Children's Ages and Snape

[opaldragonfly at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 22966

Dear All--Just for the record, it is important to note 
that "children," when defined in college Children's Literature 
courses, are considered to be human beings between the ages of birth 
through eighteen (sometimes even twenty-one).  It is a 
common "assumption" when we hear the word "children" to think 
of "toddler" or "youngster," but that is not the case in reality.  
So, that is why there is the category of "young adult" children's 
literature (sometimes called "adolescent" children's literature).
   This is a very difficult concept for my students to adjust to!  
When they sign up for my course, many of them think they are going to 
read works like "The Pokey Little Puppy," etc., for the entire 
semester. Then they get the reading list and besides Harry Potter I, 
there is The Giver, Wringer, The True Adventures of Charlotte Doyle, 
the original versions of the western European Fairy Tales, and fairy 
tales from other cultures.  They are, by and large, "taken aback."
   They must also adjust to the fact that what children need out of 
good quality childen's literature and what adults (for the most part) 
demand of children's literature ARE NOT THE SAME THINGS!!!!  This is 
why there is so much controversy when a C. Lit work comes along that 
demands emotional responses and rational thinking from children-the 
adults get scared that they won't be able to deal with the children's 
questions!!!  
   Thus, HP works ARE Children's Literature--they started out geared 
for an Intermediate audience level (9-12) and they are expanding 
to "Young Adult" as their target audience.  My opinion is that JKR is 
encountering a bit of difficulty in making the series STILL suitable 
for the younger age group while keeping the interest and needs of the 
older children satisfied.  Her trouble started when much younger 
children got "caught up" in the Potter "feeding franzy" and now have 
not aged enough to deal with the "heavier issues" she has 
incorporated into her books.  I am sure she will stay true to her 
themes and philosophy of life, but she may find herself adopting 
Albus Dumbledore's approach:  she won't lie, but she may not tell all 
either!!!  
    I agree that Voldemort knows about Snape's support of 
the "good."  He was hiding in Quirrel's turban when Snape and Quirrel 
had their "conversation" in the forest in Book I.  Also, he responds 
to Harry's assumption about believing that Snape was the "villain" 
with something like, "Ah, yes, he would be the type."  Obviously 
seeing the irony in assuming the good guy was the bad guy based on a 
disagreeable personality!  Opal Dragonly