8/10/2019 Marxist Analysis of Harry Potter

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Mariam Hussain

Mphil 1, Critical theory, FJWU

Marxist Analysis of Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone

Rowlings Harry Potter both supports and opposes the capitalist ideology. There are references of

capitalistic exploitation of the proletariat but also glorification of capitalism when the system is not

corrupt.

The Dursleys are a representative of capitalists which exploits the poor. They are bourgeoisie

which is supported by the claim that they had everything they wanted. Mr. Dursley has the power

to yell at five different people and get his son thirty-eight birthday presents. The Dursleys

symbolize capitalistic exploitation, as they exploit an orphaned Harry into giving them labour for

nothing. Ten year old Harry performs chores in the house and helps with the cooking while he is

given nothing in return except small amounts of food and used worn clothes which do not fit. Harry

has no personal possessions and is kept in a closet when he is not working. In this regard the

Dursleys are an accurate symbol of the bourgeoisie who take the maximum possible giving the least

they can in return. There is also the commodification of Harry who is regarded for his exchange

value in the labour he provides, exchanged for feeding and keeping him.

The Harry Potter books are not against capitalism either. The magical world is as much

capitalist as the non magical one. Gringotts, the bank and centre for all monitory exchange is a

snowy white building which towered over the other little shops. Its huge stature is symbolic of its

supremacy over everything else especially all the other commerce around it. Rowling also glorifies

Gringotts giving it marble hallways, high security and is run by fantastical methodical creatures i.e.

Goblins. Goblins have long fingers, symbolic of all the money they count and deal with and run the

monitory system for a profit. They are incredibly rich and could be relied upon to keep other

peoples riches safe too because they are creatures of principal. The first time Harry sees them there

are about a hundred goblins...sitting on high stools behind a long counter, scribbling in largeledgers, weighing coins on brass scales, examining precious stones through eyeglasses and then

Harry watches the goblin on their right weighing rubies as big as glowing coals. Both images

depict the very heart of capitalism, something which Rowling clearly admires. Gringotts is a place of

wonder and happiness for Harry. Because it is where he suddenly becomes rich from the pauper he

was. The transition from proletariat to Bourgeoisie makes Gingotts an admirable place for Harry,

colouring the views of the average reader, especially considering the books are meant to be read by

children. This makes them an element of hegemonic design.

The socio-economic structure of society is first introduced in the book when the children

meet each other in the Hogwarts Express. The Weasleys are representatives of Proletariots. They arenumerous and poor, with working class parentage. Rowling portrays the Weasleys very positively.

They are kind to Harry, care for and watch out for Harry and are generous despite their poverty.

Mrs. Weasley guides Harry to the platform and forbids her children from asking him about

Voldemort, as to not incite bad memories. Mrs. Weasley is symbolic of an ideal loving mother and

the Weasleys symbolize the institution of family. The in-depth positive portrayal of the Weasleys- a

working class family- is in fact a socialist outlook.

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