Hogwarts : A History (New Edition)
written by Shakira Marvolo Riddle
This book is rich with detail about the history of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. " Hogwarts: A History, also known as Hogwarts, A History, is a book concerning Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and its history that was written by Bathilda Bagshot. This Book is Complete and Unabridged.
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
8
Reads
9,398
Hogwarts as a representation of socio-cultural context and contemporary issues
Chapter 5
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a boarding school for children form wizarding families founded by four famous magicians: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. The school was separated into 4 different Houses named after four founders. Each of them is distinguished by a particular mentality and characteristics. Hogwarts has an abundance of wise and talented professors at its disposal. Each specialises in a specific subject. Various branches of magic taught at school include: Astronomy, Potions, History of Magic, Charms etc. Students receive grades and homework,
20 prepare to exams, and fulfill their responsibilities and commitments. Imperceptibly at the first sight, this place, filled with magic and mysterious elements, have been used by the author in order to feature contemporary social issues and relations between groups of people. J.K. Rowling planned the books carefully in every detail to foreshadow and comment on social and cultural issues. The idea of emphasising societal affairs and the structure of a modern society in supernatural conditions of the world has transformed Harry Potter novels into the literature which deals with aspects of contemporary world. Due to the fact that a reader can identify with the content of the plot, Harry Potter stories have the ability to affect reader’s mind. Adventures of Harry Potter are more than a pure entertainment. They persuade a reader to consideration and to examination of social issues, for Rowling’s pieces of work respond directly to a number of problems with which we deal in the non-magical world. The author’s intentions to portray the reality and authenticity of the modern society have been noticed and appreciated by many critics and intellectuals. As Grossman (2005) pointed out, Rowling precisely united two forms, namely fantasy and modern: It’s precisely Rowling’s lack of sentimentality, her earthy, salty realness, her refusal to buy into the basic clichés of fantasy that make her such a great fantasy writer. The genre tends to be deeply conservative-politically, culturally, and psychologically. Rowling’s books… take place in the 1990s-not in some never-never Narnia but in modern-day Mugglish England, with cars, telephones and PlayStations. Rowling adapts an inherently conservative genre for her own progressive purposes (para.8). Though introducing many aspects of a fantasy genre, the magical world constitutes a parallel of reality. Depiction of social circumstances defies many rules of a high fantasy literature; however, other significant aspects of fantasy formula have been maintained. Wizards and witches born with the ability to perform magic have jobs, earn money and do other things which are ordinary for non-magical people. Despite the fact that they perform magic, they have the same necessities of life
21 and experience similar emotional feelings. They argue with each other, fall in love, cry or gladden. Moreover, many of fantastic occurrences which seem to be typical only for a imaginary world may be applicable to a real life, such as Triwizard Tournament which is a reflection of a human rivalry and competition. Thanki (2012) assures that in the centre of Rowling’s stories are human and their place in society, for this mutual relationship affects people’s function in a particular group and determines one’s character. Society form and encourage certain types of behaviour and lifestyles, thus the social system may create inequalities and oppositions. As a result of conflicting views, society has been divided and no longer forms a unity. For this reason the British novelist has undertaken an attempt to depict social conditions. Rowling has successfully drawn the themes to illuminate parallels in contemporary world and to apprehend in detail some of the significant problems that involve social stratification, gender roles, racial issues and political ideologies. Her texts combined in a book format provide similarities between fantasy and real world. They provide a reflection of social issues and also depict with what problems individuals struggle in everyday life. Therefore, an indirect message included in magical adventures of a young wizard has acquired an important direct meaning of social functions (pp. 123-128). All in all, J. K. Rowling has used a cultural studies framework in order to relate a fantasy with contemporary issues of a modern day. Harry Potter novels have occupied an important part of contemporary popular culture. These series are more than just a collection of hero’s journeys; they can be viewed as a mirror of contemporary society, its manifold conditions and dominant ideologies. 2.4 The concept of social hierarchy Hierarchy seems to be one of the significant component of social relations, for it is a widespread phenomenon in many groups and institutions. This complicated arrangement of society can be found over the centuries when subordinate order, conditions of oppression and struggle were established.
