Vollmer UW-L Journal of Undergraduate Research X (2007)
World Cup in Book IV, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. For the first time in the series, we see Death Eaters,
followers of Lord Voldemort, publicly using magic to harass a family of Muggles, suspending them in the air and
throwing them around like rag dolls. Whereas Ron Weasley insists “that’s sick”
iv
, the Death Eaters take no greater
pleasure than in the torture of Muggles. This is a pivotal point in the exploration of race and hierarchy in the series.
Cynics would say it is human nature to place those who harbor prejudices into positions of power; in fact, from this
point of view, it is not unfair to say that prejudice is a requirement of power. In other words, the structure of power
demands that someone or some group be considered less superior than another. Therefore, the Death Eaters, who
take a sadistic approach in their treatment of Muggles, are discernible as figures of power. The danger of this
combination—power and violence—is reminiscent of past dictatorial regimes, such as that of Adolf Hitler. Another
instance of Hitler déjà vu arises with the increasing emphasis on blood purity in the later books of the Harry Potter
series.
THE WIZARD’S CASTE SYSTEM
Elaine Ostry, in her critical article “Accepting Mudbloods: The Ambivalent Social Vision in J.K. Rowling’s
Fairy Tales,” maintains that Rowling teaches a lesson that people should be judged “by their merits, actions, and
morals rather than their race”
v
. Although Rowling may demonstrate this ideal in her characterization of Harry and
his friends, it is nonetheless an idealistic perception; thus, Rowling also includes familiar controversial issues such
as racism and violence. Indeed, the Harry Potter books would not generate so much criticism if it were not for the
realism that Rowling embeds within a fantastical and entertaining plot. In other words, Harry Potter can be read not
only as a captivating journey into a magical world, but also as a realistic commentary on human experience. As
such, the ideal of judging a person based on “merits, actions, and morals”—as presented by Harry Potter—is
juxtaposed with the oppositional view that only if one is pure-blood can he or she be granted any sort of high-level
status in the Wizarding world. This is the view implied by the actions of the Death Eaters, and very blatantly stated
by characters such as the Malfoys—who represent a corrupt, albeit privileged upper-class mentality. From this
perspective, there is a clear caste system at work in the Wizarding world of Harry Potter. At the top of this distorted
system are the purebloods, families who descend from long lines of witches and wizards. Next are the half-bloods
and mixed breeds. These are wizards and witches who have one parent that is a witch or wizard, and one parent that
is either Muggle-born or another species, such as a giant (Hagrid) or a Veela (Fleur Delacour). Just below (or far
below the half-bloods, according to purebloods such as the Malfoys) are two rare circumstances: the completely
Muggle-born witch or wizard and the Squib. Hermione Granger is the most well-known example of a witch who
was born to two parents of Muggle origin, and she is arguably the most intelligent witch in her class. On the other
hand, there is Argus Filch, caretaker at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, who was born to a wizard
family, but who possesses no magical ability. In addition to Muggle-born wizards and Squibs, there are “blood
traitors,” pure-blood wizards, such as the Weasleys, who support Muggle-born witches and wizards like Hermione.
The “traitors” are regarded by wizard “purists” to be at the same level as or below Muggles.
RACISM AND THE CREATION OF THE ULTIMATE VILLAIN
With so much emphasis on these “blood battles” in the stories, the hypocrisy of the Death Eater’s system of
beliefs becomes very evident. After all, their leader is not pure-blood. Lord Voldemort, formerly Tom Marvolo
Riddle, is the offspring of a witch mother and a Muggle father. However, while still living under the name Tom
Riddle, Voldemort brutally murdered his living Muggle relatives, shielding the fact that he is a half-blood. Perhaps,
then, Voldemort’s followers are not aware of his questionable background. On the other hand, they may choose
only to see the fact that he is a descendant of the great Salazar Slytherin, co-founder of Hogwarts and supporter of a
pure-blood society. It is also possible that Voldemort uses the murder of his Muggle family as his way of “buying”
status in a pure-blood society, viewing blood sacrifices as his payment—a parallel to materialism that will be
explored later. Voldemort further acknowledges the necessity of his father’s death, saying “…and I killed my
father, and see how useful he has proved himself, in death…”
vi
. That is, Voldemort murdered his father and
grandparents; therefore, he has relinquished his Muggle blood through their deaths. As proof of his new status, Tom
Riddle sheds his name and utilizes the pseudonym Lord Voldemort, solidifying his status among pure-blood
wizards.
J.K. Rowling acknowledges that Voldemort is “someone who is incredibly power hungry. Racist, really”
vii
.
Thus, Voldemort’s racism is relative to his desire for power. Voldemort knows that, although he is incredibly
skilled at magic, he must have followers with status in the Wizarding world to successfully implement his reign of
terror. Not surprisingly, those wizards with status are also the most wealthy and most racist wizards—notably the
Malfoys. Again, the power/prejudice structure is seen here. In addition to racist attitudes, Voldemort further
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