... Lackey or Equal?: The Master

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 90208

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Brian" <bcbgx6 at y...> wrote:

> > Brian replies:
> Your post touches on an issue that I've seen before, Snape's 
> designation as Potions Master.  My impression, based on two things, 
> is that Master is a general title that could be applied to all fully 
> qualified male teachers in the school.  ...edited...
> 
> Now it's true that Snape is the only one referred to as "master."  
> JKR's exclusive application of this traditional title to Snape could 
> be significant.  
> 

bboy_mn:

Let's not forget that the title of 'Master' pre-dates all educational
degrees, and in the ancient and modern world carries far more meaning
than simply being an honorific. 

Today we still have Master Craftsmen and Master Tradesmen as in Master
Electrician, Master Plumber, Master Draftsmen (artist), and Master
Boilermaker/Steamfitter. The Craftmans Guilds and the
Apprentice/Journeyman/Master designation represent one the oldest
recognised certification of skill in the western world.

Now let's look at Potions relative to other subjects taught at
Hogwarts. I can very easily see the existance of a Potion Maker's
Guild that oversees the certification and on-the-job training of
potions makers. But I don't seet that applying to transfigurations or
charms with equal ease; these are too broad and general to warrant a
Guild of their own. Now there may be some Guilds related to the
application of transfigurations and charm for a specific purpose;
example; a Master Builder's Guild - construction  of buildings and
other structures by magic.

In the context of Hogwarts, potions is an applied science whereas
Transfigurations is more a theoretical science which includes the
teaching of applied examples. 

The only other areas where I could see the Master Guilds as
appropriate would be Herbology. Applied Herbology is very much like
applied potions, it requires great knowledge and skill. Another area,
although it's not specifically taught at Hogwarts, would be medicine.
I suspect that medicine in the wizard world follows the Apprentice
model of on-the-job training. One trains under a Master Healer for a
certain number of years until your personal Master and the Master
Healer's Guild decide that you are finally qualified to carry the
title of "Master".

In my view, the general nature of Potions lends itself well to the
Master Potion Maker's Guild model. 

In discussion occupations in the wizard world and the apparent
historical context that the wizard world models, the
Craftsman/Tradesman Guild would be far more dominant that educational
degrees. That could very easily explain why there are no wizarding
universities in the wizard world.


> Brian continues:
>
> As for Snape's social position, ...edited...


bboy_mn:

Snape and Lucius-

They are certainly not social equals as Malfoy is very rich and
powerful. However, that doesn't not make Snape inferior; he is
certainly not a 'commoner'. He certainly commands his own degree of
respect as a teacher, head of house, Master Potions maker, as an
assumed pureblood, and relative to Lucius, as a former Death Eater.

Just as a Duke and a Baron are not social equals, they are both
'nobility' and have significant social status. The Duke just happens
to have more of it, as well as, in all likelihood, more money,
influence, and power.

Snape and Draco-

I think Snape favors Draco for a variety of reason; he is the son of a
fellow Death Eater, Draco is a Slytherin, Draco is from a very
prominent powerful well respected family, Draco is smart and does well
in school, Draco is not Harry, Draco doesn't like Harry, etc.... 

As far as Draco's intelligence, it seems that he does well in all his
classes and in general, is a top student. Regarding the comments by
his father, it doesn't seem as if Draco's marks are lacking in
general, only that he was beat by a muggle. 

In addition, we all know there is a big difference between having
intelligence and being smart; smart in the sense of wise. Also, being
intelligent and capable in school in no way implies a person will have
common sense, applied smarts, or courage. 

Just a few thoughts.

bboy_mn