22 According to Magge, & Galinsky (2008), interactions between people cause the creation of leaders, there is an unbalanced, unequal distribution of resources, occupation and roles that people perform. Class system hierarchy is a formed divided into groups with fewer people at the top. The most striking aspect is that hierarchy is unavoidable and appear always within different groups. Social hierarchy is a rank order of people where one group is subordinated to one other group. The occurrence and prevalence of hierarchical differentiation function as important social and organizational elements. Social order explains domination, superiority and priority of interests. Moreover, hierarchy introduces social coordination and aims at dealing with the need for social stability. The fundamental basis of social hierarchy constitute concepts, such as status and power. In a hierarchy individuals are divided according to an amount of power and resources that each possesses. Furthermore, a person belongs to a particular group of a hierarchical system depending on the respect that members of the same group and other groups have for them. Interpersonal interaction is to a high degree connected with the creation of judgments, admiration, or criticism. Multi-dimensional representation of social order is dependent on the individual perception and on a division of sources of power (pp. 3-10 ). Though multiculturalism and changes in the economic system are gradually leading to blurring the boundaries between groups of people, a traditional social division of working, middle and upper classes has remained. According to a new study, the population in Great Britain is divided even into seven different classes and the distinction between groups of individuals is based, for instance, on earnings, wealth, education, cultural interests, and living areas (Savage, 2013, p. 229). The separation and categorisation of people into social classes is an indicator of socio-economic conditions and personal status. Although differences between upper and working classes are substantial, change of social status is achievable, since money guarantees an improvement of social standing.
23 2.5 Class system in Harry Potter novels In wizarding society, which is the reflection of a contemporary population and its affairs, a distinct difference between social structures and authority is visible. Even if the representatives of different social spheres attend the same school and classes, they treat each other for the sake of power and heritage they own. Authority and the upper class are portrayed rather in a negative way, for their interests seem to be concentrated on the expansion of their wealth and destruction of those who, in their opinion, are not worthy of possessing magical abilities. The place in a hierarchical system is acquired by the blood status and recognised from parental genes. Thus, the origin is perceived as a fundamental aspect of belonging to a wizarding community. At Hogwarts three types of social classes can be distinguished. Individuals are separated into: Pure-Bloods, Half-Bloods, and Muggle-Borns. Pure-Blood families are located at the top of wizarding division. They are rather proud, haughty, and prejudiced against other social groups. As Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds of Hogwarts, noted: “…there're some wizards, like the Malfoy family, who think they're better'n everyone else because they’re what people call 'pure-blood'” (Rowling, 1998, p. 89). The Pure-Bloods believe they are the highest level of blood status as they are the descendants of the first wizarding families. Their family trees represent only wizard with pure magical heritage and they maintain their purity by disclaiming and humiliating Muggle-Borns, which are considered as a threat and an inferior group. Some Pure-Bloods regard themselves as superior to other wizards and witches and discriminate even magical creatures. Having the sense of superiority, they strived to eliminate Muggles and to assume control over the wizarding world. The majority of the population of the wizarding world belongs to a group of Half-Bloods which is an equivalent of middle class. Harry Potter is the typical example of the Half-Blood population. The term indicates witches and wizards who have one Muggle-Born parent but due to the dominance of magic genes, children are always born with magical power. Those who believe in the importance of blood purity still regard Half-Bloods to be of lesser rank and
