Ravenclaw House : Group Character Analysis

[Nicole]

This thread was suggested by several members, but put together through the efforts of Fuelpagan.

Ravenclaw

Sorting Hat, Year 1 Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, If you've a ready mind, Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind;

Sorting Hat, Year 4 For Ravenclaw, the cleverest Would always be the best;

Sorting Hat, Year 5 Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach all those whose Intelligence is surest . . . And only those of sharpest mind Were taught by Ravenclaw

Some questions to start the discussion:

Is there a predominant quality that a Ravenclaw must have in order to be a Ravenclaw?

It appears that Ravenclaw is a resting place for highly intelligent students that lack qualities that Slytherin or Gryffindor would select as in the case of Severus Snape and Hermione. What might be an example of someone almost chosen for one of the other houses but was placed in Ravenclaw?

What Ravenclaws will be key players in the last book?

What are some of the decisions that students from other houses have made that Ravenclaws would decide differently?

What are the significance of Air and the Raven to Ravenclaw?

What is the significance of JKR splitting the students into classes and why did she make Ravenclaw House from a literary perspective?

[PotterPig]

It is funny that when I think of Ravenclaw two people automatically come to mind, Cho and Luna, who at first glance don't seem to have anything in common. While Cho must be intelligent, she doesn't show the same type of courage that Gryffindors have. She is completely and understandably torn apart by Cedric's death, which gives her the resolve to join the DA and learn how to protect herself. Luna, who is intelligent in her own little world, is driven by knowledge and not by emotions. She seems to be brave just from her batttle at the ministry and at Hogwarts, but I think it is more the absence of fear than actual bravery. I believe there is a difference.
I would venture to say that Ravenclaws make their decisions based on what they know rather than on how they feel. I think that is why Hermione wasn't put in Ravenclaw. She is intelligent, but she also lets her emotions influence her decisions.
As for Ravenclaws who could have been in other houses, I assume that Marietta could have been a good slytherin with her habit of snitching on people.
For key players in the next book, I think Luna will be the number one Ravenclaw. I think that Cho will pretty much be out of the picture. As for the boys in Ravenclaw that could be a great help to Harry if they can actually unite together. They did learn a lot in the DA and they just might step up to the task, but I actually doubt it.
I think that JKR split the school into houses to show different types of people. The literary standpoint was great because there are really people who completely rely on books and intelligence and nothing else.

[RemusLupinFan]

Is there a predominant quality that a Ravenclaw must have in order to be a Ravenclaw?
Intelligence seems to be the most prominent quality for a Ravenclaw. Not to suggest people in the other Houses are not intelligent, the people in Ravenclaw would seem to have to possess intelligence that’s a step above the rest. A Ravenclaw’s power is a power of the mind.

It appears that Ravenclaw is a resting place for highly intelligent students that lack qualities that Slytherin or Gryffindor would select as in the case of Severus Snape and Hermione. What might be an example of someone almost chosen for one of the other houses but was placed in Ravenclaw?
The only example that’s coming to mind at the moment is Luna Lovegood, who appears to have Gryffindor bravery and courage aplenty, but who values knowledge and wit more.

What Ravenclaws will be key players in the last book?

• Luna Lovegood – I believe she will join Harry and co on their horcrux hunt
• Professor Flitwick - if he’s in the Order or if he’s helping the Order I’m sure he’ll play a role
• Padma Patil – she was in the DA, so it’s possible she may play a role
• Cho Chang, Michael Corner, and Terry Boot may have limited or no roles

What are some of the decisions that students from other houses have made that Ravenclaws would decide differently?
In general, I’d say Ravenclaws would decide to tackle problems using knowledge and logic rather than instinct and feeling. I like what PotterPig said about Hermione letting her emotions influence her actions more than a Ravenclaw would.

What are the significance of Air and the Raven to Ravenclaw?
Perhaps the significance of Air to Ravenclaw is that they are on a higher plain of learning than everyone else. As for the Raven, it is the symbol of knowledge. The raven is also a trickster, teacher and hoarder. It can represent healing, initiation, protection, shaman's power, transformation, change in consciousness, and mark of a shape shifter as well. Additionally it represents mystery and exploration of the unknown, which I really think fit with Ravenclaw.

