of peace 
and 
> understanding, conducive to waking in the morning with a song on 
your 
> lips.
> Keacher - ex Blacks. Same only more so.
> Winky - ex Crouch. Call the Social Services, some-one.
> 
> By contrast, the Elves working at Hogwarts are happy, co-operative 
and 
> contented. They refuse Hermiones gifts of clothing as an insult, as 
if 
> it would be an affront to their dignity. They even stop cleaning 
> Gryffindor Tower as a reprisal. What is going on?
(snip a bit more)


Now me (Ginger):

Here's the theory:  Elves are praise junkies.

We have no canon as to why elves are enslaved, only that it is the 
accepted way of the Wizarding World.  Ron and Hagrid, who grew up in 
the WW, try to talk Hermione out of SPEW, by pointing out that the 
elves are happy. (Ron-GoF p.224, Hagrid-GoF p.265).  George points 
out that they have been to the kitchens and have actually met the 
elves and they are happy. (GoF p.239)  

I can't imagine that they were enslaved involuntarily.  They are too 
powerful for that.   So that brings the question: What's in it for 
them?  Why do (or did) they allow this enslavement?  What do they get 
in return for serving?  

In a healthy situation, praise.  Why service and not employment?  
Let's go to real life for a moment.  If someone does something 
without expecting anything in return, are you not more greatful than 
if you pay someone to do it?  Think of the friend who picks you up 
when you have a dead battery and saves you cab fare.  Or the friend 
who comes over when you are sick and cares for your children and does 
a bit of cleaning.  You feel gratitude.  It cements the bond between 
you.  You are more likely to speak well of that person to others and 
tell others what that person did for you.  

Back to elves.  Ron compliments them, (GoF p.377) and they "look 
delighted".  There and in ch. 28 the elves are described as bowing 
and beaming.  They only lose their "cheery smiles" when Hermione 
starts in on how they should be wanting to be paid.  (GoF p.539)  
They find her attempts to free them insulting and refuse to clean 
Gryffindor tower (OoP p.385).  

Elves have a bond with their families.  They keep the family secrets 
and never speak ill of the family (GoF ch. 21).  They are, in a 
sense, members of the family.  In a good situation, this generates 
praise and appreciation.  Does anyone out there wish they had a house 
elf?  Wouldn't you compliment them if you came home and found your 
dishes and laundry done and dinner on the table?  Even if you don't 
have a House elf and have to do these things yourself, doesn't it 
feel good when your family notices and compliments you?   

Kreacher was probably a happy elf when his mistress was alive.  He 
followed her wishes and took on her opinions.  He still echos them 
through OoP.  When he is deprived of praise, he becomes sullen and 
insulting.  

Crouch had a lot on his plate with his son hidden in his house.  
Given Winky's devotion to him, she realized her usefulness and, 
whether it was verbalized or not, realized his gratitude.  When she 
is freed, and not only deprived of praise, but shamed, she becomes a 
soak.

Dobby had, shall we say, a dysfunctional family.  We don't hear of 
other elves forced to iron their hands or bang their heads.  If they 
screw up monumentally, they are given clothes, a la Winky.  I'm sure 
Dobby was never complimented by the Malfoys.  Lucius doesn't even 
seem to have a good word for his own son (CoS p.52).  So Dobby, 
deprived of praise and given excessive punishment, becomes 
rebellious.  

Interestingly enough, Dumbledore pays him.  Dumbledore does not force 
payment or freedom on the other elves, including Winky.  He even 
allows her to stay there when she has her head so far in the bottle 
that she can't perform the duties of a house elf.  Dumbledore 
assesses each elf individually and gives what is needed.  Praise or 
payment, or a place to crash whilst sleeping it off.

I really think Hermione's heart is in the right place.  I would love 
to have her sit down with an elf and have it explained to her.  Then 
we'd know all the answers.  JKR did some answering of our questions 
in OoP.  (Snape wanting DADA, Hermione not being in Ravenclaw, etc.)  
Maybe she'll do the same in future books.  

In a sense of literary function, I think House elves are a lesson in 
tolerance.  There is a big difference in practicing vs. preaching.  
Dumbledore practices it.  He gives to each elf in accordance with the 
elf's own wishes.  Hermione preaches it.  She sees what she sees as 
intolerable and sets out to do something about it with no regard for 
the wishes of those most effected.  

Preached tolerence can not tolerate that which disagrees with it.  
Practiced tolerence allows for disagreement without being 
disagreeable.  It is truly total acceptance.

Sorry this got so long.

Ginger, who still can't think of Kingsley Shackelbolt without 
thinking of Mace Windu.