24 importance. What is the most striking, some of the Half-Bloods, despite having Muggle heritage, are prejudiced against Muggle-Born. For instance, Lord Voldemort denied his descent and harshly criticised Muggles. The lowest rank of blood hierarchy is occupied by wizards and witches who were born to two non-magical parents. They inherit their magic abilities from distant ancestors from wizarding families. When children reach the age of eleven, the letters from Hogwarts are delivered by a member of school staff, instead of by owl post, which is the ordinary system of notifying wizards and witches. An envoy informs parents about magical society and helps with the preparation for a school beginning. Muggle-Borns are persecuted by Pure-Bloods who consider people with Muggle heritage as ‘Mudbloods’ and believe that they cannot serve as true witches or wizards. This term implies dirty and impure nature of Muggle-Borns. The beginnings of harassment occurred at the time when Hogwarts was created. The school was built in order to teach wizards and one the founders argued that school should be only attend by wizards from Pure-Blood families. As a result of disagreement, he had created the Chamber of Secrets before he left. He placed there a monster to kill Muggles, people unworthy of magical abilities. However, Muggle-Borns are rather talented, intelligent, and easy-going wizards. Thus, it can be stated that they are persecuted not only on account of their blood status but also their fame and intellect. The wizarding world is not merely a place where humans live. It is home to a substantial amount of creatures which experience the segregation of wizarding population and are victims of prejudice and exploitation. They are subordinated to wizards and witches and obey their orders. The eminent example concerns house-elves who have been subjected to a life-long slavery to their master from a magical family. These creatures are forced to do housework without any reward. In exchange for their loyalty and devotion they do not even receive clothes until they are set free. Benefits that elves yield as well as knowledge and magical abilities they own are to an extreme degree underestimated. Being perceived as servants, they were in many cases mistreated and patronized.
25 Another type of magical creatures which are inferior to the wizard population consists of Centaurs, beasts with the upper part of the human body and the lower part of a horse. They exist in the Forbidden Forest and are not easily found. Centaurs specialise in archery, astronomy and magical healing. Despite being capable of speech and human intelligence, their intellect have been impugned. Dolores Umbridge, witch and Ministry of Magic bureaucrat, insulted them speaking: "Filthy half breeds! Beasts! Uncontrolled animals!" (Rowling, 2003, p. 665). After that, she reminded centaurs that they live in forest only because the Ministry of Magic allowed them to settle certain types of lands. Therefore, it can be assumed that humans feel superior to other creatures and do not recognise their laws and dignity. The next description exemplifies magical creatures highly skilled in finances and economy known as Goblins. In spite of their monstrous external appearance, they are very intelligent and resemble humans. Goblins are considered as inferior to wizards and regarded as second-class citizens in the wizarding world. Despite being treated as subservient, they do not acknowledge wizards’ conditions and feel superior to people. Relations between goblins and wizards have been fraught for many years. The former control wizarding bank, make calculations, and guard valuables which belong to magical people but do not receive any recognition. Furthermore, many half-giants, born to a giant and a human, have been discriminated against. They are recognised as vicious and brutal on the basis of their height and posture. One of the characters on Harry Potter novels, Rubeus Hagrid, Harry’s loyal friend, tries to conform to the wizarding society. Although he stays in long standing relations with many wizards, gains their support, and is employed as a gamekeeper as well as a teacher for Care of Magical Creatures, he is constantly perceived by some wizards as a threat to human population. His special interests in animals and creatures are viewed rather as dangerous and is blamed for most accidents involving magical beasts. It has been claimed that he should not be trusted due to his giant origin. Attempting to prove his innocence
26 and misinterpretation of his giant heritage, he suffers distress and humiliation concerning expulsion from Hogwarts. All things considered, the Harry Potter series introduce many aspects of inequality and social stratification which specify categories of people in a hierarchy. Society is not homogenous, for people are differentiated according to particular socially approved criteria. Wizarding hierarchy is arranged in terms of blood status, superiority and inferiority. The system which divides people into different classes and groups distinguishes higher and lower social units. The division between wizarding community is based on family heritage and power that is inherited. Lineage and blood status emphasise the purification of the Wizarding Race and elevate upper-class above others. Apart from human beings who possess magic abilities, the wizarding world is inhabited by an enormous amount of beasts and creatures. The treatment of those who form the lower part of the hierarchical system reflects much similarity of minority groups of modern day. Having no authority, non-human beings are treated as subspecies and near-human civilization, despite abilities, knowledge, and their contribution to the wizarding community. The segregation involves prejudice, discrimination, and bulling, so that lower-class individuals remain helpless and do not fight for their rights.
