Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award

Gilderoy has put a smile on my face more than a time or two and his character seems to be more of the order of comic relief than anything else. But why would Rowling create such a character and what was his literary purpose as far as the HP series is concerned?

We know that underneath those lilac robes, suave demeanor, and overly bright, winning smile, lurks a deceitful, cunning man, who has lied his way through his numerous publications by stealing the works of others. Was this some sort of Jekyll and Hyde allusion? What was the purpose behind this plot device? Is Gilderoy the perfect embodiment of "Fame is a Fickle Friend"?

Can you think of other literary figures that resemble or remind you of Gilderoy?

So, was Gilderoy a classic buffoon, with Rowling just poking fun here with this character? Did you just find him a lovable, harmless rogue, whose only purpose was to annoy Harry and the teachers at Hogwarts? Or are there subtle, deeper meanings behind Gilderoy's character?

*Gilderoy has received correspondence via owl that we have dedicated an entire thread to him, and he thanks his loyal fans from the bottom of his heart, roguish wink *

If JKR's interviews are accepted as canon, Lockhart is not a positive depiction. He seems to have been a cruel, and manipulative person, described by the author as the only character drawn closely true to form.

However, as mentioned in a different thread, JK Rowling has been strongly influenced by the extreme sarcasm of Monty Python. As well, sarcasm -- though it may on surface produce a laugh -- is meant more deeply to evoke thought and concern (sort of like getting a joke a week after hearing it). Lockhart is funny; ludicrous! Just watch out for his "Cornish" Pixies!

Btw, why did JKR name her charity (or support the charity) "Comic Relief"?

I'm going way out on a limb here (but isn't that what Obscurus is about? lol ), but while looking up some possible connections, I came across this name: John Gibson Lockhart. He was/is a somewhat famous biographer . I could definitely see where JKR was poking a bit of fun at people who become famous writing the life stories of other famous people! lol In Gilderoy's case, he adopted those famous feats as his own.

Also, to gild something is:

We know that there was no real substance beneath Gilderoy's very attractive exterior, so a play on his name seems all in the fun.

I agree, ELC, I think the sarcasm can be rather biting without the poisonous venom. That is what I love about Monty Python - all in fun, just don't get squeezed too much about it - lighten up, or it can strangle you! lol

OK, Momwitch; but you're going to see a plain old me (anxiety boost). You know, I sort of think Mr. Lockhart is a decent guy with some strange values. But now wait a minute -- don't all the girls and women swoon over him? Now that's just weird (Granted 2 books later, it's the guys who go starry eyed over the Veelahs.).

And so he's just a wizard "scaredy cat." He's hurt people (so he says). That's not good. And he gets his "comings upin's." That's why he's probably still at St. Mungo's, poor lad.

He's funny. Boring at times. Sometimes makes me laugh (Voices? My look at the time!). Maybe just trying to earn a living (make his way in the world). But have you read any of his books?!!

(ELC's defense wall back up! Level: Theatrical):

Rogue, eh? Scoundrel! Villain! He's NOT lovable - at least I don't love 'em! No, I'm NOT serious about this -- but I do have a point with it. My point is (hang on. Oh yes!). Point is he does something to the plot of Chamber of Secrets. Now if yeh think I'm role playing (for medicinal purposes only, I assure you), I'd have to say I'm not. Why do I say that? Because I'm not playing anyone's role except for Mine!!

What's more: It's for a Purpose. Gilderoy Lockhart is a gem (What did I say?). No a "tool." He's used by the author, as I've read it, to pry open the SECRET to the CHAMBER of SECRETS. See folks, there really ain't no chamber! Not in real life. But if we look inside ourselves (or read our journals, diaries, high school composition essays, etc.) we'll see our own SECRETS (and sometimes we just don't want to do that!)! So instead, yeh jest take a little "joy and happiness" and yeh make yerself laugh. Might even get it goin' where others catch on (and then nobody sees that part of you that you don't want them to see). One might even call it Occlumency. See what I mean?

Interesting take on GL there, Ex Libres.

