[HPforGrownups] Re: Kreacher the Plot Device Elf

[J]

No: HPFGUIDX 161809

> Magpie:
> So again my question is, what's the metaphor? Because this just 
> doesn't seem to cover the entire slave experience to me. 
<BIG SNIP>

> Basically I guess what I'm saying is...it seems kind of weird to me 
> to say that the house elves are supposed to be an analogy to real 
> life slaves, because real life slaves all loved their masters, and 
> would have been devestated to leave them, and they were just loyal 
> and affectionate with nothing to hold against them. Isn't that kind 
> of a sunny view of slavery? And was it the norm for a slave 
> separated from his/her master to fall into despair the way it 
> actually does seem to be the norm for house elves? Didn't plenty of 
> slaves actively seek freedom? I see the connection that it's owning 
> a sentient being either way, so many of the same morals apply, but 
> just have a problem going beyond that.

Alla:

Actually, I am not quite sure how exactly the metaphor works - all 
that I am quite sure of that it does in JKR's mind :)

But to expand on what a_svirn said and on your response. I think that 
it is not supposed to work as global metaphor, if it makes sense, but 
if some slaves were indeed looled into not seeing that freedom is 
better, then metaphor is valid IMO.

It does not mean that many slaves did not actively seek freedom, it 
means IMO that when JKR portrayed house elves, she thought of those 
who did not ( maybe, just speculating of course), those who had to be 
shown it, if it makes sense.

But if JKR did not flat out said that, I would not be as sure, you 
know?
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Jeremiah:

I think it's more than that. There is a feelin gof obligation towards an employer, sometimes, that makes an employee stay and serve. In the USA we have Wallmart and they thrive on individuals who have low self-esteem who can me pushed around (not saying they are all that way, but there is a trend in that company, in particular... plus, it's just an example. There are hundreds of others). So, when employees are moved to unionize they are reluctant at first because this would mean hurting/betraying their beloved, abusive corporation.

I think that's the parallel. Also, it is a metaphore for all abused people who have been denyed rights and they feel they don't deserve them which gets translated into "I don't even want and/or need freedom!" Opression is a theme in HP and it takes many shapes and forms. 

And that's my 2 cents.

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