Professor Katy McDaniel	Abigail Robertson	John Granger	Keith Hawk

Synopsis:

'Elfin Mystique in the Harry Potter series'

House-elves are essential pieces in the setting and backdrop of the Hogwarts Saga, but, as individual actors and as a Magical species, do they really do much more than highlight the prejudice, ideas, and character of the 'important' players of the series? Dobby, Winky, Kreacher, and the kitchen crew are good for a great laugh and illustration of how evil the Malfoys are, of Dumbledore's politics, how sensitive and idealistic Hermione is, what a boob Ron can be, and of Sirius' serious blind-spots; do they matter, though, in the end? Kathryn McDaniel of Marietta College talks with Keith, John, and [student name] to argue that Rowling's treatment of the House-elves (and Dobby particularly) is "at the core of her message for the whole series." The MuggleNet Academia gang talk about feminism -- are the House-elves really house-wives? -- as well as why Hermione drops S.P.E.W. recruiting, the American Communist Party, even Dobby as Christian hero and Existentialist. Tune in for a wild ride with Kreacher and Kompany!