[HPforGrownups] Snape as Enneagram Type 1 and other Enneagram Types/characters

[Laura Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 38132

>I recommend that anyone with sufficient 
interest in Snape's character go to their library and >read up on the 
Enneagram Type 1 (especially in the Helen Palmer >books).  Snape is, 
IMO, the spitting image of this Enneagram type, >specifically its 
unhealthy traits.

^_^ What a coincidence! I was just researching Enneagram types myself today (I too am a 5) and noticed the same similarities between Snape and an unhealthy 1.  Abrasive, indignant, self-righteous, intolerant -- all these traits fit my view of Snape to a tea.  A website I was looking at also mentions that 1's are likely to develop depressive personality disorders -- which I can definitely see happening to Snape.  The only thing that doesn't match up is the fact that 1's are supposed to be very moral and into rules.  Certainly joining the Death Eaters doesn't exactly portray this, although if Snape *perceived* their objectives to be Right, then maybe.  Also, his determinedness to cause the Marauders trouble manifested itself in attempts to catch them at rule-breaking...so perhaps that trait fits as well.

Also interesting is that Dumbledore seems to show signs of being a *very* healthy 1. http://enneagraminstitute.com says 1's at their best at "[...]extraordinarily wise and discerning. By accepting what is, they become transcendentally realistic, knowing the best action to take in each moment. Humane, inspiring, and hopeful: the truth will be heard."  The website also lists a number of traits that fit Dumbledore rather well.

So, perhaps the fact that Dumbledore continues to see Good in Snape, although most would not, is the result of the fact that Dumbledore sees that Snape is actually a unhealthy version of himself, and knows the potential our prickly Potions Master has.

Hermione's got 1 type traits as well -- as far as her adherence the to rules has gone (although she really is just as bad as Harry and Ron by the time GoF roles around).  But perhaps she's a 3.  She's got the need for success and the hardworking parts down pat -- although I think this type is more descriptive of a particularly driven Hufflepuff than Hermione.  Maybe a 5?  I don't know.  To me, it seems that, although she definitely has a large fear of failure (remember the Bogart?), her amazing devotion to learning absolutely everything about absolutely everything stems more from the desire to gain knowledge than the fear of failing.  And this is pretty much a 5 trait all the way.  So I'd have to say 5.  Anyone agree/disagree?

Molly's probably a 2...ultimate mother -- you know. I'd say Ron is a 4...slightly on the unhealthy side.

Harry's pretty obviously an 8.  http://www.enneagramcentral.com/testc.htm describes healthy 8's as being "honest, direct, touchingly gentle with the weak and often display an unguarded innocence, especially in a context of nature".  Just basically a hero.  Which makes sense, because that's what Harry is.  Interestingly, I see large similarities between Harry's personality and the way many writers choose to portray King Arthur -- the greatest hero of all time.

As for the unhealthy side of the 8 type, Harry shows some of these traits as well.  Enneagram Central says that when 8's become unhealthy "[...]They become more vengeful instead of seeking justice. They pump up their power and can't acknowledge vulnerability."  This is basically Harry's reaction to being pushed too far.  Towards the end of PS/SS *and* in CoS he decides to go after the Stone/into the Chamber with no regard to his own safety, because he or his loved ones have been threatened.  And in PoA, his reaction to finding out about Sirius's "betrayal" is precisely this.  He is uncompromising, vengeful, and full of a single-minded desire to get back at Black.  Of course, at the last moment, his "healthy" traits of fairness, etc. take back over, but for a bit there -- he was quite out of control. 

Voldemort is also probably an 8 -- although severely unhealthy.  Listen to this:

"Develop delusional ideas about their power, invincibility, and ability to prevail: megalomania, feeling omnipotent, invulnerable. Recklessly over-extending self. / If they get in danger, they may brutally destroy everything that has not conformed to their will rather than surrender to anyone else. Vengeful, barbaric, murderous. Sociopathic tendencies."

There's our Voldy, eh?  I wonder if the fact that Harry and he are opposite sides of the same personality will become important in the future.  Perhaps Harry will be pushed into taking on the unhealthy traits as a result of Voldemort's attack on him and the ones he loves.  I wonder if this happens -- who will be hurt because of it?  Because if Harry descends to that level (even if he eventually comes to his senses), someone he loves *will* be hurt.  Perhaps this has to do with the "difficult death" that JKR speaks of?  Perhaps one of Harry's friends will die as a result of Harry becoming single-minded in his attempts to stop Voldy?

hmm... 

laura ...who has just finished reading that 5's have a tendency toward schizoid traits and personality disorders and is remembering that her Keirsey type (INTP) also names these disorders as potential problems..

*thinking* You know...and my grandmother has got schizophrenia...I wonder if I should be worried?  It only hits until you're around 20 years old...*scary thought* 


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