I think this is key: they obviously have moral convictions, their own, individual beliefs about right and wrong, and this is what makes them *people*
Yeah, I think this is exactly right. I expanded on this a little bit in the case of Winky, in a second reply to pauraque above -- I'd be curious whether you buy my extended take on her.
I think this is an allegory for internalized impression Oh this is a very interesting point. Whatever the source, it's the intimacy of the compulsion or curse that's so creepy -- it really must feel like something that's a part of themselves, rather than something external, which must be just so confusing for the average House Elf. The allegorical parallels -- Marxist false consciousness, Freudian neurosis -- are very suggestive. With this in mind, do you think Hermione's liberal attempts at consciousness raising are quite radical enough to do the trick?
Well, both sides are Wizards, aren't they?
*facepalms* Yes, obviously -- thank you for untangling what I sort of meant! :) You make an interesting point about the possible complexity of the House-elves' alliances -- perhaps this is why the Ministry collaborates in their oppression, even though it mostly benefits the DE class? Do they fear that freed Elves might remain political retainers of their former oppressors, rather than grateful allies of their liberators?
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Yeah, I think this is exactly right. I expanded on this a little bit in the case of Winky, in a second reply to pauraque above -- I'd be curious whether you buy my extended take on her.
I think this is an allegory for internalized impression Oh this is a very interesting point. Whatever the source, it's the intimacy of the compulsion or curse that's so creepy -- it really must feel like something that's a part of themselves, rather than something external, which must be just so confusing for the average House Elf. The allegorical parallels -- Marxist false consciousness, Freudian neurosis -- are very suggestive. With this in mind, do you think Hermione's liberal attempts at consciousness raising are quite radical enough to do the trick?
Well, both sides are Wizards, aren't they?
*facepalms* Yes, obviously -- thank you for untangling what I sort of meant! :) You make an interesting point about the possible complexity of the House-elves' alliances -- perhaps this is why the Ministry collaborates in their oppression, even though it mostly benefits the DE class? Do they fear that freed Elves might remain political retainers of their former oppressors, rather than grateful allies of their liberators?