A sandwich

[lizzyben04]

No: HPFGUIDX 178676

> 
> Prep0strus:
> 
> Ok, then that's a good question - what about the storyline worked for
> you?  I think her world is full of depth and complexity without this
> storyline.  Not quite sure where you're going w/ the whole art
> analogy, but I think that in the end, the elf storyline detracts
> rather than adds to her world, because in the end it seems like
> something she either made a mistake with or forgot about.


lizzyben:

What if she didn't? The arc is only confusing or contradictory if
you're approaching it from the standpoint that the status quo of
slavery is bad. Post-DH, I'm not sure that's the correct standpoint.
The subplots of the "magical brethren" actually make sense if you
approach it from a different angle. Maybe it wasn't about lifting
these creatures up, or granting them equality, but about the Trio
learning about & taking their rightful place of power over them. It's
not an arc about enlightenment or change, but an arc about
indoctrination & inheritance. In the end, this is not a story about
how Harry changed the Wizarding World, but how the Wizarding World
changed Harry.

I could accept that maybe the house-elf arc got muddy or confused,
except the exact same thing happens to the subplot of every other
"oppressed" magical creature. Looking back at the "Fountain of Magical
Brethren"...

House elves subplot - Introduction: Harry first wants to free Dobby,
Hermione forms SPEW to fight for house elf rights. Resolution: The
only free house elf dies, Harry accepts his role as slave-owner,
Hermione gives up on house elf rights to accept the status quo.

Goblins: Introduction - talk of "goblin rebellions" and unfair
treatment by wizards, Ludo Bagman borrows money from goblins & then
double-crosses them to flee the country. This is presented as a
problem & one reason the Order can't get goblins to trust them.
Resolution - Harry hatches a plan to double-cross a goblin, just like
a proper wizard should, and decides that goblin customs just don't
matter. He is rewarded for this attitude when the Sword magically goes
from the goblin to its proper place in wizarding hands. 

Giants: Introduction - conflict between giant-tolerant Hermione &
giant-intolerant Ron. Hermione calls it a dumb prejudice. A quote of
Ron's that flew by me in GOF: "Well, they were dying out anyway, and
then loads got themselves killed by Aurors.." What, they were wiped
out in Britain by the MOM? Apparently. Resolution - We realize that
giant-intolerant Ron was right; giants actually are big brutes & not
fit for wizarding society, though they can become nice pets if
sufficiently tamed. 

Werewolves: Introduction - nice Lupin is the victim of unfair
discrimination & prejudice because he is a werewolf. Lots of noise
made about ending werewolf discrimination so Lupin & other werewolves
can get jobs. Resolution - nice Lupin dies, just as free Dobby did.
The other werewolves *are* dangerous & not fit for wizarding society.
Greyback is every parent's nightmare & a threat to children. Noises
about ending werewolf discrimination dropped.

In every subplot, Harry & Hermione go from tolerance of these magical
creatures, to learning that they actually should have a second-class
status in wizarding society. The bigots are right, just as they were
right about the Slytherins. The pecking order is not loathsome, but
natural & good. And in the last sentence of the last novel, Harry
assumes his noblesse oblige as a slaveholder in the Wizarding World.
Maybe one subplot got muddled, but how is it possible that *every*
creature subplot ended w/Harry learning that the prejudice &
oppression is justified? That can't be a coincidence.


lizzyben, realizing that Voldemort was actually more tolerant of
magical creatures than the MOM was.