Dobby the House-Elf: Character Analysis

Welcome to the post-DH discussion of Dobby. Previous discussion without spoilers can be found here:Dobby the House-Elf : Character Analysis (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=96582)

1) Dobby entered the storyline by coming as close to betraying his masters as he could--telling Harry about evil events to come to Hogwarts that year, though he didn't go into specifics (never even mentioned the diary, for instance). What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7?

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?

4) Dobby was the first house-elf Harry met. He was able to intercept Harry's owl post, tip Harry off to dark happenings coming to Hogwarts, block the barrier at the wizard-created platform and direct a bludger (another enchanted-by-wizards object)--times he left Malfoy Manor without apparent permission.

5) What do you think of Dobby's role in DH? Any new insights into his character?

1) Dobby entered the storyline by coming as close to betraying his masters as he could--telling Harry about evil events to come to Hogwarts that year, though he didn't go into specifics (never even mentioned the diary, for instance). What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?

What it says about his character is that Dobby is an elf who puts principles before orders, undoubtedly with much effort at first, but he breaches his bond with the Malfoys because he knows that what they're doing isn't right. And as we saw in DH, Dobby is willing to go to any lengths to help and protect those he believes are good.

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7?

I think Dobby's essential character hasn't changed much. He's continued to stand up up for what he thinks is right and helped those in need. He helped Harry and the trio number of times and I remember him taking care of Winky in GoF was particularly endearing...but his role in DH has outstripped all those moments by far. Dobby's self-sacrifice and his defiant stand against the Malfoys showed what courage and love he was capable of. If any creature has illustrated the point that wizards are in no way superior to magical creatures it's Dobby.

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?

Well from GoF and OotP we see that the other elves don't befriend Dobby but that this doesn't seem to bother him much. As we saw, the elves were willing to fight, and for none other than Kreacher but I think that if Dobby had been alive to lead, he would've done a wonderful job, especially since he was so fiercely fond of Hogwarts and Harry.

4) Dobby was the first house-elf Harry met. He was able to intercept Harry's owl post, tip Harry off to dark happenings coming to Hogwarts, block the barrier at the wizard-created platform and direct a bludger (another enchanted-by-wizards object)--times he left Malfoy Manor without apparent permission.

Well this isn't a question. Comment on Dobbby's abilities? Add rescue missions, chandelier dropping, and disarming wizards to that list.

5) What do you think of Dobby's role in DH? Any new insights into his character?

See answers to previous questions. My Final comments on Dobby are: *sniff* We will miss you brave little elf.

I was truly upset when Dobby died. He went to Harry in order to save him and his friends. He rescued Luna, Dean, Mr. Ollivander, Griphook, Ron, Hermione, and Harry... but he died while rescuing them. He always respected Harry because he was the one who treated him as an equal, and he freed him from his role as a servant. I think that Dobby would be proud of what he did and how he died. He fought for those he loved and against the evil wizards he used to serve. It is just heartbreaking to think that he had to die. I think it was a really noble thing for Harry to personally dig Dobby's grave, without magic. It showed the respect he had for the elf and how much his sacrifice meant to Harry. The words Harry carved on his gravestone completely made me cry- "Here lies Dobby, a free elf". I definately think Dobby's death was one of the worst and most undeserved deaths.

I wonder if the Malfoy's were the first family to own Dobby? I get the feeling that he was sent to protect Harry from CoS on either because at one point he had been owned by a Potter or possibly Dumbledores family. It just doesn't make sense that Dobby could work for the Malfoys and go so against Elf training to defy them and protect Harry time after time.

I wonder if the Malfoy's were the first family to own Dobby? I get the feeling that he was sent to protect Harry from CoS on either because at one point he had been owned by a Potter or possibly Dumbledores family. It just doesn't make sense that Dobby could work for the Malfoys and go so against Elf training to defy them and protect Harry time after time.

I think that Dobby was a unique elf in that he could sidestep his masters because of his belief that Harry was going to help all the elves. Dobby said that all the house elves were treated poorly when Voldermort was in charge and the things had improved after he was gone. Dobby was worried for all of his people, and didn't want them to remain so poorly treated. He was a great leader, (even when they did not understand him).

I think that Dobby ultimately acted as he had always done through the books, with absolute loyalty to Harry and bravery to stand up for what he believes in.

In CoS, as soon as the enslavement is broken, he stands up to Lucius, similar as he stands up to Bellatrix right before he dies.

Dobby was a very brave elf. When he first apparates at the Malfoy Manor, he is terrified, but nonetheless saves all the people from there. It must have been very hard to go back to that house, where he had been mistreated so often.

I also like Dobbys happyness. In GoF and OotP we get a good glimpse of that, his optimism regarding getting a job, his colourfull outfit, the decoration in the RoR at christmas...I'm glad he's buried in a beautiful place full of flowers.

Clearly Dobby's character has grown in the series since he was finally able to strike against his former masters, when before it was all he could do to call them bad Dark wizards.

Clearly Dobby aspired to freedom and liked it, which Hagrid takes as being odd for his breed.

The change in Kreacher makes me wonder how or who influenced Dobby?

Did he have a father who served the Malfoys which he took over for, much as Winky and Kreacher had done for their forebears? I can easily imagine that if Kreacher had died then a male house-elf, his son, might have offered his services to Harry, head of the Black family estate.

Did Dobby live his entire life with the Malfoys, or was he with his mother, a good house-elf?

5) What do you think of Dobby's role in DH? Any new insights into his character?

I loved that Dobby's final act in life was to disobey Harry, his idol.

"Harry Potter freed Dobby!" said the elf shrilly, gazing up at Harry, moonlight from the nearest window reflected in his orb-like eyes. "Harry Potter set Dobby free!"

"Least I could do, Dobby," said Harry, grinning. "Just promise never to try and save my life again."

