Snape's "mind set?"

[bugaloo37]

No: HPFGUIDX 44153

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "i_am_erasmas" <i_am_erasmas at y...> wrote:
> <snip> I love the depth of Snape's character, but I think he is a 
> reprehensible person. Probably very brave, definitely cunning, 
likely 
> admirable and deserving respect for the sacrifices he has made and 
> will continue to make, but how do people actually like him?

> Now me:
I completely agree with your assessment.  Snape is a very interesting 
yet completely reprehensible person.  This complexity of nature is a 
hallmark of superior writing.  If Snape was your stock-character bad 
guy, we would soon grow tired of him.  His cruelties towards the Trio 
and others does make my skin crawl.  However given the great joy that 
JKR takes in throwing her readers for a loop, I would not be suprised 
to discover-later on in the series, more positive aspects to Snape's 
character-but then again, maybe not-only JKR knows for sure.

> <snip> Erasmus says:
> The one on one interview with Harry -- deliberately taunting Harry 
> about James. Whether he has a good reason to hate James or not, 
what 
> purpose could this possibly serve. Bear in mind that he is talking 
to 
> a 13 year old orphan boy about his dead parents.

Now me:
I admit I find this troubling also.  I too have a hard time figuring 
out the purpose for this type of cruelty.  IMO, this is simply a 
matter of taking cheap shots at a more or less helpless victim-
helpless, that is for the time being. Is there a purpose in Harry's 
being "re-assured" of Snape's hatred?  Only you true-blue Snape fans 
could answer that question-personally, I just do not see it.
 
Erasmus says: 
>  Mocking a young girl about a physical attribute that she's 
sensitive 
> about. This isn't severety, or favouritism, it is cruelty, with no 
> purpose but the joy of seeing a child hurt.
><snip> 

Now me:
And one has to wonder why he targets Hermione?  Okay, she is a little 
know-it-all (I love Hermione, by the way)-but really, IMO, the only 
problem he really has with her is that she is obviously Harry's good 
friend.  In this instance, however, there was an audience-the 
Slytherins, including Malfoy-who have turned Hermione into their 
mudblood symbol of abuse.  If (and let me emphasize-IF) Snape is 
walking the tightrope between Voldemort and Dumbledore, keeping 
Lucius Malfoy's son content could serve a purpose.  Just trying to 
play Devil's advocate here.  Please do not take this the wrong way, 
Snape lovers or haters for that matter.  IMHO, sometimes when a 
writer creates such a completely loathsome character such as Snape 
(boos from Snape lovers)-almost demanding you despise them- there is 
something else she is trying to convey.  I personally believe that 
JKR is too good a writer to create such a dastardly character and not 
have some purpose for him- other than making us hate him (boos from 
Snape haters).

bugaloo37-who-if no one has figured it out yet- simply cannot stand 
Snape or Draco