20 prepare to exams, and fulfill their responsibilities and commitments. Imperceptibly at the first sight, this place, filled with magic and mysterious elements, have been used by the author in order to feature contemporary social issues and relations between groups of people. J.K. Rowling planned the books carefully in every detail to foreshadow and comment on social and cultural issues. The idea of emphasising societal affairs and the structure of a modern society in supernatural conditions of the world has transformed Harry Potter novels into the literature which deals with aspects of contemporary world. Due to the fact that a reader can identify with the content of the plot, Harry Potter stories have the ability to affect reader’s mind. Adventures of Harry Potter are more than a pure entertainment. They persuade a reader to consideration and to examination of social issues, for Rowling’s pieces of work respond directly to a number of problems with which we deal in the non-magical world. The author’s intentions to portray the reality and authenticity of the modern society have been noticed and appreciated by many critics and intellectuals. As Grossman (2005) pointed out, Rowling precisely united two forms, namely fantasy and modern: It’s precisely Rowling’s lack of sentimentality, her earthy, salty realness, her refusal to buy into the basic clichés of fantasy that make her such a great fantasy writer. The genre tends to be deeply conservative-politically, culturally, and psychologically. Rowling’s books… take place in the 1990s-not in some never-never Narnia but in modern-day Mugglish England, with cars, telephones and PlayStations. Rowling adapts an inherently conservative genre for her own progressive purposes (para.8). Though introducing many aspects of a fantasy genre, the magical world constitutes a parallel of reality. Depiction of social circumstances defies many rules of a high fantasy literature; however, other significant aspects of fantasy formula have been maintained. Wizards and witches born with the ability to perform magic have jobs, earn money and do other things which are ordinary for non-magical people. Despite the fact that they perform magic, they have the same necessities of life
21 and experience similar emotional feelings. They argue with each other, fall in love, cry or gladden. Moreover, many of fantastic occurrences which seem to be typical only for a imaginary world may be applicable to a real life, such as Triwizard Tournament which is a reflection of a human rivalry and competition. Thanki (2012) assures that in the centre of Rowling’s stories are human and their place in society, for this mutual relationship affects people’s function in a particular group and determines one’s character. Society form and encourage certain types of behaviour and lifestyles, thus the social system may create inequalities and oppositions. As a result of conflicting views, society has been divided and no longer forms a unity. For this reason the British novelist has undertaken an attempt to depict social conditions. Rowling has successfully drawn the themes to illuminate parallels in contemporary world and to apprehend in detail some of the significant problems that involve social stratification, gender roles, racial issues and political ideologies. Her texts combined in a book format provide similarities between fantasy and real world. They provide a reflection of social issues and also depict with what problems individuals struggle in everyday life. Therefore, an indirect message included in magical adventures of a young wizard has acquired an important direct meaning of social functions (pp. 123-128). All in all, J. K. Rowling has used a cultural studies framework in order to relate a fantasy with contemporary issues of a modern day. Harry Potter novels have occupied an important part of contemporary popular culture. These series are more than just a collection of hero’s journeys; they can be viewed as a mirror of contemporary society, its manifold conditions and dominant ideologies. 2.4 The concept of social hierarchy Hierarchy seems to be one of the significant component of social relations, for it is a widespread phenomenon in many groups and institutions. This complicated arrangement of society can be found over the centuries when subordinate order, conditions of oppression and struggle were established.
