this is probably going to seem like a stupid question to a lot of you but i was wondering, in book 2 (chamber of secrets) ron says the house-elves are commonly found in the homes of "rich" wizard families, yet in book 4, we find out that house elves are not paid for their services? what's up with that?
2007-01-14 13:51:24 · 13 answers · asked by fhqwhgads_sibbie 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
House Elves are a type of slave. Think of it this way, back before the civil war there were many slaves, some poor families might have had one or two slaves, but the rich families had many slaves. The more money you have the more slaves you have. It's the same with house elves. Even as Elves they are only seen as property, the owner has to have the money necessary to take care of their basic needs.
2007-01-14 13:57:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rich families viewed the house elves as a sign of prestige, and poorer families probably didn't care.
Even though it isn't said in the book, I assume that the house elves have to come from somewhere, and the dealer would make all the money on the sales.
2007-01-14 22:48:00 · answer #2 · answered by Sandy Lou 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably started with a prestigue issue among house elves. A "My master is more important than yours" attitude. Now, house elves are bound to a family, sort of a slavery issue but it could be that the elves are paid in other ways besides money (sheltered, fed, protected, etc).
The house elves are much more powerful than wizards are-Dobby manages to apparate and disapperate inside Hogwarts. So it makes me wonder if there is any natural enemies of house elves. Wild elves maybe?
2007-01-14 22:03:44 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the 'rich' families are like royalty in the wizarding world. The house-elves are a trademark of their wealth status. And mre than likely, in this day and age it's probably more to do with a house-elf cannot leave unless he is given clothing from a human.
2007-01-14 22:01:16 · answer #4 · answered by fUnKi BaBi 69 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's probably because the rich wizard families can support the house elves and other families can't.
2007-01-14 21:58:04 · answer #5 · answered by Dawn S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a house-elf is bound to its owner it stays that way. Not only does the house-elf itself is bound to it's owner, it's offspring are too. So a house-elf can be passed down from generation to generation (An example being Winky. I think she mentioned that she disgraced her family when Barty Crouch offered her clothes, and also in the Black Mansion, all those house-elf heads on the plaques suggest that Kreacher's family lineage must've worked for the Blacks as well)
Aside from that what Ron really meant was that house-elves are commonly found with mansions (meaning they come with the mansion when you buy them). That's why rich families own them; because only they could afford such rich houses.
2007-01-14 22:01:18 · answer #6 · answered by crystaleyez 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most these answers are bull **** the only reason rich families have more is the simple fact the elves dont get paid but you still have to buy them from other wizards. which cost lots of money.
2007-01-18 21:25:36 · answer #7 · answered by suicidefreaq15 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is because these house elves are showing off your class. They are like a Prada Bag today. They show you have money. If you have a house elf, you are considered on the higher class. Because no lower class person would have this type of person to pick up after them. They are used to show off your money & wealth. That is why Lucious Malfoy would have one but Arthur Wesley would not. It is a symbol of social hierachy & where you stand;; it is not actual money, just money represented through the elves.
2007-01-14 22:02:42 · answer #8 · answered by Backstoker1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I imagine that house elves need something to do constantly; also when you think about it, when the so called rich families were gathering back back in the days of old, they probably snatched up a load of free workers for large places such as manors(being greedy with fre help?). Maybe they're drawn to large ancient laces and title holders?
2007-01-14 22:47:41 · answer #9 · answered by ro_buddi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There would be no reason to pay them for their services, they are not allowed time off to spend it. That's why they end up wearing clothes made out of household items like towels, etc. They're slaves essentially, and made to work for the rich people who can afford to purchase them or those who were passed down from one family to the next generation. Is it wrong, heck yes, but that's the take on the book. Hope that helps.
2007-01-14 22:03:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anna Hennings 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