He died a free elf, indeed. :sad:

Welcome to the post-DH discussion of Dobby. Previous discussion without spoilers can be found here:Dobby the House-Elf : Character Analysis (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=96582)

1) Dobby entered the storyline by coming as close to betraying his masters as he could--telling Harry about evil events to come to Hogwarts that year, though he didn't go into specifics (never even mentioned the diary, for instance). What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys? Dobby does not like his former masters and he knows of Harry Potter, showing how famous Harry is in the wizarding world. Harry Potter is deemed as the enemy to Dobby's masters, so it would be easy for Dobby to like Harry. Dobby doesn't care about his "family" for they treat him badly. Dobby will never be able to reveal Malfoy secrets. I do think Dobby would know if he held useful information about the Malfoys, but I don't think he would know the extent of the usefulness.

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7? Aha, the loyalty does aid Harry as it helps him and his friends get out of the Malfoy Cellar. It also helps give Bellatrix something she'd rather kill than Harry. If Dobby wasn't there at the moment before Harry leaves, Harry might've been the one to take the knife.
How has Dobby evolved? Hm. It's hard to say, really. He stays the same a lot in that his mission is to help Harry. He never sways.

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt? Dobby reminds me of Luna. They are both odd, eccentric characters that stick out like sore thumbs among their peers, but they don't care and they don't want to change. Once you get to know them you find they are nice, fun, likeable people/creatures even if they do things at times that make you uncomfortable. They're happy the way they are.
Dobby is free, gets paid to work at Hogwarts, and wears clothes. The other elves are not fond of him. They still believe that everything Dobby does is wrong. They do find him weird. I don't think the house-elves would ever fully find a need to fight for their freedom. They did fight against Voldemort and the Death Eaters. Unfortunately, Dobby was not able to lead them for he had already given his life for Harry.

4) Dobby was the first house-elf Harry met. He was able to intercept Harry's owl post, tip Harry off to dark happenings coming to Hogwarts, block the barrier at the wizard-created platform and direct a bludger (another enchanted-by-wizards object)--times he left Malfoy Manor without apparent permission. He's a house-elf. They have magic beyond that of wizards.

5) What do you think of Dobby's role in DH? Any new insights into his character? Dobby is Dobby. He knows Harry's in trouble and he saves him. Dobby is a hero!

I loved that Dobby's final act in life was to disobey Harry, his idol.

"Harry Potter freed Dobby!" said the elf shrilly, gazing up at Harry, moonlight from the nearest window reflected in his orb-like eyes. "Harry Potter set Dobby free!"

"Least I could do, Dobby," said Harry, grinning. "Just promise never to try and save my life again."

He died a free elf, indeed. :sad:

I hadn't thought of that before, but you're right! I love it!

Dobby was a wonderful character - he'd have been in Gryffindor if elves were in houses. He was brave and principled, and could think outside his box. His death made me sadder than any other in the book. I'm glad that Harry showed himself attached to Dobby and really mourned him. Dobby deserved that.

1) Dobby entered the storyline by coming as close to betraying his masters as he could--telling Harry about evil events to come to Hogwarts that year, though he didn't go into specifics (never even mentioned the diary, for instance). What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?
That Dobby was allied with Harry from the very beginning says a lot about Dobby's character. It says that Dobby was a very independent thinker who formed his own opinions about things, and it says that Dobby wasn't like other House Elfs who were loyal to their families no matter what said family believed in. I think Dobby reached the point where he would likely tell all the Malfoy's secrets without needing to punish himself. He probably could tell Harry if the Malfoys owned anything illegal or anything else incriminating.

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character?
Dobby evolved in a way that allowed him to tell the Malfoys' secrets more easily than when he was working for them (and without needing to punish himself). He also evolved in that as the series went on, he was doing more and more dangerous things to help Harry. And in the end, he gave his life so that Harry could escape.

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?
The other house elves must look down on Dobby for working for money rather than just to serve wizards. They probably didn't talk to him much. Post-DH we now know that Dobby would have been more than willing to fight for freedom, though I'm not sure the other house elves would have followed him if it was a fight for their own freedom from enslavement.

5) What do you think of Dobby's role in DH? Any new insights into his character?
My opinion of Dobby increased dramatically after witnessing his role in DH. New insights- I guess realizing just how brave, selfless, and loyal Dobby was to Harry. He really was a special house elf!

From CoS on I loved Dobby. Even his fear of his horrible masters, was nothing compared to Dobbys feelings and beliefs in Harry.
I believe Dobby in a certain way knew he was going to die that night. He knew that by returningt to the manor house that he would not survive. It was kind of like a wizards life debt. Dobby felt so endebbted and love Harry so much that he felt he owed him something. But the major thing was that when the end came the notion of him doing anything like a life debt was erased. It had been replaced by respect friendship, and love.
Dobbys death hit me harder than any other. He, indeed, was a true hero.

I always loved Dobby. He always tried to help Harry but would always have to beat himself after. I couldn't believe he died. I spent a whole package of tissues. Anyways, I was really surprised he died.

Dobby died, saving the one wizard he truely loved, Harry.....that House Elf had soul!

Yes Dobby was a hero. I was thinking back when he went to Privet Drive. Back then I really just wanted him to go away, much as Harry did. I thought he was a spy for the Malfoys and all of the self-harm was a trick to fool Harry. I was surprised to find out that he was actually on the up and up.

It was through Dobby that Elves were defined for me in the series. They were described as underlings or slaves, but they truly did have minds of their own which they could use as well as any wizard. I hope in the new world Dobby's fellow Elves were granted freedom to live among wizards - I am sure they were.

Dobby won't be there to see it as he is busy on the 'next great adventure - but he will be happy knowing that he helped opened Hermione's eyes to the cause, not only of elves, but of all wizards with different characteristics like Goblins, Vampires, Giants, Werewolves, etc. All are better off '19 years later'.

