“She was watching the Dursleys all day while everyone else celebrated—and somehow, we still expect more from her.” In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we take a long-overdue deep dive into the one and only Minerva McGonagall. Often admired for her strength, fairness, and dry wit, McGonagall is seen by many as the model of a good teacher, a good Gryffindor, and a good person. But what happens when we start asking whether those expectations are fair—or even possible?We unpack how patriarchy and pureblood supremacy shaped her life, how the fandom has turned her into a presumed infallable fantasy maternal figure, and ask why we judge her more harshly than we do many of her male counterparts. From bending rules for Harry to staying behind at Hogwarts under Death Eater control, McGonagall’s story is one of survival, restraint, and invisible labor—and maybe that’s a different kind of heroism altogether. And a special thank-you to our newest Deep Divers on Patreon: Lynn, Molly, and CunningandCompassion. Your support means the world.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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