Respect and Loyalty in the Harry Potter Series: How House-Elves React to Commands
In the Harry Potter series, the complex relationship between house-elves and their Masters is a central theme. House-elves like Kreacher must obey any order given to them, yet their respect and loyalty are deeply influenced by their experiences and feelings toward their Masters.
Understanding House-Elves: A Complex Obligation
Unlike the straightforward sense of obedience, respect among house-elves involves genuine admiration and appreciation. Kreacher's relationship with Harry and his friends initially reflects this complexity. Kreacher's disdain for those he considers outcasts stems from his past with the Black family, where his loyalty was tested and often broken.
Harry's Command and Kreacher's Respect
Let's consider the hypothetical scenario where Harry commands Kreacher to respect Hermione. While Harry could indeed order Kreacher to follow Hermione's directions, true respect from Kreacher would stem from recognizing Hermione's qualities and intentions, rather than a direct command.
This respect would likely develop organically through Hermione's actions and the way she treats Kreacher. For instance, Hermione's kindness, her commitment to house-elf rights, and her understanding nature would naturally earn Kreacher's respect over time. This approach mimics the way Dobby, another house-elf, developed a bond with Harry based on admiration and love, not strict obedience.
House-Elves and Emotions: Breaking the Status Quo
House-elves like Kreacher are capable of emotions and can break rules to suit their own ends. In the Chamber of Secrets, Dobby's actions illustrate this. Despite being commanded by the Malfoys not to help Harry, Dobby defied the law because of his love and admiration for Harry. This act of defiance is a clear example of a house-elf breaking free from their obligations to do what they believe is morally right.
Kreacher's loyalty to the Black family was similarly complex. He detested Sirius due to Sirius's status as an outcast and his lack of pure-blood loyalty. Despite being forced to obey Sirius, Kreacher's underlying dislike and lack of true love led him to refuse, even leading to the tragic death of Sirius. It was not until Harry learned to treat Kreacher with respect and love that Kreacher began to respect him.
Loving Respect vs. Forced Obedience
The relationship between respect and obedience among house-elves highlights the importance of empathy and love. While house-elves can be made to obey through commands, true respect arises from genuine admiration and appreciation. This often takes time and genuine effort on the part of the Master to earn.
Harry's experience with Kreacher serves as a reminder that love and kindness are often more effective than strict commands. When Harry initially treated Kreacher with rudeness, he received no real answers. It was only through Hermione's insistence and Harry's willingness to treat Kreacher with respect and kindness that Kreacher began to respect and assist them.
Conclusion
In summary, house-elves like Kreacher have complex relationships with obedience and respect. True respect is not simply a matter of obedience; it involves genuine admiration and appreciation. While a Master can command obedience, true respect emerges from a bond based on love and understanding.
By modeling their behavior after the example set by figures like Dobby and Hermione, Masters can earn the respect of their house-elves, making their relationships more fulfilling and effective.