But Dobby did a lot for Harry in the short time they knew one another, a few years really. He would pop in at the most necessary times and always ready and willing to help. I wasn't really sad when Dobby died...like all the deaths, I knew they would go on to the next adventure (well I am still unsure about hedwig :grumble:). But still it was nice to see Harry bury Dobby and give him a personal grave. Marked and everything in memory of a very good and loving friend. :)

Dobby's by far my favorite house-elf. If house-elves could ever be Sorted into any House, I think Dobby's would be Gryffindor, because he showed courage to the end. He's a comical, yet really inspiring kind of guy (oops, elf). So, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to know I was boiling with rage and anger when he got killed off. I mean, we KNOW it's dark and stuff, but WHY kill off Dobby? And, if we're on the subject, why Hedwig? They both didn't deserve to die.

[QUOTE=wickedwickedboy;4781068]
Dobby won't be there to see it as he is busy on the 'next great adventure - but he will be happy knowing that he helped opened Hermione's eyes to the cause, not only of elves, but of all wizards with different characteristics like Goblins, Vampires, Giants, Werewolves, etc. All are better off '19 years later'.
QUOTE]

YES, Rest in peace, Dobby. I hope that wizards with afflictions (vampires and werewolves) or who are not of human race (giants, goblins and centuars) get what they deserve. Which means, respect from the so-called 'normal' wizards.

But Dobby did a lot for Harry in the short time they knew one another, a few years really. He would pop in at the most necessary times and always ready and willing to help. I wasn't really sad when Dobby died...like all the deaths, I knew they would go on to the next adventure (well I am still unsure about hedwig :grumble:). But still it was nice to see Harry bury Dobby and give him a personal grave. Marked and everything in memory of a very good and loving friend. :)
Well, I was sad when Dobby died. IMO, it was most well-written death in DH. I was just bawling when Harry dug Dobby's grave without magic and made the little grave marker. "Here lies Dobby, a free Elf." Perfect epitaph for Dobby. :sad:

I think Dobby deserved all that. He was very brave and loyal, especially to Harry. Even though he seemed quite annoying to me in CoS, he was just trying to protect Harry. And he ended of saving Harry's life in DH, sacrificing his own. He was very noble and wanted to help in any way he could. May he rest in peace. :)

1) Dobby entered the storyline by coming as close to betraying his masters as he could--telling Harry about evil events to come to Hogwarts that year, though he didn't go into specifics (never even mentioned the diary, for instance). What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?

I think for a while after he'd been set free, Dobby was still not sure whether he should reveal secrets asbout the Malfoys. He'd taught himself for years before to harm himself if he'd ever speak badly about them and getting out of that habit would have been hard. I think if Harry had ever asked him about the Malfoys or wanted information, then Dobby would have helped them, no matter how hard it would be for him.

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7?

He has always been extremely loyal to Harry, and of course in DH that loyalty to Harry is how he ultimately dies :upset: I think from CoS to HBP, Dobby gained in confidence and was much more comfortable working as a free elf.

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?

I thnk the other house-elves think that he is really odd and don't really want to be associated with Dobby, which upsets me to think that he's an outcast within his own race.

5) What do you think of Dobby's role in DH? Any new insights into his character?

It was very short, and very sad :( But he was such a brave and loyal house-elf. He really was great! :D

I find it interesting that many people seemed to think that Dobby was the least-likly one to die, but we should have realized, Dobby was extremly loyal to Harry, and if given the chance, would sacrifice his life for Harry. Unfortunatley, a situation arose where Dobby was indeed given the chance to "take one for Harry." I often wonder if Head master Snape continued to pay Dobby, and how Aberforth contacted him.

I was truly upset when Dobby died. He went to Harry in order to save him and his friends. He rescued Luna, Dean, Mr. Ollivander, Griphook, Ron, Hermione, and Harry... but he died while rescuing them. He always respected Harry because he was the one who treated him as an equal, and he freed him from his role as a servant. I think that Dobby would be proud of what he did and how he died. He fought for those he loved and against the evil wizards he used to serve. It is just heartbreaking to think that he had to die. I think it was a really noble thing for Harry to personally dig Dobby's grave, without magic. It showed the respect he had for the elf and how much his sacrifice meant to Harry. The words Harry carved on his gravestone completely made me cry- "Here lies Dobby, a free elf". I definately think Dobby's death was one of the worst and most undeserved deaths.

I so agree if only because of that i did not like that book as much as others.The constant killing of very nice people.Anyway Dobby was my favorite character from the series and he got killed off for no good reason as the goblin still tricked Harry

I find it interesting that many people seemed to think that Dobby was the least-likly one to die, but we should have realized, Dobby was extremly loyal to Harry, and if given the chance, would sacrifice his life for Harry. Unfortunatley, a situation arose where Dobby was indeed given the chance to "take one for Harry." I often wonder if Head master Snape continued to pay Dobby, and how Aberforth contacted him.

I think Dobby was given to Amberforth

Dobby's by far my favorite house-elf. If house-elves could ever be Sorted into any House, I think Dobby's would be Gryffindor, because he showed courage to the end. He's a comical, yet really inspiring kind of guy (oops, elf). So, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to know I was boiling with rage and anger when he got killed off. I mean, we KNOW it's dark and stuff, but WHY kill off Dobby? And, if we're on the subject, why Hedwig? They both didn't deserve to die.

Nope both did not and it was senseless and had no reason in the story it did not help anything to have them killed.One of the nastiests mistakes J.K. made.There were plenty of others who deserved to die and who did not.

According to Rowling, Hedwig's death represented the loss of Harry's innocence, since she had always been his true connection to the Wizarding world at home. Just because you don't agree with who died doesn't mean that their deaths didn't have a purpose when you think about what they represented as characters. Dobby's demise was the ultimate sacrifice for his friend.

According to Rowling, Hedwig's death represented the loss of Harry's innocence, since she had always been his true connection to the Wizarding world at home. Just because you don't agree with who died doesn't mean that their deaths didn't have a purpose when you think about what they represented as characters. Dobby's demise was the ultimate sacrifice for his friend.

