Neville, Cauldrons & the Poor

[Matt]

No: HPFGUIDX 112292

--- "ivogun" (barbara roberts) wrote:
 
> There was some discussion not too long ago about how 
> Neville is hindered by using his father's wand. And 
> I began wondering again about other ways that Neville 
> is disadvantaged. [Discussion of melting cauldrons.]
> 
> My theory is that thin cauldrons are a major plague 
> of the wizarding poor. So much so that the working 
> class ("tiny, grubby-looking") pub that Harry sees in 
> the first book is called "The Leaky [Cauldron]." ...
>
> Neville is probably quite poor. Probably his uncle 
> (or is it great uncle?) is the only one in the family 
> currently bringing in a salary. His Grandmother seems 
> stern matriarchs who knows how to make do and how to 
> put up a good front. I can almost her telling Neville 
> that this or that will do...when in reality it won't. 
> How else can we explain Neville's toad? Even Hagrid, 
> not exactly a fashion expert, tells Harry that toads 
> "went outta fashion years ago."  
> 
> JKR does seem to have an interest with the poor....  
> And Snape who has all the bat imagery associated with 
> him--does it mostly indicate that he comes not just 
> from a poor family, but that he was born in the meanest 
> of poor slums complete with prostitutes and thieves?
> 
> It does make one want to rethink Snape's relation with 
> Neville in potion's class.

Interesting theory.  Rowling surely does show an interest in class
issues.  I'm a bit suspicious, however, of straining to find such
issues under the surface when Rowling has shown no hesitation in
addressing them openly.  Examples:

* the recurrent poverty theme involving the Weasleys; 
* the excesses of the Dursleys; 
* Harry's discomfort with the issue around Ron and his family, and his
consciousness of the contrast between his social standing and access
to wealth in the Muggle world and the Wizarding world; 
* the Malfoys' constant focus on wealth and how to use it to get what
they want; 
* the subtheme on wealth and the Black family;
* the status and forced poverty of the house elves

I agree that Hogwarts (like most RW private schools) is a rather
privileged place, but I have trouble reaching any conclusion one way
or the other about Neville.  I don't think much of an inference can be
drawn from his choice of pet: Trevor was a gift from his uncle Algie,
who may well have been out of touch with the "fashion."  

-- Matt