I'm not exactly sure why that parallel would be there. I was thinking that perhaps God is there to serve as an example of how a master SHOULD act. Many wizards certainly are not wise, forgiving (Barty Crouch...), etc. (the type of master God is), but we see that acting in such a way is beneficial for all (when Harry treats Kreacher with respect, everything works out.
That's an interesting idea. I thought I remembered the clothes thing being something JKR borrowed from folklore, but maybe that's where they got the idea. And anyway, she's perfectly happy with twisting folklore to suit her purposes, so maybe she did play on that idea. I'll have to look back at some of the house-elf sections now.
Though this doesn't make the whole house-elf subplot less creepy to me. Like she said above - that would mean wizards=God, and we know they're not all wise and benevolent!
I think the clothes thing come from the story of the Shoe Maker and the Elves. The elves snuck in to help the shoemaker every night without his knowledge. One day he discovered who was helping him and made them all clothes as a thank you. The elves were delighted with the clothes and left after that...of course, at the point the shoe makers business had recovered so everyone was happy
( ... )
You're right about the folklore. I had forgotten about the Shoemaker story, but still an interesting parallel to the Bible.
I'm not sure that she's necessarily equating wizards with God. In Christianity, God is our master, but he's seen as forgiving, kind, and wise--pretty much the ideal master. Like you say, wizards definitely aren't all like that. However, I think she's saying that they SHOULD be. I mean, Harry never goes as far as to join SPEW, but he does treat Kreacher nicely, and everything falls into place after that. Harry acts like the kind of master he SHOULD act like, and everyone is happy
I certainly don't think she's equating, or saying that Dumbledore or any wizard is on level with God. But there are things about Dumbledore's relationship with Harry (and in this example his relationship with the house-elves) that kind of parallels God's relationship with us.
But yes, I think there's definitely a theme of what we/wizards "should" be like.
Please, help me, brothers!!!
anonymous
May 2 2009, 10:46:44 UTC
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Comments 7
Wizardkind = God, and Slavery = paradise? Eek!
Good to hear from you again, anyway.
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I'm not exactly sure why that parallel would be there. I was thinking that perhaps God is there to serve as an example of how a master SHOULD act. Many wizards certainly are not wise, forgiving (Barty Crouch...), etc. (the type of master God is), but we see that acting in such a way is beneficial for all (when Harry treats Kreacher with respect, everything works out.
*shrugs*
Reply
That's an interesting idea. I thought I remembered the clothes thing being something JKR borrowed from folklore, but maybe that's where they got the idea. And anyway, she's perfectly happy with twisting folklore to suit her purposes, so maybe she did play on that idea. I'll have to look back at some of the house-elf sections now.
Though this doesn't make the whole house-elf subplot less creepy to me. Like she said above - that would mean wizards=God, and we know they're not all wise and benevolent!
Reply
Reply
I'm not sure that she's necessarily equating wizards with God. In Christianity, God is our master, but he's seen as forgiving, kind, and wise--pretty much the ideal master. Like you say, wizards definitely aren't all like that. However, I think she's saying that they SHOULD be. I mean, Harry never goes as far as to join SPEW, but he does treat Kreacher nicely, and everything falls into place after that. Harry acts like the kind of master he SHOULD act like, and everyone is happy
Reply
But yes, I think there's definitely a theme of what we/wizards "should" be like.
Reply
I'm so need this magic program! It's can break captchas automatically! Activate accounts via email automatically too! Absolutely great software! Help me!
And did you hear news - price for XRumer 5.0 Palladium will grow up to $540 after 15 may 2009... And XRumer 2.9 and 3.0 - too old versions, it's cant break modern catpchas and cant break modern anti-bot protections. But XRumer 5.0 Palladium CAN!!!!
So help me for download this great program for free! Thanks!
Reply
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