She could have written that escape without him actually dying.And there have been plenty of useless persons to kill off to kill of the one useful one

I think that sometimes even a purposeless death plays a role in a story-- especially a story about a war. In wars, death happens, and sometimes no good ever comes out of it. That very fact highlights how terrible violence really is, and Harry and his friends are fighting so that the WW may once again know peace.

There is also the fact that Dobby's death was one of the first instances in the series of a truly bloody death witnessed by the readers and Harry. It really hammers home the humanity of the characters: if you prick them, they do bleed. An AK leaves the victim unscarred and really doesn't give the reader a true picture of how horrible and emotionally-scarring death can really be. Having Dobby die bleeding in Harry's arms brings that idea home to us.

I think that sometimes even a purposeless death plays a role in a story-- especially a story about a war. In wars, death happens, and sometimes no good ever comes out of it. That very fact highlights how terrible violence really is, and Harry and his friends are fighting so that the WW may once again know peace.

There is also the fact that Dobby's death was one of the first instances in the series of a truly bloody death witnessed by the readers and Harry. It really hammers home the humanity of the characters: if you prick them, they do bleed. An AK leaves the victim unscarred and really doesn't give the reader a true picture of how horrible and emotionally-scarring death can really be. Having Dobby die bleeding in Harry's arms brings that idea home to us.

If that is necessary for people to understand i feel sorry for them.Anyway i cannot imagine you would the same age-group read all 7 books unless they started at 14 or so but i read the first was intended for an age-group much younger.
Anyway i would have liked a few less deaths.

There have been some really good reason given why dobby died in DH and I think they are all true - there is also imo the fact that by the 'rules' of modern story telling Dobby was destined to die. When, at he end of CoS, Harry asked Dobby to promise not to try and save his life again, to me that meant Dobby was going to die when he finally did do Harry a favour - that it was at the hands of one of his masters relatives and that the fatal blow was struck in Malfoy manner seemed very in line with this to me.

I also think that Dobby was a character that people either loved or found intensely irritating – the manner of his death I found allowed me to move past being irritated by him and gave me a chance to like him – no because he died but becaue the manner of his death really underlined his innocence with dignity and pathos; what ever you think about his death it was surly a great bit of writing! :)

I also think that Dobby was a character that people either loved or found intensely irritating – the manner of his death I found allowed me to move pat being irritated by him and gave me a chance to like him – no because he died but the manner of his death really underlined his innocence with dignity and pathos; what ever you think about his death it was surly a great bit of writing! :)

I agree. I was moved to intense tears by the manner of his death and his burial.

If that is necessary for people to understand i feel sorry for them.Anyway i cannot imagine you would the same age-group read all 7 books unless they started at 14 or so but i read the first was intended for an age-group much younger.
Anyway i would have liked a few less deaths.

One of the things that really sets JKR's series apart is how well she developed the story and characters from the first book to the last one. As the characters grew older they grew more complex, the stories grew darker and more adult. Sirius' death was a shock, but was not gruesome. The threat of beheading Buckbeak was gruesome, but never came about. Cedric's death was violent, but not gruesome. The battle in the astronomy tower was violent and bloody, and was fitting for the next-to-last book. Dumbledore's death was another shock, and, IMO, started to set up for DH. The deaths of these characters brought a bit of reality to the stories: people live, love, laugh, cry, and go on with their lives -- and, when they are involved in a war, as the HP series is, people die. Pets die. These deaths affect the characters and their actions from that time on. I was sorry that any of the characters were killed off, but, the stories were so wonderful overall, and, none of the deaths were "useless." Each had its own affect on the characters and storyline, and, therefore were meaningful.

At first I found Dobby utterly annoying. I began to understand and enjoy his character evolution when he began to Help Harry with Kreacher trailing the Malfoys. Although Dumbledore's death upset me immensely, Dobby's was the first that I truly was moved to tears with. As I read the books over and over again my appreciation for Dobby grows each time.

I will admit something here.

Out of all the deaths in the series, Dobby was the only one I cried over. I cried like a baby and my little sister came to see what had happened. When I told her, she cried too.

He wasn't even my favourite character. Just the nature of his death and the way that he died. I comforted the two of us by pointing out that there was probably no other way Dobby would have wanted to go on than protecting Harry Potter.

He was my favorite and after he was killed off i did not care anymore who else would die.

He was my favorite and after he was killed off i did not care anymore who else would die.

That's rather sad :upset:

May I ask why you liked him so much?

That's rather sad :upset:

May I ask why you liked him so much?

loyal brave and funny and nice to anyone who deserved it and even some who did not deserve it seeing how they talked about him.

Loved Dobby's character. Gentle, compassionate and comical, yet fiercely protective. His extreme bravery and loyality, then eventual death in saving others was poignant in showing a freedom to make his own choice, his life, his sacrifice, not because he was bound into it or else face punishment. I did cry upon his death and burial. When Ron and Dean joined Harry to manually dig the grave was very touching as well as when they placed socks, shoes and a hat in there with him. I saw the clothes as a kind, honourable gesture of his freedom and acceptance, as well as the carved flat rock marking the spot where he lay. Imo.

I bawled my eyes out when Dobby died. For me, it was one of the most tragic and emotional deaths in the entire series. On the plus side, Dobby died a free elf and he died protecting the people he admired and loved instead of the wizards he had been bound to serve.

He did not expect it to happen though and i never saw the point of it.

A lot of the characters took part in the fight against Voldemort, not expecting to die, but retained a hope they might survive and remain with those they love. Dobby, like them, knew the nature of his opponents when he returned to Malfoy Manor, but he was prepared to face that fear and danger to risk his own life to save the people he loved, admired and who understood, accepted and befriended him. Imo. It showed his sacrifice was equal to the others who tragically lost their lives, not less because he was different, a House Elf. Imo.

A lot of the characters took part in the fight against Voldemort, not expecting to die, but retained a hope they might survive and remain with those they love. Dobby, like them, knew the nature of his opponents when he returned to Malfoy Manor, but he was prepared to face that fear and danger to risk his own life to save the people he loved, admired and who understood, accepted and befriended him. Imo. It showed his sacrifice was equal to the others who tragically lost their lives, not less because he was different, a House Elf. Imo.

