Redemption of Anakin and other redemption stories (moved from Main)

[sistermagpie]

> Magpie:
> <SNIP>
> I just tend to
> think of redemption stories as a lot more than Snape. <HUGE SNIP>
> 
> Alla:
> 
> See I am asking only out of curiosity, because I guess I am still not clear on what exactly you mean here. I mean we established that we are pretty much in agreement that Snape's redemption story does not work for both of us, yes?
> 
> But I just wonder what does the redemption story more than Snape's means for you?

Magpie:
Good question...I guess it's like...it's not really that it doesn't work for me. It works for what it is. I just think of redemption stories as being more transformative. 

Alla:

> That's it, the only difference, but to me it will make TONS of difference, that to me will be redemption story, period, you know and very well crafted too?

Magpie:
Yes, that's exactly the right kind of example. Snape had something that meant something to him, and he set himself a goal and damn but he stuck to it. And good for him that he did that, it's impressive and it had great results. But he spent as much time avoiding that kind of true understanding of himself or other people as he did focusing on that goal. He's certainly forgiven by me and I think by everyone in canon. Everybody on the good side would have to pity the guy, especially Harry, who ends HBP very angry at Snape but is kind of over it by the next book where for the first time he's not screwing himself up by focusing on that hatred of Snape. Then he announces his forgiveness of the guy after he's dead. Neither Harry or anybody else has to deal with him anymore--and also Harry finally gets that he was on his side all along and loved his mother, which is something Harry didn't get but I did. (This doesn't require any rethinking for Harry on his own behavior either.) He, like other Slytherins, has the redeeming quality of the ability to love certain people. They're none of them iredeemable except Voldemort, it seems. 

But as a redemption story in itself it's more of a "don't let this happen to you" story. I think there's a reason that for many people Snape's memories made him less rather than more. 

Alla: 
> I mean, I can't help but feel that partially what you are describing is not just him not being redeemed but his personality remaining the same and to me it is irrelevant if that make sense? I do not need him to change his personality, I just need him to acknowledge that he was wrong.
> 
> So with this hypothetical difference will you consider Snape to be redeeed or it will not be enough for you still?

Magpie:
I do consider him redeemed. He paid off his debt. He spent most of his life in the service of good. I just wouldn't hand it to somebody as an example of a redemption story, especially not based on the idea that he'll find peace in the afterlife. 

I also agree with you--it's not about his changing his personality it's about admitting he was wrong, and he seems like he stays in the same wrong mindset for the most part that got him into trouble (except that certain superfical things--like thinking Voldemort was a good idea at all--he changes, obviously). I do think it was important for Snape to see where he was wrong in ways beyond the DEs, and he didn't. He's forgiven, but he doesn't gain understanding that I like in a redemption story.

-m