I have just a teeny bit different take on Gilderoy though.
I see him as almost a male version of a VEELA.
He's uncommonly handsome; he makes (most) females swoon with his charm.
Underneath all that glamour, however, lurks his dirty little secret: He's a thief and a liar.
He has stolen the memories of the witches and wizards who deserved credit for their discoveries; he has lied about how he is such a great wizard himself, when it becomes clear he is little better than a squib, outside of those memory charms.
Furthermore, there is the most unpleasant fact that he was willing to leave Ginny Weasley to die in the Chamber of Secrets, and modify the memories of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Think of the ramifications had that happened.

I agree with the comparison, Fricka. He has a magnetism about him. Is this natural to him; or has he "conditioned" himself (sort of like the comics of pre-sound movies)?

Once inside the Chamber, we might be able to understand his behavour in different ways (e.g. the truth comes out, panic, etc.). However, as a major character of the series; and the only character to have JK Rowling's distinction of "modeled after a real live person;" there really is quite a bit of mystery surrounding him (and DADA teacher???).

But when we pull back a little from this guy, what do we see? I'm embarrassed for him. Yes he's clumsy (in more than one way); and he does have bravado. And he is kind of funny to read. I think it is interesting that his medical skills (broken arms) could not be used to help him after his own curse backfired (still at St. Mungo's?).

I find your question interesting, Ex Libres, that asks whether Gilderoy has "conditioned" himself to be fascinating.
We've just been discussing his background in the Chamber934 Reading Group, wondering what House he would have been in at Hogwarts. I am still rather skeptical of his having attended Hogwarts, as he seems to be in the same age range as Snape, and because there does not seem to be any recognition of him as someone they once taught by Professors McGonagall and Flitwick. However, there is an alternate theory, and that is that GL was so bland, so unmemorable as a student that they simply do not recognize him. If that is the case, then it would seem to be the case that he has indeed conditioned himself--given himself a complete "magical make-over." I wonder if there is a magical world version of a "charm school". Perhaps he read a book about how to become charming--that might have set him on his path of becoming a "somebody." Perhaps he even learned how to do his "memory charms" from a Kwikspell course!
In all other areas of perfoming magic, however, he is woefully unskilled. Your comment that it is too bad he could not use his healing power to save himself from St. Mungo's was really funny--I got a kick out of that! ( I'm sure that had he tried one of his own attempts at a healing spell on himself, they would have been having to use Skele-Gro on him as well as trying to help him retain his memory!)

I'm just in the middle of reading CoS (again) and I find that Lockhart is one of my least favourite book and most favourite movie characters.

Lockhart is egocentrical and irritating and I guess I would feel sorry for his fate if that was the extent of it. But given that he has modified memories for his own gain, and tried to do the same to Ron and Harry, what happened to him is unfortunate, but more than a little bit apt.

On the other hand, modifying memories is harmless to the victim (I guess), if all they lose is the memory of great things they've done, which Lockhart has taken.

So do you think that what happened to Lockhart was fitting, or unfair?

Lockhart, for me, is one of the most amusing characters in the series - and I agree that the film Lockhart is even funnier, bravo Kenneth Branagh! Lockhart had the biggest ego in the Wizarding world. I think his "punishment" was pretty fitting, as he had "borrowed" lots of memories to write his books. I think Locky was happier in St Mungo's, not remembering anything, personally.

*Squishy Squiddy* Two similar topics have been merged into this one. Please continue to discuss our favorite, devilish rogue

lirene
LL Moderator

As we re-introduce ourselves to some of the less than pleasant characters in the series, I keep thinking of the line Sirius will say to Harry: The world is not divided into death eaters and good people. So Voldemort he is not. But GL ain't good people either.



I rather like this idea! A very bland individual who no one noticed (not even to tease!?) who decides to make himself over, at whomever else's expense. That would explain why he tries so hard to be the shining light! He definitely craves attention (while Harry physically tries to shrink from it!!). It might also explain why he had no scruples with his method of rising to stardom.

Think about his condition in St. Mungo's -- he has no memories whatsoever. Granted Ron's wand is broken, but I think it backfires a curse rather than magnifying or changing it. (Remember the slug attack? It's exactly what he wished on Draco.) So I worry that GL's victims are in bad shape.