I agree. Dobby knew the risks and he gladly took them because he loved Harry and the trio, and because he was willing to help anyone who was on the outs with Voldemort. (Dobby was anti-Voldemort and pro-Harry before he ever met the famous Harry Potter).

He first warned Harry because he admired him from afar, and then he came to truly love him after he got to know him and Harry freed him.

Harry certainly does not view Dobby's sacrifice as any less. In fact, Dobby's death and burial is a huge turning point in Harry's story arc. Harry has become disillusioned with his mission, but Dobby's death helps him decide to go after the Horcruxes and not after the Hallows - to trust Dumbledore's plan, even though he's not sure how it will all work out.

I cried too when Dobby died. But he died a brave and courageous death, and his death serves as an inspiration that helps Harry fulfill his mission and save the world from Voldemort.

I didn't even recognised that he was killed during the scene, till they, well digged his grave. Emotionally I was unimpressed. I clearly can't put a mere creature like an elf or an owl on the same level like a human and cry over their death,, even though it was heroic what he did, I think. Not sure about that as Aberforth send him and I wonder if Dobby would have gone to the Manor if Aberforth hadn't told him to do so. How much there was really his own choice...

I didn't even recognised that he was killed during the scene, till they, well digged his grave. Emotionally I was unimpressed. I clearly can't put a mere creature like an elf or an owl on the same level like a human and cry over their death,, even though it was heroic what he did, I think. Not sure about that as Aberforth send him and I wonder if Dobby would have gone to the Manor if Aberforth hadn't told him to do so. How much there was really his own choice...

Dobby was a free elf. Aberforth couldn't order Dobby to go. Aberforth asked him to go. And he went. It was a free choice. So yes, it was heroic.

Dobby was a free elf. Aberforth couldn't order Dobby to go. Aberforth asked him to go. And he went. It was a free choice. So yes, it was heroic.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Harry ask Aberforth if he sent Dobby to help them and not if he asked Dobby if would be so nice to help them? Significant difference IMO.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Harry ask Aberforth if he sent Dobby to help them and not if he asked Dobby if would be so nice to help them? Significant difference IMO.

"Sent" is not synonymous with "compelled" or "forced." Being "sent" can quite easily mean being asked to go. If I ask my spouse to go to the store, I might say that I "sent" him. But that does not mean that he had no choice in the matter.

Aberforth had no authority to compel Dobby to go anywhere. Dobby was a free elf from the moment Harry tricked Lucius into "giving" Dobby the sock until the moment Dobby died. Dobby was never a slave to Aberforth. He was a free elf, a free employee of Hogwarts.

Here is what Dobby has to say about why he returned to Malfoy Manor:


"Dobby!" [Narcissa] screamed, and even Bellatrix froze. "You! You dropped the chandelier - ?"

The tiny elf trotted into the room, his shaking finger pointing at his old mistress.

"You must not hurt Harry Potter," he squeaked.

"Kill him, Cissy!" shrieked Bellatrix, but there was another loud crack, and Narcissa's wand too flew into the air and landed on the other side of the room.

"You dirty little monkey!" bawled Bellatrix. "How dare you take a witch's wand, how dare you defy your masters?"

"Dobby has no master!" squealed the elf. "Dobby is a free elf, and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends."



If Aberforth "sent" him, it could only have been in the sense of asking him to go - probably after informing him that Harry and his friends were in danger and needed someone who could Apparate in and out of Malfoy Manor. It was a free choice because Dobby was a free elf.

Emotionally I was unimpressed. I clearly can't put a mere creature like an elf or an owl on the same level like a human and cry over their death,, even though it was heroic what he did, I think.

No offense but elves and owls are not the same thing.an owl is an animal a pet while an elf is some kind of humanoid like a centaur in a way or a giant.

I agree. Dobby knew the risks and he gladly took them because he loved Harry and the trio, and because he was willing to help anyone who was on the outs with Voldemort. (Dobby was anti-Voldemort and pro-Harry before he ever met the famous Harry Potter).


I had the idea he thought Harry Potter could fix anything even prevent his death.

No offense but elves and owls are not the same thing.an owl is an animal a pet while an elf is some kind of humanoid like a centaur in a way or a giant.


Yes, like with humans, I think a House Elf has an acute sense of self, individual beliefs and culture, just like Centaurs, Goblins, Merpeople, Veela, etc. Imo.

Agreed, like with humans, I think a House Elf has an acute sense of self, individual beliefs and culture, just like Centaurs, Goblins, Merpeople, Veela, etc. Imo.
Yes, that's why it is so offensive that Bellatrix calls Dobby a "monkey" as if he's an animal. That's rather ironic since Dobby rescued so many people right out from under her nose. So not only was Bella be outsmarted by a bunch of teenagers at the Ministry, she was also outsmarted by a House Elf that she thought of as a lesser being. :tu:

Dobby should have given her the same treatment as Lucius or worse.Really have the feeling J.K. killed him off because he was no longer useful for the story or something similar.

I'm not really sure what "culture" we see in the books. All I see is that Dobby stumble from one housekeeper job into another one, with improved working conditions. I don't remember if we read what they do beside working, if they go out and have fun. They are hardly ever seen outside the kitchen (I mean besides their dormitory etc cleaning duties, but there nobody saw them either). Really cannot imagine what Dobby is doing in his free time. And more importantnly how a "cultur" can form, when mostly all you do is working and cleaning.

I'm not really sure what "culture" we see in the books. All I see is that Dobby stumble from one housekeeper job into another one, with improved working conditions. I don't remember if we read what they do beside working, if they go out and have fun. They are hardly ever seen outside the kitchen (I mean besides their dormitory etc cleaning duties, but there nobody saw them either). Really cannot imagine what Dobby is doing in his free time. And more importantnly how a "cultur" can form, when mostly all you do is working and cleaning.

House-elves have their own rules and laws more or less and their own powers. They are not animals. For one they do wear something if not actually clothes.

