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 large
ledgers, 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 are
numerous 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.

Mariam Hussain
Mphil 1, Critical theory, FJWU

The interaction with Draco portrays class difference and the societys ostracization of people
on predetermined standards. Draco believes in blood purity- a concept that belonging to a rich
magical bloodline alone is superior to those people who are not rich and do not have a purely
magical bloodline. Hence he scorns Hermione for her muggle parentage and Ron for his poverty.
This outlook is classicist because of his belief that his blood line makes him better and superior to
the common. Draco Malfoy offers Harry as alliance with the Haves against the Have-nots because
of Harrys fame and money. He says Youll soon find that some Wizarding families are much better
than the wrong sort. I can help you there. Harrys immediate to Ron marks his as a champion of
the proletariat.
There is also the indication that physical qualities identify class. Draco taunts Ron by saying
All Weasleys have red hair, freckles and more children then they can afford. This ties Rons looks
to the proletariat class, and makes it physical marker of their poverty. Ron too wears shabby cothes
as indicated on numerous occasions. Similarly the Dursleys dressed Harry in rags to exhibit his class
and called him a freak to distance him from their normal family. Harry was also thin and waif like
marking him as someone poor. Mr. Dursley is outraged on seeing an old man wearing a cloak
outside his work place because the cloak identifies him as not normal- Mr. Dursley couldnt bear
people who dressed in funny clothes. This ostacization of a class in society based on dress and preset standards is another hall mark of capitalism.
Rowling also demonstrates the process of indoctrination. Harry, who is being exploited by his
relatives and is living in poverty is recues by Hagrid on Dumbledores orders, making Harry
indebted to Dumbledore. Later on Dumbledore exploits this debt and allies Harry with his
resistance army making him a child hero. Harry who naturally admires Dumbledore is very
enthusiastic. Similarly Ron is indoctrinated by his family to fight against Voldemort and Draco is
indoctrinated by his family to believe is blood purity, class status and being allied with the powerful.
Rowling gives out mixed messages is her book by portraying the proletariat in a positive light yet still
openly supporting capitalist ideology.