House-Elves in Harry Potter: Slaves by Themselves

Abstract

The research examines the behaviour of house-elves in the Harry Potter books. The objective is to understand and examine why the house-elves remain as slaves to wizards even though they have superior magical capabilities. Using the Marxian theory of false consciousness, the theory of Obedience according to the research experiment conducted by Milgram and Durkheim’s Theory of Mechanical and Organic Solidarity, the research identifies behavioral elements in the House-elves that played a role in their oppression. This will throw light on social issues like dominance and violence of communities and its perpetuation through centuries and generations