Yes, that's why it is so offensive that Bellatrix calls Dobby a "monkey" as if he's an animal. That's rather ironic since Dobby rescued so many people right out from under her nose. So not only was Bella be outsmarted by a bunch of teenagers at the Ministry, she was also outsmarted by a House Elf that she thought of as a lesser being. :tu:

:agree: Great catch! :tu:


I'm not really sure what "culture" we see in the books.

They are a sentient being who have their own set of beliefs, wishes, their own magical powers/abilities, attitudes toward family, etc. Imo. Just because someone is from a different group, doesn't make them lesser beings/inferior, that's an underlying message I feel is there including tolerance, acceptance of others and working together. Imo.

Dobby should have given her the same treatment as Lucius or worse.Really have the feeling J.K. killed him off because he was no longer useful for the story or something similar.

With all due respect, I don't think that's why JKR killed Dobby. I don't think JKR has ever killed a character because they were no longer useful to the story. I think she killed Dobby to show that it's war and there are many, many deaths, in war that don't have a reason for happening and to prepare us for the final battle.

House-elves have their own rules and laws more or ess and their own powers. They are not animals. For one they do wear something if not actually clothes.


:agree: They are a sentient being who have their own set of beliefs, wishes, their own magical powers/abilities, attitudes toward family, etc. Imo. Just because someone is from a different group, doesn't make them lesser beings/inferior, that's an underlying message I feel is there including tolerance, acceptance of others and working together. Imo.

Agreed with both of those. House-Elves are able to form their own oppinions and they have their own personalities. Otherwise, you wouldn't have house-elves like Dobby.

This not the thread to discuss if Dobby should have died or shouldn't, or if JKR should have kept more characters alive.

Analyze Dobby's character here.

Agreed with both of those. House-Elves are able to form their own oppinions and they have their own personalities. Otherwise, you wouldn't have house-elves like Dobby.

True Winky Dobby and Kreacher did not have alot in common besides all being elves.

Dobby seemed almost like a pet. I think that's why Bellatrix called him a little monkey. He was mischievious at times, well to her he was. Sneaking in to his old master's house, helping several people escape, standing up to his old masters. this is very brave of Dobby and I loved him for it. The fact that he died trying to save Harry was very hard to read.

I just read through this thread again, and I didn't really find much on the cause, meaning, and importance of Dobby's self-injury, which is one of the most prominent characteristics we see in our small number of glimpses into his character. I found that one person stated a couple year back that Dobby "taught himself" to inflict pain upon himself when "misbehaved" or failed to please or respect his masters and their wishes. Elsewhere I've heard the behavior described as a mechanism resulting from the subservient nature of house elves or whatever laws compel them to loyalty toward their masters.

However, we don't really see self-harm like Dobby's in the other two named house elves; they seem to have their own ways with dealing with internal conflict as regards their masters. Dobby's behavior seems somewhat unique and all I can see in the story to directly explain it is that Dobby show and says that he must do so when his is or is tempted to disobey or speak badly of his masters, and that his masters, at the very least, encourage this practice. My idea is that this behavior may well be a more or less direct response to orders given by the Malfoy's. It's seems well within the dark capacity of the Malfoy characters we know to at some point have given an order along the lines of, "Dobby, I command you, whenever you disobey us or speak ill of us, or even think of such things, to inflict great pain upon yourself...use your body or whatever blunt, sharp, or hot objects happen to be lying around."

We see the impulse to self-injury to persist as a habit even after Dobby is free and is able to quickly disregard new direct orders from his old masters. He's beaten himself into it so much that it's hard for him to break free even after the bond of servitude and compulsion has been broken. Though in an twisted way, I feel this speaks to Dobby's positive character traits of faithfulness and remembrance. He is, as a free elf, steadfastly loyal to his friends ever-mindful of what Harry has done for him.

As an aside I think it's a tempting mistake to assume that Dobby is necessarily as constantly obsessed with Harry as he seems from the primary perspective of the book. We see things from Harry's perspective and only see Dobby when he is interacting with and trying to help or express gratitude to Harry. I prefer not to think of these interactions as entirely defining Dobby as an individual living his own life and relationships with other beings. It shouldn't come as a shock that Dobby had an existing relationship with Winky, for instance, or that he might have all sorts of ideas, interactions and relationships that, while they didn't relate enough to Harry to be included in his story, give him the liberty to be more than an accessory or quirky comic relief in his own life.

However, we don't really see self-harm like Dobby's in the other two named house elves; they seem to have their own ways with dealing with internal conflict as regards their masters. Dobby's behavior seems somewhat unique and all I can see in the story to directly explain it is that Dobby show and says that he must do so when his is or is tempted to disobey or speak badly of his masters, and that his masters, at the very least, encourage this practice. My idea is that this behavior may well be a more or less direct response to orders given by the Malfoy's. It's seems well within the dark capacity of the Malfoy characters we know to at some point have given an order along the lines of, "Dobby, I command you, whenever you disobey us or speak ill of us, or even think of such things, to inflict great pain upon yourself...use your body or whatever blunt, sharp, or hot objects happen to be lying around."

Kreacher, the House Elf of the Black family, shows this same trait.

For example, here Kreacher is seen punishing himself for acting contrary to an order of Harry not to use the word Mudblood, a word near and dear to Kreacher's heart because it reflected the views of his dear departed mistress and (he thought, though this is not clear in the end) Regulus, who saved him.

“The Mudblood touched Kreacher, he will not allow it, what would his Mistress say?”
“I told you not to call her ’Mudblood’ !” snarled Harry, but the elf was already punishing himself. He fell to the ground and banged his forehead on the floor/
“Stop him—stop him!” Hermione cried. “Oh, don’t you see now how sick it is, the way they’ve got to obey?”
“Kreacher—stop, stop!” shouted Harry.

He also explains he punished himself repeatedly for his failure over the years to destroy the locket. So I am not sure it is unique to either Dobby or to the Malfoys.

