[HPforGrownups] Re: Snape as teacher

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 17252

lea.macleod at gmx.net wrote:

> 2. "I see no difference"
>
> But it does not cover that "I see no difference" remark to Hermione in
> GoF. I think we all agree that this was surprisingly cruel even by
> Snape´s usual standards. It is *not* for a teacher to comment
> negatively  on a student´s physical unattractiveness or disability if
> it has nothing to do with his/her academic achievement.

But I think Snape, in his own mind, does not consider himself first and
foremost a teacher. It's what he's doing, he does it well (I think), but
it's not how he identifies himself. It does not bind his behavior
outside the walls of his classroom. He allows himself liberties that
someone whose life and being is teaching would never consider, including
a cruel response to someone who is your student.

I think whatever his administrative position is at Hogwarts--and I think
he must hold one, over and in addition to his teaching post--is separate
in his mind from his teaching duties. Because he *does* seem to carry
the administrative role "with him" fairly regularly.

Don't get me wrong, I think it was a HORRID thing to say to her and I
hated him for it. Explaining and excusing are two very different things.

Did that make sense?

--Amanda


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