23, Malfoy Manor

[Troy Doyle]

No: HPFGUIDX 183547


Zara:
> 13) Can someone explain to me why Dobby's death is the one death 
> in this book that originally did, and still does, move me to tears, 
> even though I always found him annoying? 

afn:  It's been interesting to see that so many of us found this induced tears.  The death of Hedwig was a surprise (I initially thought though that Hagrid had died after the chase and crash), but not nearlly as moving to me as Dobb's death.  I cried my eye's out the first time I read it and can't read it now without doing so.
 
So, why did it move us to tears?  My first thought was that after reading straight through the book immediately upon delivery, I was getting a bit exhausted and bleary eyed by the time I got to that chapter.  But that doesn't change the continuing response or the annoyance factor.  
 
I too found Dobby annoying in earlier books and distracting before HBP and DH.  From the initial annoyance though, his character has developed and the sort of "idiot" shallow character we first saw back when he was introduced has been so much more developed through the series. He has taken on a much fuller characterization.  Maybe we've come to see him as a "person" like the other characters we care about so much.  He certainly distinguished himself from other house elves and became unique among others in the WW.  He takes on a fierce loyalty and care for others and willingness to sacrifice himself not unlike our human heroes.
 
Probably, the answer lies in that even upon re-reading we have gone through so much by this point in the story that his quick heroic rescue and equally quick demise is still startling.  We may be so overwhelmed that this plot twist is unexpected (it was too me) and tragic that the initial annoyance pales.  In short order we get a re-cap of his selfless care for Harry and of his strength to overcome fear of former masters and seek independence and his brand of dignity even if other house elves don't.
 
He comes in and bravely saves the day.  He shows love and determination against great odds.  Yet just a quickly he is gone.  Harry found Dobby annoying at first too, but like Harry, the loss is dramatic and heart rending.
 
--- afn
 
 
 
 
 


      

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