Kreacher, the House Elf of the Black family, shows this same trait.

For example, here Kreacher is seen punishing himself for acting contrary to an order of Harry not to use the word Mudblood, a word near and dear to Kreacher's heart because it reflected the views of his dear departed mistress and (he thought, though this is not clear in the end) Regulus, who saved him.
...
He also explains he punished himself repeatedly for his failure over the years to destroy the locket. So I am not sure it is unique to either Dobby or to the Malfoys.

Very true indeed. In my haste I had forgotten about these examples. The Black and Malfoy families are similar enough that they might have both employed a standing order for their house elves to punish themselves, but my hypothesis does suffer from this revelation and as well as are generally small scope of available sources on house elves in general. If nothing else it is probably safer to say that these sorts of self-destructive behaviors and psychological conflict are likely prominent in house elves who serve dark or cruel masters, since in cases of kinder masters (or ones with fewer prejudices and secrets) there would likely be fewer circumstances in which the house elf would feel such conflict or temptation so disobey.

To branch out a little bit, I'm also interested is the whole notion of what is "typical" or "unique" for house elves in general and the few characters we know in particular. I am thinking partially of a point I have often heard which arithmancer invoked recently in the Winky thread (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=5875186#post5875186)--namely that Dobby's lack of fondness for his masters and desire to be free was not atypical and uncommon among house elves. I think that there is not a whole lot of room for extrapolation from any of the handful of house elves know to the population at large, though I am at least as guilty as anyone of trying to do so. Dobby's feelings about his masters and response to his freedom show us one possible set of senarios for a house elf. I don't think he can be written off as a fluke, just as I don't think Winky's response to freedom can be taken as the natural or predictable response for a freed house elf. Underpinning a lot of this is the fact that I don't think we can put a whole lot of stock in what wizards (be they Lucius or Hermione) say about house elves and their nature.

I do think that it is important that Dobby is as much an individualist as he shows himself to be. He does indeed call into question a lot of what house elves are assumed to be and to desire. Along with Kreacher and Winky, Dobby shows that house elves can be very different from each other and different from wait wizarding tradition says they should be.

Dobby is clearly an extraordinary person, but in many ways he may be a very ordinary house. We don't really know, which is a shame in my mind not only in that I wish we say more of house elves in the book, but also a shame from a Potterverse perspective in that house elves are so rarely given the chance to show themselves to be extraordinary or, for that matter, boring or romantic or any other number of things they may be capable of if given notice and/or freedom.

I think what makes Dobby different to me from such other house elves as we know (I include Hokey in the mix) is that he was able to disagree with his masters and to act independently against their interests. Hokey seemed to have affection and respect for Hepzibah, Winky even defended the comparatively indefensible Barty Jnr and Kreacher bought into the Black ideology without a problem. Dobby however disapproved of Lucius' plan to open the Chamber of Secrets particularly as it affected Harry who he had already made a hero of. He didn't pick up his Harry-adoration from the Malfoys so he really was an elf who could think for himself. He had also apparently found a way of leaving the Malfoy house without being told to (we know Kreacher couldn't leave Grimmauld Place until Sirius told him to "Get out" ) as he got to Privet Drive, Kings Cross and Hogwarts more than once. I wonder how he did that? And why Malfoy brought Dobby with him to Hogwarts when he went to see Dumbledore at the end of CoS?

I think what makes Dobby different to me from such other house elves as we know (I include Hokey in the mix) is that he was able to disagree with his masters and to act independently against their interests.

This is indeed part of what makes Dobby, Dobby. But Kreacher also disagreed with his master, Serius, and acted independently against his will. For our purposes, it doesn't matter that his betrayal of Serius was a bad thing from are perspective but only that he was able to rebel in his own way and work against his master's will.

Even Winky show's some measure of freedom of opinion and could think for herself. It was she who came up with the idea that B.J. should be allowed to go to the Cup and she talked Barty Sr. into it. I assume she could have released the binding between her and Junior and stay in the tent as she was last commanded, but she apparently made an independent judgement that it was more important for her to fulfill the conflicting duty to stay with Barty Jr. and try to protect him. She also presumably had fewer reasons or chances to fight against the will of her master, who, in spite of his indefensible behavior in the end, presumably gave her fewer offensive tasks than the Malfoys did to Dobby and was even receptive to her input into family matters.

As to Dobby sneaking away from Malfoy manor, his situation may have been similar to Kreacher's where he was explicitly commanded not to leave (and so house elves not explicitly given this command may be able to leave as long as it doesn't conflict with extant compulsions) and can only leave by finding a loophole. Dobby may have only been able to make his handful of trips to Harry because he had been told to "get out!" or had been sent on an errand to Borgin and Burkes.

To branch out a little bit, I'm also interested is the whole notion of what is "typical" or "unique" for house elves in general and the few characters we know in particular. I am thinking partially of a point I have often heard which arithmancer invoked recently in the Winky thread (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=5875186#post5875186)--namely that Dobby's lack of fondness for his masters and desire to be free was not atypical and uncommon among house elves.

Dobby is clearly an extraordinary person, but in many ways he may be a very ordinary house. We don't really know, which is a shame in my mind not only in that I wish we say more of house elves in the book, but also a shame from a Potterverse perspective in that house elves are so rarely given the chance to show themselves to be extraordinary or, for that matter, boring or romantic or any other number of things they may be capable of if given notice and/or freedom.

I have an additional reason, besides weak numerical reasoning (one Dobby vs. two other elves, Winky and Kreacher) to think him an unusual House Elf. There is also the reaction of the other Hogwarts House Elves to Dobby. These are "bound" elves who, however, work under the best possible conditions available in the Wizarding World of the present of the series, for a rather enlightened master (Hogwarts/Dumbledore, and later, one presumes, Snape). There are many of them, and it appears they arrive at the school from various circumstances, and are not all members of the same immediate family. Thus, it seems to me that their reactions to Dobby and Winky are a fair indication of what is "ordinary" or "typical" for House Elves.

