[HPforGrownups] Re: Winky the House Elf

[Philip Whitehouse]

No: HPFGUIDX 191809

> > Corey:
> > Hey. This is might be a wrong way to say this and if it is I 
> > hope somebody will let me know. Winky seems like a depressed 
> > house elf obviously. I wonder if she had any thoughts of 
> > Hurting herself? Again if I used the wrong phrases just let 
> > me know. 
> 
> June:
> I don't think that she had thoughts of suicide, I just think she is very sad and depressed. JKR did say in an interview once though that poor Winky never fully got over her dismissal from Crouch.
> 
Philip:
Seeing as master-inflicted self-harm is not only not unusual but considered normal - Dobby and Kreacher being notable examples, it is plausible that Winky could have self-harmed to punish herself even in the absence of a direction from her master. However I dont think suicide would be considered. Living with the guilt seems to be the house elf attitude to disappointing a master - Kreacher live in guilt due to his failure to Regulus and obeys commands of a portrait to ensure his commitment to the Black family.

Philip W.

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