Snape: Was fatal flaw

[Susan McGee]

No: HPFGUIDX 3214

--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, foxmoth at q... wrote:
> 
> > I think Snape is clearer-eyed that we are allowed to see. I see a 
bit of the
> > attitude of Edmund from one of the Chronicles of Narnia books 
(Prince
> > Caspian, I think; the second one). Where he's been woken by his 
sister Lucy
> > and told something unbelievable and his reaction is stated along 
the lines
> > of "while he fully intended to back Lucy up, he was annoyed at 
losing his
> > night's sleep and intended to do everything as sulkily as 
possible." I think
> > Snape has every intent of supporting the good, for whatever 
reason. But he
> > does it in the snarliest manner possible, and carries way too 
much emotional
> > baggage around.
> > 
> > --Amanda
> 	Right on, Amanda. I think Snape's rage at the end of PoA over 
> Sirius's escape is partly feigned. I think he is laying it on thick 
for 
> Fudge's benefit, knowing it will get back to Malfoy, Sr. It has 
always 
> struck me that Snape had the opportunity to turn Sirius over to the 
> Dementors when he (Snape)  recovered consciousness, but chose to 
bring 
> him to the castle with Harry and the others.

Nope, I disagree here. Snape's character is characterized by fury and 
rage. I think his rage at Sirius was genuine. He believed that Lupin
was sneaking Sirius into the castle. He clearly believed that Sirius
betrayed James and Lily Potter. It's clear to me (great thread this 
is) that as Snape's personal story unfolds, we will know more and
more about what happened when Voldemort rose to power.

His anger is his fatal flaw (and his envy!) He is ready to give 
Sirius to the dementors for the "kiss", and is willing to turn Lupin 
over to them without a trial. Whoever said he was rescued from his 
own actions (unlike the Greek tragedians who allow their characters 
to destruct)was right on the money.

He was terribly envious of the Marauders, of their camaraderie and 
brotherhood (he spies on them to try to get them thrown out of school)
He's probably insecure because of his personal appearance and his 
personality doesn't help him make friends. (Wonder what his home life 
was like?)We're told he envied James his Quidditch success.  Although 
he is trying to save Harry in SS/PS, he is incredibly vicious to him 
about the truth serum stuff in GoF.  

I DON'T think he knew the identity of the Marauders when the map 
started writing to him.  

Clearly some of the Death Eaters knew each other, but Karkaroff and 
Snape knew that the other was a Death Eater because they were both 
tried as Death Eaters. Most dictators/evil leaders use divide and 
conquer among their followers. (OTOH, all of the Death Eaters are 
named in GoF)

I DO think that Dumbledore briefed Snape about Sirius in between the 
end of PoA and the end of GoF. I see them both as enlisted in a 
battle to the death against Voldemort and go to the place "the 
enemies of my enemy (Voldemort) are my allies". I do see Snape as 
doing the right thing in the most surly manner possible.