22 According to Magge, & Galinsky (2008), interactions between people cause the creation of leaders, there is an unbalanced, unequal distribution of resources, occupation and roles that people perform. Class system hierarchy is a formed divided into groups with fewer people at the top. The most striking aspect is that hierarchy is unavoidable and appear always within different groups. Social hierarchy is a rank order of people where one group is subordinated to one other group. The occurrence and prevalence of hierarchical differentiation function as important social and organizational elements. Social order explains domination, superiority and priority of interests. Moreover, hierarchy introduces social coordination and aims at dealing with the need for social stability. The fundamental basis of social hierarchy constitute concepts, such as status and power. In a hierarchy individuals are divided according to an amount of power and resources that each possesses. Furthermore, a person belongs to a particular group of a hierarchical system depending on the respect that members of the same group and other groups have for them. Interpersonal interaction is to a high degree connected with the creation of judgments, admiration, or criticism. Multi-dimensional representation of social order is dependent on the individual perception and on a division of sources of power (pp. 3-10 ). Though multiculturalism and changes in the economic system are gradually leading to blurring the boundaries between groups of people, a traditional social division of working, middle and upper classes has remained. According to a new study, the population in Great Britain is divided even into seven different classes and the distinction between groups of individuals is based, for instance, on earnings, wealth, education, cultural interests, and living areas (Savage, 2013, p. 229). The separation and categorisation of people into social classes is an indicator of socio-economic conditions and personal status. Although differences between upper and working classes are substantial, change of social status is achievable, since money guarantees an improvement of social standing.
23 2.5 Class system in Harry Potter novels In wizarding society, which is the reflection of a contemporary population and its affairs, a distinct difference between social structures and authority is visible. Even if the representatives of different social spheres attend the same school and classes, they treat each other for the sake of power and heritage they own. Authority and the upper class are portrayed rather in a negative way, for their interests seem to be concentrated on the expansion of their wealth and destruction of those who, in their opinion, are not worthy of possessing magical abilities. The place in a hierarchical system is acquired by the blood status and recognised from parental genes. Thus, the origin is perceived as a fundamental aspect of belonging to a wizarding community. At Hogwarts three types of social classes can be distinguished. Individuals are separated into: Pure-Bloods, Half-Bloods, and Muggle-Borns. Pure-Blood families are located at the top of wizarding division. They are rather proud, haughty, and prejudiced against other social groups. As Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds of Hogwarts, noted: “…there're some wizards, like the Malfoy family, who think they're better'n everyone else because they’re what people call 'pure-blood'” (Rowling, 1998, p. 89). The Pure-Bloods believe they are the highest level of blood status as they are the descendants of the first wizarding families. Their family trees represent only wizard with pure magical heritage and they maintain their purity by disclaiming and humiliating Muggle-Borns, which are considered as a threat and an inferior group. Some Pure-Bloods regard themselves as superior to other wizards and witches and discriminate even magical creatures. Having the sense of superiority, they strived to eliminate Muggles and to assume control over the wizarding world. The majority of the population of the wizarding world belongs to a group of Half-Bloods which is an equivalent of middle class. Harry Potter is the typical example of the Half-Blood population. The term indicates witches and wizards who have one Muggle-Born parent but due to the dominance of magic genes, children are always born with magical power. Those who believe in the importance of blood purity still regard Half-Bloods to be of lesser rank and
24 importance. What is the most striking, some of the Half-Bloods, despite having Muggle heritage, are prejudiced against Muggle-Born. For instance, Lord Voldemort denied his descent and harshly criticised Muggles. The lowest rank of blood hierarchy is occupied by wizards and witches who were born to two non-magical parents. They inherit their magic abilities from distant ancestors from wizarding families. When children reach the age of eleven, the letters from Hogwarts are delivered by a member of school staff, instead of by owl post, which is the ordinary system of notifying wizards and witches. An envoy informs parents about magical society and helps with the preparation for a school beginning. Muggle-Borns are persecuted by Pure-Bloods who consider people with Muggle heritage as ‘Mudbloods’ and believe that they cannot serve as true witches or wizards. This term implies dirty and impure nature of Muggle-Borns. The beginnings of harassment occurred at the time when Hogwarts was created. The school was built in order to teach wizards and one the founders argued that school should be only attend by wizards from Pure-Blood families. As a result of disagreement, he had created the Chamber of Secrets before he left. He placed there a monster to kill Muggles, people unworthy of magical abilities. However, Muggle-Borns are rather talented, intelligent, and easy-going wizards. Thus, it can be stated that they are persecuted not only on account of their blood status but also their fame and intellect. The wizarding world is not merely a place where humans live. It is home to a substantial amount of creatures which experience the segregation of wizarding population and are victims of prejudice and exploitation. They are subordinated to wizards and witches and obey their orders. The eminent example concerns house-elves who have been subjected to a life-long slavery to their master from a magical family. These creatures are forced to do housework without any reward. In exchange for their loyalty and devotion they do not even receive clothes until they are set free. Benefits that elves yield as well as knowledge and magical abilities they own are to an extreme degree underestimated. Being perceived as servants, they were in many cases mistreated and patronized.
