Snape as Death Eater/Snape as Darcy?/newbie

[kdemcak at hotmail.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 14247

> Snape seems to be everyone's favourite topic at the moment, and I 
just had a 
> thought.
> 
> Was Snape already a spy (Dumbledore's spy)? <snip> He is nasty on 
the 
> surface, but how many times has he helped harry? Under all that 
surface 
> nastiness he has shown himself as a caring and loyal person. 

This reminds me of a theory I've read on a Jane Austen board I 
frequent; I can't claim it to be my own, but it makes sense to me (and 
please forgive me if this seems really out there). 

JKR has said many times that she's a big Jane Austen fan and there are 
already some Austen references in the books (Mrs. Norris being 
probably the biggest one).  This astute reader believes that JKR is 
sort of basing Snape on Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice -- a 
character whose intentions and character are misread by the 
protagonist.  Darcy is first judged to be arrogant, unlikable, and 
almost immoral -- but turns out to be the opposite and ends up the 
hero of the book.

It's an interesting theory that seems to jive with what's already 
occurred with Snape's character so far. Darcy isn't entirely 
well-behaved at the beginning of the novel, though, and Snape  hasn't 
always been fair with our favorite Gryffindors.  But he certainly 
seems to be on the right side of things now. It will be *very* 
interesting to see what happens with him in 5/6/7.

Also, have to introduce myself -- I'm a fellow Harry-Potter-obsessed 
"grown-up" who was very excited to find this board.  I've been lurking 
around and can't wait to participate in these great discussions.  Just 
reread all four books so have lots of fresh ideas swirling around in 
my brain.

Cheers,
Katy

------
"You don't know how bizarre it is to see Goyle