JKR characterizations--oversimplification?

[onnanokata]

No: HPFGUIDX 115030


Lisa wrote:
For example, the whole thing about how one treats one's inferiors 
as it relates to Sirius' attitude toward Kreacher.  Frankly, I just 
don't see it.  Yes, Sirius loathes Kreacher (as JKR confirms, if it 
wasn't already obvious).  But JKR's own depiction of Kreacher as a 
character (who is horrid, btw, even to the one person who is kind 
to him) and her description of Sirius' background (and Kreacher's 
place in it) suggests that Sirius loathes Kreacher for who he is and 
what he represents of Sirius' past, not because he is an "inferior."  
 
Dharma replies:
 
Whether Sirius looked down on Kreacher or not is not the sum of the 
inferior/superior issue.  Kreacher is enslaved by enchantments and 
attached to number 12 to some degree.  Sirius is Kreacher superior 
by "magical mandate" not by choice, and as such has the 
responsibility to make sure that Kreacher is neutralized as threat 
to the Order.  
 
Ally:
 
Dharma, I think that's exactly right.  Regardless of WHY Sirius 
mistreats Kreacher or even whether Kreacher deserves it, Sirius is 
owner to Kreacher's slave.  He is in a position of power over 
Kreacher, and according to his his own philosophy, how he treats that 
person - regardless of the reason - is telling.  He was counseled by 
DD to take the high road, and instead he treated Kreacher like crap.  
Had he handled the situation with more delicacy, who knows if V ever 
would have learned that Sirius was a weakness for Harry.     
 
Here is what DD said about the matter, which I think echos JKR's 
quote and elaborates more on her own feelings on the matter:
 
'She was quite right, Harry', said Dumbledore. 'I warned Sirius when 
we adopted twelve Grimmauld Place as our Headquarters that Kreacher 
must be treated with kindness and respect. I also told him that 
Kreacher could be dangerous to us. I do not think Sirius took me very 
seriously, or that he ever saw Kreacher as a being with feelings as 
acute as a human's-'
 
AND:
 
'Kreacher is what he has been made by wizards, Harry' said 
Dumbledore. 'Yes, he is to be pitied. His existence has been as 
miserable as your friend Dobby's. He was forced to do Sirius's 
bidding, because Sirius was the last of the family to which he was 
enslaved, but he felt no true loyalty to him. And whatever Kreacher's 
faults, it must be admitted that Sirius did nothing to make 
Kreacher's lot easier-'

Dharma replies:

Ally, thanks for kind acknowledgment :-)

I think that the issue of Kreacher and Sirius comes up over and over 
again partly because, it is difficult discuss the obligations of the 
Wizard as it relates to the Wizard/House Elf relationship.  What are 
the obligations of the dictatorial party in a power relationship that 
is as unequal as enslavement?  (It is difficult for me to even 
formulate this question because I find the idea of slavery completely 
unacceptable.)  The question of what a Wizard *should do* in regard 
to a House Elf's well being in general is so murky.

The particular issue of Kreacher, as a threat to the Order, is just 
as much about keeping the members safe as it is about finding a way 
to manipulate/change Kreacher's loyalties. I'm inclined to agree that 
Dumbledore's approach may have been more effective too, but I don't 
envy the next person who has the deal with Kreacher.