25 Another type of magical creatures which are inferior to the wizard population consists of Centaurs, beasts with the upper part of the human body and the lower part of a horse. They exist in the Forbidden Forest and are not easily found. Centaurs specialise in archery, astronomy and magical healing. Despite being capable of speech and human intelligence, their intellect have been impugned. Dolores Umbridge, witch and Ministry of Magic bureaucrat, insulted them speaking: "Filthy half breeds! Beasts! Uncontrolled animals!" (Rowling, 2003, p. 665). After that, she reminded centaurs that they live in forest only because the Ministry of Magic allowed them to settle certain types of lands. Therefore, it can be assumed that humans feel superior to other creatures and do not recognise their laws and dignity. The next description exemplifies magical creatures highly skilled in finances and economy known as Goblins. In spite of their monstrous external appearance, they are very intelligent and resemble humans. Goblins are considered as inferior to wizards and regarded as second-class citizens in the wizarding world. Despite being treated as subservient, they do not acknowledge wizards’ conditions and feel superior to people. Relations between goblins and wizards have been fraught for many years. The former control wizarding bank, make calculations, and guard valuables which belong to magical people but do not receive any recognition. Furthermore, many half-giants, born to a giant and a human, have been discriminated against. They are recognised as vicious and brutal on the basis of their height and posture. One of the characters on Harry Potter novels, Rubeus Hagrid, Harry’s loyal friend, tries to conform to the wizarding society. Although he stays in long standing relations with many wizards, gains their support, and is employed as a gamekeeper as well as a teacher for Care of Magical Creatures, he is constantly perceived by some wizards as a threat to human population. His special interests in animals and creatures are viewed rather as dangerous and is blamed for most accidents involving magical beasts. It has been claimed that he should not be trusted due to his giant origin. Attempting to prove his innocence
26 and misinterpretation of his giant heritage, he suffers distress and humiliation concerning expulsion from Hogwarts. All things considered, the Harry Potter series introduce many aspects of inequality and social stratification which specify categories of people in a hierarchy. Society is not homogenous, for people are differentiated according to particular socially approved criteria. Wizarding hierarchy is arranged in terms of blood status, superiority and inferiority. The system which divides people into different classes and groups distinguishes higher and lower social units. The division between wizarding community is based on family heritage and power that is inherited. Lineage and blood status emphasise the purification of the Wizarding Race and elevate upper-class above others. Apart from human beings who possess magic abilities, the wizarding world is inhabited by an enormous amount of beasts and creatures. The treatment of those who form the lower part of the hierarchical system reflects much similarity of minority groups of modern day. Having no authority, non-human beings are treated as subspecies and near-human civilization, despite abilities, knowledge, and their contribution to the wizarding community. The segregation involves prejudice, discrimination, and bulling, so that lower-class individuals remain helpless and do not fight for their rights.
