Snape as Byronic hero

[eillim022861 <the.harrisfamily@virgin.net>]

No: HPFGUIDX 48460

In my first posting (this is my second), I mentioned that I 
considered Snape as an example of a Byronic hero.  This was queried 
by GulPlum but was brilliantly supported by Porphyria.

I studied victorian literature whilst at college and in my opinion am 
not sure whether Byron would be classified with the romantics.  There 
was a substantial interest in gothic literature in England in the mid-
nineteeth century and the Bryonic hero seems to slot very nicely into 
that particular mould. (brooding, dark secrets, some kind of 
deformity).

The classic 'Byronic hero' is Mr Rochester from Jane Eyre who has a 
dark secret, shows evidence of mental cruelty and is not classically 
attractive. (Comparisons?)

Back to Snape. I agree that not all the epithets fit, but for me the 
gothic imagery that surrounds him, his personality, image and 
surrounding mystery definately lends itself to the description of 
Byronic hero.

Finally with regard to Snape's 'attractiveness', I agree with 
Porphyria that if JKR had intended to make him unattractive she 
failed, (well with me anyway).  A fact I believe also emphaised by 
casting Alan Rickman.

eillim