What is the significance of JKR splitting the students into classes and why did she make Ravenclaw House from a literary perspective?
Ravenclaw’s significance as a House is that it embodies strength of the mind. Slytherin also seems to embody a sort of strength of the mind, but Ravenclaw’s strength of the mind comes from knowledge and learning rather than the application of knowledge, which seems to be more of a Slytherin area. I sort of consider Ravenclaws to be theorists while Slytherins are the ones who employ those theories.

[LJB85]

Originally Posted by Nicole

Ravenclaw


Is there a predominant quality that a Ravenclaw must have in order to be a Ravenclaw?

Yes there is a predominant quality. One besides intelligence. Ravenclaws have their intelligence, but there is a further goal for them than that. Ravenclaws do have a higher goal than just hoarding their knowledge and book-learning. From this knowledge they gain wisdom. A simple definition of wisdom is, "knowledge applied." It is how they use their knowledge that marks them as what kind of Ravenclaw they will be. Luna for instance, mostly uses her knowledge to support her own theories about the world and for her faith in the unseen and unknown. But we haven't seen too many Ravenclaws in my opinion, so I can't think of another interesting example.

It appears that Ravenclaw is a resting place for highly intelligent students that lack qualities that Slytherin or Gryffindor would select as in the case of Severus Snape and Hermione.

It is also important to point out, that Ravenclaws are not just thrown in there because they're intelligent, and possessing no other qualities and that would explan why Snape and Hermione aren't in there. The other quality is wisdom, which is the virtue of the house and should be a commendable quality to have, even in the absence of courage, ambition, or justice. Not all Ravenclaws are necessarily the geniuses either. There are probably some average or high-average people in Ravenclaw who just value intelligence above all else and/or have the capacity to grow into a wise individual.

What Ravenclaws will be key players in the last book?

Yes, definitely. Since JKR said "Ravenclaws will have their day." I think it is either Luna or Flitwick.

What are some of the decisions that students from other houses have made that Ravenclaws would decide differently?

I can think of one off the top of my head, but I may be wrong. In COS when Ron and Harry miss the train, and Mcgonagall points out that they should of waited for Arthur and Molly to come back through the barrier, or at least use Harry's owl to send a message to Hogwarts. Mcgonagall points out that, they should have thought more carefully. That is what a Ravenclaw probably would have done. Of course, some Gryffindor children, (Hermione, Mcgonagall (at 12), probably would have too. But more Ravenclaws would have than the other houses, and a Ravenclaw would have made a smarter choice than Ron or Harry did there.

What are the significance of Air and the Raven to Ravenclaw?

I read how a Raven symbolizes in this context how it is always hunting, and Ravenclaws hunt for knowledge. I think air, may be a way to show that Ravenclaw is the most abstract and least concrete of the four. It deals mostly with theoretical principles, in how they interact with the world.

Also like to point out that Ravenclaws don't have to go by the book for learning. There must be plenty that don't and that is one thing Hermione doesn't do that Ravenclaws may. The cleverest people, after all make amazing break-throughs and discoveries and you have to usually go into un-charterered terrority.

[BublGumPnkHar]

What Ravenclaws will be key players in the last book?
To those mentioning Cho Chang, it must be remembered that she was one year ahead of Harry and should have left school, in HBP.

Since she only received a mention or two in HBP, I think her contribution is done.

[horcrux4]

I think the quest for knowledge drives a Ravenclaw. Not necessarily great intelligence but the desire to know more. They are the sort of people who consult a book before doing anything (The Sorting Hat did consider putting Hermione in Ravenclaw!). I doubt you'd find a stupid Ravenclaw though - that wouldn't work.

Air is a good medium for people who have their heads in the clouds. They may not be totally sensible - common sense and learning don't always go together. Nor need they be logical, or have the capacity to make logical deductions from what they know. But if you want facts, go see a Ravenclaw!

Wonder what they make of Divination??

[Fuelpagan]

Originally Posted by BublGumPnkHar

To those mentioning Cho Chang, it must be remembered that she was one year ahead of Harry and should have left school, in HBP.

Technically Harry said he wasn't coming back to school as well. Personally I think we shall see several former students at Hogwarts in the next book, but not as students. But this isn't the place to debate if Harry or anyone else will be back at Hogwarts.

