Eleven is one of the main characters in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. She possesses telekinetic abilities and helps her friends fight supernatural forces from the Upside Down. Fans often debate which Hogwarts house Eleven would be sorted into if she attended the wizarding school. Slytherin is a common suggestion given Eleven’s cunning, ambition, and determination. Let’s analyze Eleven’s key traits and experiences to determine if she truly exhibits the qualities of a Slytherin.
Eleven’s Background
Eleven was born Jane Ives to mother Terry Ives in 1971. As an infant, she was taken by Dr. Martin Brenner to Hawkins National Laboratory to participate in Project MKUltra experiments. At the lab, she was renamed Eleven and raised in isolation, undergoing testing of her psychic abilities. This traumatic childhood left Eleven distrustful of others and accustomed to using her powers for the goals of Dr. Brenner and the scientists.
Slytherin Traits
Students sorted into Slytherin house often exhibit the following traits:
- Ambition
- Cunning
- Resourcefulness
- Determination
- Self-preservation
- Leadership
- Fraternity
Slytherins tend to be go-getters who pursue their goals relentlessly. They are clever and find creative solutions to problems. Slytherins look after their own self-interests and have a strong sense of fraternity within their house.
Eleven’s Ambition and Determination
Throughout the show, Eleven displays immense ambition and determination. After escaping from Hawkins Lab, she is fiercely driven to understand her past and powers. She withstands exhaustion and pain to channel her abilities when needed to protect her friends. When learning to use her powers, she perseveres through nosebleeds and headaches. Eleven also ambitiously takes on the Mind Flayer, Vecna, and other foes from the Upside Down. She is singularly focused on defeating these threats to Hawkins, showcasing the ambition associated with Slytherin house.
Eleven’s Cunning and Resourcefulness
Eleven is highly cunning and resourceful in achieving her goals. Despite being isolated for years at Hawkins Lab, she quickly learns to survive in the outside world. She uses her powers to steal food and money, evade capture, and fight enemies. Eleven is particularly cunning when devising plans with her friends to infiltrate secure facilities, access the Upside Down, and gather intel. She can think outside the box to problem-solve and leverage her telekinetic skills. This adaptability and ingenuity align with the Slytherin trait of cunning.
Eleven’s Leadership
Throughout the show, Eleven emerges as a leader within her friend group. She guides missions to uncover truths about Hawkins Lab and the Upside Down. Her friends, especially Mike, look to her wisdom and abilities when formulating strategies. Eleven takes charge in enacting plans, commanding creatures from the Upside Down, and facing off against threats. She confidently gives direction to others when the stakes are high. This authoritative leadership reflects the Slytherin tendency to take charge.
Eleven’s Self-Preservation
Eleven is highly motivated by self-preservation, especially given her traumatic upbringing. Initially, she trusts no one except Mike because she prioritizes survival after escaping Hawkins Lab. Eleven takes actions to avoid being captured or harmed, such as disguising herself in public. While she eventually bonds with her newfound friends, she remains wary of potential threats to her safety. Eleven places self-preservation first when making choices, a quintessential Slytherin trait.
Eleven’s Unconventional Morals
Slytherins are often portrayed as morally grey characters. Eleven exhibits moral flexibility that further aligns her with Slytherin house. She uses her powers questionably at times for acts like spying on Mike and vanquishing foes. Eleven places priority on those close to her rather than broader societal rules. She operates in moral shades of grey that highlight her Slytherin qualities.
The Importance of Friends to Eleven
Despite her cunning and ambition, Eleven greatly values her close friendships, especially with Mike, Max, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Nancy and Joyce. This bond with friends suggests that Eleven has an inner quality reflecting the fraternity and loyalty found within Slytherin house. Her devotion to her found family balances some of her more individualistic Slytherin tendencies.
Conclusion
After analyzing Eleven’s key traits and experiences, she aligns significantly with the qualities of a Hogwarts Slytherin. Her fierce ambition, cunning, resourcefulness, self-preservation, unconventional morals and leadership abilities reflect classic Slytherin characteristics. However, Eleven’s bonds with her friends also reveal her softer, more relational nature. Overall, the evidence suggests Eleven would likely be sorted into Slytherin if she attended Hogwarts, although her friendships may make her an atypical member of the house. Eleven exhibits the complexities of a true Slytherin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eleven exhibit cunning and ambition?
Yes, Eleven shows immense cunning and ambition throughout Stranger Things. She is highly adaptable and resourceful in achieving her goals, especially defeating enemies from the Upside Down. Eleven is also determined to understand her past in Hawkins Lab.
What Slytherin traits does Eleven possess?
Eleven possesses numerous Slytherin traits including ambition, cunning, resourcefulness, determination, self-preservation, leadership abilities, and moral flexibility. Her individualistic drive aligns closely with classic Slytherin characteristics.
How does Eleven show leadership abilities?
Eleven emerges as a leader among her friends, guiding missions and confidently taking charge against threats like the Demogorgon. She directs the group’s plans of action using her wisdom and powers. Eleven’s authoritative leadership reflects the tendency for Slytherins to take the reins.
Does Eleven value friendships despite being a Slytherin?
Yes, while Eleven values self-preservation and ambition, she also greatly cherishes her friendships, especially her bond with Mike. This reveals her softer, more relational nature beneath her cunning exterior. Her fraternity with friends aligns with Slytherin loyalty.
What traits make Eleven an atypical Slytherin?
Eleven’s fierce devotion to her friends Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Max and Will makes her an atypical Slytherin, as she values these bonds despite her individualism. Her moral flexibility also sets her apart from a typical Slytherin who might rigidly follow ambitions.
Key Takeaways
- Eleven is highly ambitious, cunning, resourceful and determined, reflecting classic Slytherin traits.
- She values self-preservation and operates in moral shades of grey.
- Eleven exhibits leadership abilities, emerging as a leader among her peers.
- She highly values her friendships despite Slytherin tendencies towards self-interest.
- Her blend of individualistic drive and caring bonds suggest Eleven would be sorted into Slytherin but be an atypical member.
Summary Table: Eleven’s Slytherin Traits
| Slytherin Trait | Eleven’s Behaviors |
|---|---|
| Ambition | Relentless drive to understand past and powers; perseveres through exhaustion and pain |
| Cunning | Adaptable problem-solver; devises creative plans to infiltrate facilities and gather intel |
| Resourcefulness | Quickly learns to survive in outside world after Hawkins Lab |
| Determination | Withstands nosebleeds and headaches to master her abilities |
| Self-Preservation | Prioritizes survival and evading capture after escaping Hawkins Lab |
| Leadership | Takes charge of missions and emerges as leader among friends |
| Moral Flexibility | Bends rules; uses powers questionably if needed |