Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
| Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Author(s) | J.K. Rowling |
| Series | Harry Potter #4 |
| Subject | fantasy |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury (UK) |
| Released | 2000 |
| Country | UK |
| Media type | print / paper |
| Series chronology | |
| ← Previous | Next → |
| "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" | "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" |
Fourth novel in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
S.P.E.W.
From a feminist perspective, the subplot involving the Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare and the House-Elf Liberation Front, wherein Hermione champions the rights of house-elves, is particularly interesting. House-elves are life-long slaves to their wizard and witch owners, and bound to the houses of their owners, where they perform unpaid domestic work. They can only be freed when their owners give them items of clothing. Hermione, coming from a muggle background, is horrified to discover this, and sets about organising their liberation, using an entirely imperialist approach whereby she attempts to trick the house-elves at Hogwarts into receiving clothes, without consulting them in the matter. The house-elves themselves are reticent at breaking from tradition, although Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore is willing to offer them wages.
The character of Dobby proves an exception. Returning from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, he is an house-elf who has already severed ties from his former, abusive owners, and whom the other house-elves consider to be a disgrace. He embraces remunerated employment and enjoys his freedom.