Snape & scenes outside Harry's PoV (was Staffroom scene)

[pbnesbit at msn.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 11320

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., sashibuya at h... wrote:
> > Neil's comments snipped
> > 
> > Yes, I know what you mean.  That's what I was getting at when I 
> called it a
> > "very revealing interaction" and I agree totally on the different 
> perception
> > of Snape.  Our view of Snape is essentially that of a boy viewing 
an
> > unpopular, embittered teacher who tends to pick on him for kicks -
 
> it's
> > bound to be a somewhat negative portrayal.  That's not to say 
Snape 
> is a fun
> > guy to be around; just that he probably has facets we haven't 
> seen.  Look at
> > Snape's passionate introduction to the subject of Potions (PS) 
and 
> compare
> > that to Lockhart's inept blundering (CoS): who would you rather 
> have as a
> > teacher?
> > 
> 
> You know, here's another question I've been wanting to ask but 
never 
> found the right thread for. Does Snape really like being a teacher? 
> Or does he not and that's one of the reasons he's so embittered 
(Why 
> is Snape so bitter anyway, if one doesn't buy the Lily theory? ) He 
> seems to enjoy potions, but hate the students. Certainly, even if 
one 
> enjoys yelling at people, it can't be much fun to teach without 
> liking the kids much, or thinking that one is actually 
accomplishing 
> much. But if he dislikes the actual teaching process so much, why 
> doesn't he find another job (I'm assuming that it wouldn't be hard 
> for someone of his caliber)? Former Death Eater status doesn't seem 
> to have hurt Malfoy and co. 
> 
> <snip>
> 
> Charmian

I, for one, would much rather have Severus as a teacher than 
that "brainless git" (as I believe Ron calls him)!

I always responded better to teachers who were passionate about their 
subject--even if I wasn't.  That kind of passion inspires me (& is 
probably one reason I'm passionate about *my* subject in *my* job.  

I think Severus enjoys teaching.  He seems to be "ground down" by the 
succession of students who aren't as interested in potions as he is.  
In his opening (impassioned) speech, he even mentions this: "I can 
teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death--if you 
aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."
As for why he is bitter and hates students, it may be this:  people 
who are passionate about a subject are disappointed when others 
aren't.  I have to say also that I don't think he hates the 
students.  He seems to be the type who wants students to fear him.  

Just my 2 galleons, 

Peace & Plenty,

Parker