Cho can still play a role regardless of whether she is at Hogwarts. I see Cho and Harry moving passed their relationship and becoming friendly in a platonic way. She may not have as big a role as say, luna. But Cho can still play a part in the fight against evil.

[rzrbks]

I sort of consider Ravenclaws to be theorists while Slytherins are the ones who employ those theories.

I would phrase that more as finding a way to use anyhting they(Slytherins) can get their hands on to advance their own personal desires.

A "Returned" Potions Prof comes to mind as a good example. While he does do some important teaching, the main reason he returns to Hogwarts is to further his own ends and to heck with what other people need or want. Thus he is the perfect Head of Slytherin House, even more so than Snape.

[MHPFAN]

Originally Posted by Fuelpagan

Cho can still play a role regardless of whether she is at Hogwarts. I see Cho and Harry moving passed their relationship and becoming friendly in a platonic way. She may not have as big a role as say, luna. But Cho can still play a part in the fight against evil.

I agree. I still think there is some bravery and courage in Cho that we have yet to see. I believe she will die, but she might still be important in book 7. She could be one of the people who will represent Ravenclaw and unite with the rest of the Houses to provide Harry with help.

[horcrux4]

Well, there must be some point in the people Harry trained in the DA. Quite a selection of those were Ravenclaws and although they didn't come out to fight at the end of HBP (only Neville & Luna seemed to be checking their coins regularly) I'm sure they'll put those skills to use in book 7. Maybe even Marietta if the spots have worn off!

[Alonna]

Originally Posted by MHPFAN

I agree. I still think there is some bravery and courage in Cho that we have yet to see. I believe she will die, but she might still be important in book 7. She could be one of the people who will represent Ravenclaw and unite with the rest of the Houses to provide Harry with help.

I really doubt that we will see Cho in book seven given that she only received one mention in HBP. Also, it's unlikely that she will be doing any uniting of houses since she finished her schooling at the end of HBP. Even if she appears in book seven, she's not going to be hanging around Hogwarts.

[MHPFAN]

Originally Posted by Alonna

I really doubt that we will see Cho in book seven given that she only received one mention in HBP. Also, it's unlikely that she will be doing any uniting of houses since she finished her schooling at the end of HBP. Even if she appears in book seven, she's not going to be hanging around Hogwarts.

People speculate that Harry won't be back at Hogwarts either in the seventh book, but because he is a true Gryffindor, he could "rally the troops" as he did in OOTP and unite other people who represent the other Houses. I doubt Cho's character will be of that much importance in book 7, but even outside of school, she could provide some kind of help. The Sorting Hat has said that the Houses should unite against evil, I cannot remember the exact quote, and that could mean anyone who truly represents the qualities of his or her respective House. Even Draco, who is a Slytherin, could help Harry in the hunt if he so wishes to go with the decision he seems to have made at the end of HBP.

[Puchula]

Is there a predominant quality that a Ravenclaw must have in order to be a Ravenclaw?
Well acording to the Sorting Hat there's only one quality needed and that's remarkable inteligence. I liked what LJB85 said about wisdom, although I'm not sure if that many Ravenclaws accomplish it I believe that's what Rowena Ravenclaw was looking for.

It appears that Ravenclaw is a resting place for highly intelligent students that lack qualities that Slytherin or Gryffindor would select as in the case of Severus Snape and Hermione. What might be an example of someone almost chosen for one of the other houses but was placed in Ravenclaw?
I'd change that statement a bit; instead of saying they lack those qualities I'd say they give more importance to other qualities (intelligence). Through the books JKR has hinted that, in the end, it’s not the qualities that you have what matter rather than what you want to make with those qualities. Remember what Dumbledore told Harry at the end of CoS? Harry had been told by the Hat that he had a lot of Slytherin qualities, yet he asked to be placed in Gryffindor and so he was. Dumbledore’s speech was about making decisions in your life and choosing who you want to be with the qualities you were given.
Ravenclaws don’t necessarily lack courage, but rather use intelligence before acting according to their feelings. They are also extremely intelligent and even cunning, but they are not willing to let their ambitions drive them.

