Despite being classified as child literature, The Harry Potter Series reveals a wizarding world that mirrors real life. Whereas Hogwarts is seen as a prejudice-free community, classism takes place in the first two books significantly within the walls of the legendary school. Blood lineages are briefly described in the first book yet concerns in heritage differences ascend as the second year arrives.
Non-human beings like elves, centaurs, and goblins are introduced and exposed as magical creatures that lack equitable rights. Likewise, J. K. Rowling’s world is divided into social classes that cause discrimination to wizard families whose bloodline is not pure. It is then when characters of muggle descent start to doubt the society’s ideology.
Blood status would stereotype characters and their identities, but with cases like Draco Malfoy this dogma seems to be a myth. Consequently, Malfoy believes to be inherently superior and have higher value than low-class wizards like the Weasleys. He comments on the train ‘No need to ask who you are.
My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford.’ (Sorcerer’s 86). He repeatedly teases Ron with insults and jokes depicting his low tolerance for difference. Additionally, considers Hermione unworthy of being a wizard and verbally insults her by calling her a ‘mudblood’. He portrays unpredictable traits considering his prestige, while Granger proves to be more skilled than any other pureblood character.
Moreover, Rowling’s second work sheds light to magical creatures treated harshly and given no respect. For instance, house elves are magical and intelligent but enslaved and disrespected by most wizards. It is unmistakable to perceive that elves can perform magic without their wand, for example when Dobby makes a cake fly in the Dursleys house.
However, is evident he has no other choice than to be loyal to the Malfoys “The wizard family Dobby serves, sir. Dobby is bound to serve one family forever ‘(Chamber 13). Furthermore, Harry’s treatment of respect and equality make Dobby bursts into tears once offered to sit down. Since Harry was raised by muggles, he does not consider magical creatures to be inferior, he treats them as special and to be worthy of admiration. Dobby’s actions reveal he is not accustomed to freedom and believe to be inferior like wizards say he is.
In essence, classism in the wizarding society weakens and separates individuals similarly to the muggle’s world. The social problems seen here are critics to systems and racism in the human realm. The books expose readers to complex issues like slavery, and if the house elves and other oppressed creatures want a change depends on the novel’s characters.
