Snape and Neville

[bboy_mn]

No: HPFGUIDX 41879

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Gail Bohacek" <gandharvika at h...> wrote:

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> Richelle wrote;
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> >I've just been pondering Snape's behavior toward Neville. 
> >He's even more cruel to Neville than he is to Harry, and 
> >that's saying something!  Harry, he despises because he 
> >hated his dad.  But why Neville?
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> Now me; (Gail Bohacek)
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> My theory is simply that Neville is the "weakest" memeber 
> of the class and thus the easiest to torment.  Neville 
> hasn't stuck up for himself (yet), and  Snape has been 
> feeding off his fear.
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> -Kylanthea
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bboy_mn Replies:

Gail, I think you are probably closer than anyone to understanding
this. I think sometimes we try to look a little too deep for answers,
or try to seek real-world answers for a non-real situation.

Theory on bullies - "A bully is just a coward waiting for a bigger
bully to come along."

Why do bullies pick on weak kids? Because those are the kids they CAN
pick on. Because those are the people they can pick on without fear of
risk or consequences. Why does Snape pick on Neville? Because he can,
and because it is so effective. Because Neville is so easily
intimidated, and so clearly won't stand up for himself.

But I'm a big Neville fan and personally think Neville is a great and
powerful wizard. I think at some point Neville will stand up to Snape.
I think Neville will prove himself in many way, and just when we've
come to see Neville for the hero and truly great wizard he is,
Rowlings will kill him off. We already know the death of a loved
character is coming, and I think after along effort to invoke love,
sympathy and respect; it will be Neville.

bboy_mn