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Mariam Hussain
Mphil 1, Critical theory, FJWU
The interaction with Draco portrays class difference and the societys ostracization of people
on predetermined standards. Draco believes in blood purity- a concept that belonging to a rich
magical bloodline alone is superior to those people who are not rich and do not have a purely
magical bloodline. Hence he scorns Hermione for her muggle parentage and Ron for his poverty.
This outlook is classicist because of his belief that his blood line makes him better and superior to
the common. Draco Malfoy offers Harry as alliance with the Haves against the Have-nots because
of Harrys fame and money. He says Youll soon find that some Wizarding families are much better
than the wrong sort. I can help you there. Harrys immediate to Ron marks his as a champion of
the proletariat.
There is also the indication that physical qualities identify class. Draco taunts Ron by saying
All Weasleys have red hair, freckles and more children then they can afford. This ties Rons looks
to the proletariat class, and makes it physical marker of their poverty. Ron too wears shabby cothes
as indicated on numerous occasions. Similarly the Dursleys dressed Harry in rags to exhibit his class
and called him a freak to distance him from their normal family. Harry was also thin and waif like
marking him as someone poor. Mr. Dursley is outraged on seeing an old man wearing a cloak
outside his work place because the cloak identifies him as not normal- Mr. Dursley couldnt bear
people who dressed in funny clothes. This ostacization of a class in society based on dress and preset standards is another hall mark of capitalism.
Rowling also demonstrates the process of indoctrination. Harry, who is being exploited by his
relatives and is living in poverty is recues by Hagrid on Dumbledores orders, making Harry
indebted to Dumbledore. Later on Dumbledore exploits this debt and allies Harry with his
resistance army making him a child hero. Harry who naturally admires Dumbledore is very
enthusiastic. Similarly Ron is indoctrinated by his family to fight against Voldemort and Draco is
indoctrinated by his family to believe is blood purity, class status and being allied with the powerful.
Rowling gives out mixed messages is her book by portraying the proletariat in a positive light yet still
openly supporting capitalist ideology.