What Ravenclaws will be key players in the last book?
Luna Lovegood almost for sure, her role has grown bigger and bigger and as a part of the DA and Harry’s closest group of friends I don’t think she’s going to be left out. Flitwick could play an interesting role as well, being a part of the Order and also of Hogwarts Staff who now has to face a new stage in its history. I’m not so sure about Cho, it’s strue that her role wasn’t too big in HBP and she seems to have fulfilled her role in the plot, yet it’s never too late for a twist and she was part of the DA and one of the people that could help Harry.

What are some of the decisions that students from other houses have made that Ravenclaws would decide differently?
I’d say any impulsive decision. I made a similar statement regarding what Slytherins would have done different, I think the main (and maybe only) difference between the way these Houses would react in this kind of scenario is that Slytherins would act in a more selfish way, looking for what would be best for them and only them; Ravenclaws would think of others and here I think it’d come to play the wisdom LJB85 mentioned before.

What are the significance of Air and the Raven to Ravenclaw?
To be honest I’m clueless here.

What is the significance of JKR splitting the students into classes and why did she make Ravenclaw House from a literary perspective?
I believe each House represents a stereotype you’d usually find in any school/life. The brave kids most people likes (Gryffindors), the bullies everyone despises (Slytherin), the Know-It-Alls (Ravenclaws) and the low profile students who can be very good people yet no-one pays them much attention (Hufflepuffs).

[adam_12]

One thing that's always struck me as funny is that the Gryffindors don't have any classes with the Ravenclaws. It makes sense for them to have Care of Magical Creatures and Potions and DADA with the Slytherins for all of the angst that comes with those classes, but why don't they have Charms or Astronomy or some class like that with the Ravenclaws. It seems like the Ravenclaws have basically been hidden from us and it seems to me that there must be a reason. JKR wouldn't have just created them to not do anything with them.

[BublGumPnkHar]

Originally Posted by adam_12

One thing that's always struck me as funny is that the Gryffindors don't have any classes with the Ravenclaws. It makes sense for them to have Care of Magical Creatures and Potions and DADA with the Slytherins for all of the angst that comes with those classes, but why don't they have Charms or Astronomy or some class like that with the Ravenclaws. It seems like the Ravenclaws have basically been hidden from us and it seems to me that there must be a reason. JKR wouldn't have just created them to not do anything with them.

One correction: it is only in the movies that the Slytherins have DADA with the Gryffindors. Gryffindors have always had their DADA classes "in house" (just like Tranfiguration). It is only when they get to their NEWT level classes that all the houses are combined to make up a full class.

I have always wanted to see a Ravenclaw/Gryffindor class, also. My other dearest wish, is to have seen a Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw Potions class, to see how Snape treats his other classes (without the presence of a Harry Potter, a know-it-all Hermione, or his "beloved Slytherins").

[adam_12]

Originally Posted by BublGumPnkHar

One correction: it is only in the movies that the Slytherins have DADA with the Gryffindors. Gryffindors have always had their DADA classes "in house" (just like Tranfiguration). It is only when they get to their NEWT level classes that all the houses are combined to make up a full class.

Okay, it's been over a year since I've reread the books and I was too lazy to go back and check.

Originally Posted by BublGumPnkHar

I have always wanted to see a Ravenclaw/Gryffindor class, also. My other dearest wish, is to have seen a Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw Potions class, to see how Snape treats his other classes (without the presence of a Harry Potter, a know-it-all Hermione, or his "beloved Slytherins").

That would be interesting, but, unfortunately, we're never going to get to see that. I imagine there's not much for Snape to gripe about with them.

[Puchula]

Originally Posted by BublGumPnkHar

I have always wanted to see a Ravenclaw/Gryffindor class, also. My other dearest wish, is to have seen a Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw Potions class, to see how Snape treats his other classes (without the presence of a Harry Potter, a know-it-all Hermione, or his "beloved Slytherins").

I'm sure he'd find someone else to pick on. For example I can picture him going nuts with Luna because she comes up with such weird things, imagine Snape, always so precise, trying to explain a potion and having to deal with Luna telling him that the potion is useless because chicken egg shells broken on winter solstice have the same effect.

[Lisa_Turpin]

Is there a predominant quality that a Ravenclaw must have in order to be a Ravenclaw?
Ravenclaws are the kind of people who learn things for the sake of knowing them. They love informationa and use their intelligence to the best of their abilities. Their predominant trait is definitely intelligence-- the gaining of it and the implementation. A desire to learn and understand is very important.

