Miss Hattie: The Strict and Unyielding Orphanage Matron of Despicable Me
Introduction
Miss Hattie, voiced by Kristen Wiig, is a minor yet significant antagonist in the animated film Despicable Me. She is the strict and unyielding matron of Miss Hattie’s Home for Girls, an all-girl orphanage where the main characters Margo, Edith, and Agnes reside before being adopted by Felonious Gru. Created by the filmmakers to serve as an early antagonist, Miss Hattie’s character is notable for her harsh treatment of the orphans and her stark contrast to the otherwise cheerful and happy atmosphere of the orphanage.
Miss Hattie’s character draws parallels with other infamous strict matrons from literature and media, such as Miss Hannigan from the musical Annie and Dolores Umbridge from the Harry Potter series, highlighting her role as a symbol of oppressive authority and neglectful care[4].
Role in the Story
Miss Hattie’s storyline is intertwined with the early stages of the film, where she is depicted as the ruler of Miss Hattie’s Home for Girls. The orphanage, despite its cheerful appearance, is a place of hardship and exploitation under Miss Hattie’s care. She forces the orphans into child labor, having them sell cookies and perform various menial chores. Her interactions with Margo, Edith, and Agnes are particularly cold and dismissive, exemplified by her instruction to "Go clean something of mine" when the girls return from their cookie-selling duties[1][2].
The girls’ lives under Miss Hattie’s care are marked by constant belittling and lack of care, which contrasts sharply with the eventual warmth and love they receive from Gru after their adoption. Miss Hattie’s role is crucial in highlighting the difficult circumstances the girls face before their adoption, making their subsequent experiences with Gru even more poignant[2].
Character Analysis
Miss Hattie’s personality is defined by her stern, uncaring, and exploitative nature. She is unkind and unpleasant, using the orphans for her own benefit rather than providing them with the care and support they need. Her character serves as a foil to the more nurturing and eventually loving figure of Gru, who adopts the girls and transforms their lives[1][4].
Her motivations are rooted in a desire for control and exploitation, rather than any genuine interest in the well-being of the children under her care. This makes her a compelling antagonist, as her actions and demeanor evoke a strong emotional response from the audience.
Despite her one-dimensional portrayal as a strict and cruel matron, Miss Hattie’s character has a certain comedic element, thanks to Kristen Wiig’s voice acting. This blend of humor and cruelty makes her a memorable character in the film[4].
Themes and Symbolism
Miss Hattie embodies several themes that are central to the narrative of Despicable Me. She represents the theme of neglect and exploitation, highlighting the harsh realities faced by children in care. Her character also symbolizes the contrast between cold, institutional care and the warmth of family love, which is a core message of the film.
The orphanage under Miss Hattie’s care serves as a symbol of a system that fails to provide the necessary support and love to its children, underscoring the importance of family and personal relationships in the lives of children. This theme is reinforced by the transformation of Gru from a supervillain to a caring father figure[2].
Cultural Impact
Miss Hattie has had a notable cultural impact, particularly in how she is perceived by fans and critics. Her character is often cited as one of the more memorable minor antagonists in the film, thanks to her stark contrast to the otherwise light-hearted and comedic tone of the movie.
In adaptations and spin-offs, Miss Hattie’s character has not been extensively explored, but her influence can be seen in how other strict authority figures are portrayed in animated films. Her character archetype has contributed to the broader cultural narrative about the importance of care and compassion in institutions[4].
Critical Reception
Critics and audiences have generally viewed Miss Hattie as a well-crafted minor antagonist. Her portrayal by Kristen Wiig has been praised for adding a layer of humor to an otherwise cruel character. The character’s role in highlighting the harsh conditions of the orphanage and the eventual redemption of Gru has been well-received.
Some critics have noted that Miss Hattie’s character is a clear parody of other strict matrons from literature and media, which adds to her comedic and memorable nature[4].
Legacy
Miss Hattie’s enduring appeal lies in her role as a symbol of the contrast between neglect and love. Her character has inspired other works by reinforcing the importance of compassionate care and the transformative power of family love.
In contemporary discussions, Miss Hattie’s character continues to be relevant as a representation of the failures of institutional care and the need for personal, loving relationships in the lives of children. Her legacy is a testament to the impact that even minor characters can have on the broader narrative and themes of a film[2].
