Winky the House Elf

[rtbthw_mom]

No: HPFGUIDX 191797




> So, I have a question: other than giving explanation about the Crouches, 
> what purpose does Winky serve in the novels?
> 
>      Bart
>
Pat:

We do learn quite a bit more about house elves because of Winky. She certainly points out that Hermione's "free the house elves" movement is unsound and won't work, at least not in the foreseeable future. Winky's problems in Book 4 come about because she is devastated - no longer needed by Mr. Crouch, she seems to have lost her sense of purpose in this life. Not even working at Hogwarts (and I'm certain the elves there feel needed!) seems to give her a reason to live. She wants only one thing - to take care of the Crouch family as long as there is anyone in the family alive. She's unable to function without that purpose. And that's what Ron, Hagrid, and others try to help Hermione to see. We also see more of the house elves because of Dobby and Winky, and learn how things work at Hogwarts (it isn't *all* magic!). Winky gives us a deeper look at the whole house elf issue.

Pat