"But Dobby hasn't found work, sir, because Dobby wants paying now!"

The house-elves all around the kitchen, who had been listening and watching with interest, all looked away at these words, as though Dobby had said something rude and embarrassing.

Which is not to say I think House Elves should remain enslaved in the exact manner in which they are now enslaved indefinitely, just that the right solution in the Potterverse may be something more gradual. (And, something they demand for themselves). I personally see the House Elves beginning to take a stand for the first time with Kreacher as their leader, in the final battle of Deathly Hallows. They fight against Voldemort (whose followers, as Dobby has told us, generally did not value, and abused, House Elves), in the name of "Regulus, defender of the house-elves". Which seems to me, a stand for more humane treatment of all House Elves, as a starting point which is perhaps more understandable and culturally/socially acceptable ot the House Elf on the street than Dobby's more visionary goal of complete freedom. (Which is probably the end goal, even if most elves would cringe at the thought now...)

Kreacher was talking about Harry, not Regulus. Ron told Kreacher that they wanted to do something to help all house-elves. (In my opinion).

Hagrid mentioned at one point that Dobby was odd, and he mentioned that there was an odd one in every type of creature.

Kreacher was talking about Harry, not Regulus. Ron told Kreacher that they wanted to do something to help all house-elves. (In my opinion).

The house-elves of Hogwarts swarmed into the entrance hall, screaming and waving carving knives and cleavers, and at their head, the locket of Regulus Black bouncing on his chest, was Kreacher, his bullfrog’s voice audible even above this din: “Fight! Fight! Fight for my Master, defender of the house-elves! Fight the Dark Lord, in the name of brave Regulus! Fight!”

Kreacher was quite clearly talking about Regulus, he is the only person Kreacher mentioned by name. But he could have meant Harry too (his Master, at that time, was Harry, though not if he believed him dead. I guess that would be Petunia?! Now there is an interesting thought... :lol: )

Good point about Harry mentioning Dobby's uniqueness, as well.

I'm sorry, I still think he was talking about Harry, since we don't know that Regulus was defender of house-elves. I think he believed that Harry was alive. Or if he was dead, that would give Kreacher more reason to fight.

There is also the reaction of the other Hogwarts House Elves to Dolby. These are "bound" elves who, however, work under the best possible conditions available in the Wizarding World of the present of the series, for a rather enlightened master (Hogwarts/Dumbledore, and later, one presumes, Snape). There are many of them, and it appears they arrive at the school from various circumstances, and are not all members of the same immediate family. Thus, it seems to me that their reactions to Dobby and Winky are a fair indication of what is "ordinary" or "typical" for House Elves.[\QUOTE]

This is indeed the public reaction of a group of house elves. Bear in mind that this has limited bearing on how uncommon or unnatural Dobby's views on his enslavement and subsequent freedom, since the most it shows us that none of the house elves, at that moment in front of wizards and peers, were seen standing up for Dobby. It is reasonable to think that Dobby's outlook was that of a minority. This might be a minority of one but could also be a significant minority that was simply afraid or not or not in a position to express solidarity with Dobby given the expected reaction of the wizarding class and at least many of their peers, not to mention the negative impact it might have on their own quality of life. Beyond this, I think it reasonable, if dangerous, to take into the account that part of the abuse of house elves is that their beliefs on their natures and proper role is shaped from birth by a wizards and a system tell them what to do and likely also what to believe about themselves and their place in the word.

You bring up the fact that these are some of the best-treated house elves in the world, which I think actually makes them less inclined to see or understand the injustice of their plight or to have actionable desire for freedom. Dobby after all harbors hopes of freedom in the midst of what most must an environment of great abuse even for a traditional house elf.

[QUOTE=merrymarge;5875536]Hagrid mentioned at one point that Dobby was odd, and he mentioned that there was an odd one in every type of creature.

Yes, this brings up a related point. Hagrid was right to say that Dobby acted "odd" for a house elf just as arithmancer is right to say that he did not act in an "ordinary" or "typical" fashion for the race, but they are only necessarily right in that we know Dobby did and said thing we never see from other house elves. This does not mean it was unnatural or rare for other house elves to think the the things Dobby thought or that many others wouldn't have acted similarly if they were in Dobby's rather rare circumstances. [Hagrid also hits one of my by failing to draw a distinction between sentient, moral non-humans and other magical creatures. It doesn't bother me as much with Hagrid though as it does with other characters and fans since he tends to anthropomorphize all magical creature and certainly doesn't mean the same thing as Bellatrix calling Dobby a monkey.]

...we don't know that Regulus was defender of house-elves.

To go off topic, I agree that Harry could very well have been Kreacher's "defender of the house-elves." That was certainly my first reading of the quote. However, it is true that Regulus saved Kreacher's life by recalling him from the cave and chose to drink the poison himself instead of making Kreacher do it a second time. Even if protecting house elves was not his primary objective is is far more than many wizards would have done and was surely enough for Kreacher to view him as such a "defender" given the affection that already existed.


Which is not to say I think House Elves should remain enslaved in the exact manner in which they are now enslaved indefinitely, just that the right solution in the Potterverse may be something more gradual. (And, something they demand for themselves). I personally see the House Elves beginning to take a stand for the first time with Kreacher as their leader, in the final battle of Deathly Hallows. They fight against Voldemort (whose followers, as Dobby has told us, generally did not value, and abused, House Elves), in the name of "Regulus, defender of the house-elves". Which seems to me, a stand for more humane treatment of all House Elves, as a starting point which is perhaps more understandable and culturally/socially acceptable ot the House Elf on the street than Dobby's more visionary goal of complete freedom. (Which is probably the end goal, even if most elves would cringe at the thought now...)

Here, here. I agree with this, only with the added desire to downplay the idea that we have enough information to make broad assumptions about the inner lives of house elves and to emphasize that resistance to freedom and equality on the part of wizards or elves is itself a part of the problem which should address as soon as possible with a maximal amount of dignity and thoughtfulness.