'male-identification' & Snape at DE meetings--Amanda and Martha

[Kelley]

No: HPFGUIDX 3561

Amanda wrote:
> I have found this interesting, this idea that "support" includes 
the concept> of sideline. A quarterback is a dynamic "doer." 
Cheerleaders are sideline> support, nice but expendable. But running 
backs, tackles, etc., are support,> too--and there can be no game 
without them. Support can and often does> includes a hell of a lot of 
doing. So does effectively assisting.

Well, maybe more second-string than sideline.  I certainly don't see 
Herm as a cheerleader on the sides, but really, of all the female 
characters, she's the only real 'doer'.  McG is important 'in 
theory', but she doesn't get much to do.  Lily may have an important 
role regarding present action, but she's not going to get to do 
anything, either.  To me, the other female characters 
are 'sideline'.  The parts they play don't have to be big and flashy, 
but at least let them have some importance or significance.  I want 
to see ~why~ McG is second-in-command, I want to see her *shine*.  
Let her show her stuff, you know?
 
> I think there's quite a few really strong female roles, and the 
wizarding> world is apparently incredibly open for females who want 
to achieve. The> actual action of the books focuses on Harry, but 
even if we get no windows> onto it, there's a lot implied about the 
strength and ability of the female> "supporting" characters.
> 
> --Amanda  

I know this probably won't come out right, but I'm going to try 
anyway.<g>  The females in the story ~have~ strong characters, but 
they ~aren't~ very strong characters (aside from Herm).  
There's no meat to their roles.  Someone mentioned something to the 
effect that McG has the important title, she's house head, she's one 
of the only registered animagi, teaches transfig.; but it's all 
icing, no cake.  Instead of just a title and a here and there 
character, let's see her other dimensions. Same for the other fem. 
teachers, Molly, Ginny, Cho, the Quid girls, etc.  Even though this 
is Harry's POV, it's still JKR's world.  She can give these 
characters a new side for Harry to see, more strength to their roles, 
etc.  Of course, their assistance is vital to Harry, he couldn't do 
it w/o them; but I still think their importance can be strengthened 
w/o taking away from Harry or the plot.

----------------------

Martha wrote:
--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, mmarth at p... wrote:
> I always pictured Snape leaving Hogwarts, getting into trouble (if 
he > was truly a Death Eater), having Dumbledore come to his aid in 
some> way, turning spy, and then being offered the Hogwarts job by 
> Dumbledore.  In GoF Dumbledore does say Snape is there at his 
> invitation.  I have often wondered how long he has been there.
> 
> Martha

So, you think he was a DE before he was a teacher?  I see.  This is 
a scenario I hadn't thought of, and it makes a lot of sense.  You're 
right about the 'invitation' part.  I'd forgotten that.  Very 
interesting.  Now I'm even more eager to know what happened...

Kelley