It appears that Ravenclaw is a resting place for highly intelligent students that lack qualities that Slytherin or Gryffindor would select as in the case of Severus Snape and Hermione. What might be an example of someone almost chosen for one of the other houses but was placed in Ravenclaw?
There are certain characteristics that set Gryffindors and Slytherins apart from Ravenclaws. While a Ravenclaw could be brave or daring, the person would not most likely run toward danger without logically considering what would happen to him or her first; we get the impression from Harry especially and sometimes Ron that Gryffindors are willing to come running at the first sign of trouble without thinking logically through everything.

Also Ravenclaws might not be considered as egocentric or ambitious to the point of trampling over others like Slytherins are seen as. Slytherins are more likely to focus on themselves and what is best for them and how they can change a situation to suit them best. A Ravenclaw may also be this way, but one would guess that they have a certain awareness of others and how their actions could help other people as well.

I think a good example of someone who might have been sorted somewhere else is Luna because of her bravery and willingness to follow Harry into uncertain danger in both OotP and HBP. However, she seems to more actively embody the spirit of an air sign and definitely values studies over bravery, which makes her more suited for Ravenclaw.

(As a side-note, I think you could add a quote from the Sorting Hat song from Year 2 that we didn't hear. Luna says, when Ginny refers to her as Ravenclaw, that "wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure." Presumably this rhyming phrase would have been the Hat's description of Ravenclaw the year those two were sorted.)

What Ravenclaws will be key players in the last book?
Luna Lovegood will be with Harry for a good chunk of it, I think. She might not go all the way to the end with him like Ron and Hermione, but if she is called upon to act, she will be at his side, ready to fight.

What are some of the decisions that students from other houses have made that Ravenclaws would decide differently?
One situation for me that always comes to mind is when Harry has his dream in OotP that Sirius is trapped and Harry needs to go to his rescue. Hermione implores him to think through the situation logically, but Harry doesn't want to listen.

I know Hermione isn't a Ravenclaw, but I feel this is a part of her personality that made the Sorting Hat strongly consider putting her there. Hermione asks Harry to go through all of his options before going to the MoM, saying that, once he is sure, she will follow him. Harry, being a true and loyal Gryffindor, is willing to go to Sirius's aid without any questions, but Hermione, exhibiting her logical Ravenclaw tendencies, begs him to check all possibilities first and think everything through.

What are the significance of Air and the Raven to Ravenclaw?

This is the marker of the intellectual. Airy people are smart thinkers and handle abstract reasoning well. They love to analyze, synthesize and probe. Air Signs are communicative, intellectual, clever and fair.

Just thought I'd throw a definition of Air Signs in for people who weren't familiar with it.

As you can see from the definition, air signs are the thinkers and intellectuals, which goes very strongly with how Ravenclaw is identified in the books-- a commune for the "smart people" of Hogwarts. They are the ones who love to learn whatever they can, which characterizes an air sign.

I think the raven is important because it is a bird, which probably goes along with the air sign thing. Birds are associated with air, which I guess just puts us back at the beginning.

[The_Spaniard]

Jo said Ravenclaw will have its moment in the sun. That's gotta be Luna. Either that, or it was cho

[MissingOctober]

Originally Posted by Nicole

Some questions to start the discussion:

Is there a predominant quality that a Ravenclaw must have in order to be a Ravenclaw?

When I think of Ravenclaw I think 'intelligence.' Hermione is intelligent, however she is a product of the books she reads and so much more. She has more heart than brain, if that makes sense, because I feel she would put her life down on the line for a friend whereas a Ravenclaw, in their first year, would probably just merely scold their friends if they were to set off on a dangerous adventure. The difference between Ravenclaw and the other houses is instinct. Ravenclaws have the instinct to use their head, Gryffindors have the instinct to use their raw emotions and gut, Slytherins have the instinct to follow what is pure and "right," and Hufflepuffs... I can't really recall what they are into. Are they suppose to be the loyal ones?

Originally Posted by Nicole

What Ravenclaws will be key players in the last book?

I could see Luna helping right alongside the trio and the Order, just as she did in OOTP, but I couldn't see Cho being significant.

Originally Posted by The Spaniard

Jo said Ravenclaw will have its moment in the sun. That's gotta be Luna.

I completely agree.