Definitions

[greatlit2003]

No: HPFGUIDX 55475

I am curious to learn whether others believe (like I do) that Snape 
is truly on the Dumbledore's side. If anyone does not trust Snape, I 
would like to know if you trust Sirius or Lupin. What distinguishes 
Snape from Sirius that we should believe Snape is evil while Sirius 
is good? 

I think one of the most interesting ideas posed by JKR in these 
books is that goodness (or evil) doesn't have to come in a 
definitive mold. I tried and tried to find words to generalize all 
of the good characters, or words to characterize all of the evil 
characters, and I couldn't find any, except "good" and "evil" :) 

For example, I thought that all of the DEs were selfish and 
cowardly. In some ways, it can be argued that this is true. But, 
Crouch Jr. was prepared to risk everything to serve Voldie, as he 
admitted. He was evil, but unselfish nevertheless. The DEs are 
cowards (especially Voldemort, who tries to kill children, but I 
digress) but some have shown bits of courage. They came back to 
Voldie, although they were terrified of him. I cannot find just one 
word to unite their aims, for they could have joined him for 
different reasons (protection, desire for power, fear).

Anyway, what does this have to do with my argument concerning Snape? 
I would like to ask you all why we should think he is a DE. Yes, he 
is nasty, sarcastic and a big bully. But how does that prove that he 
is a Death Eater? No character is completely "good", whatever you 
define good to be. Even Harry has had moments where he has imagined 
torturing or killing people. That doesn't make him evil. Lupin was a 
kind teacher, but he betrayed the school by not telling DD that 
Sirius was an Animagus. Why should we not think Lupin is evil? He 
behaved selfishly. Sirius essentially kidnapped Ron, and then held 
the trio hostage until Lupin arrived. Sirius tried to kill Snape 
years ago. Yet, we assume that he is a "good" character. Tom Riddle 
was the perfect student, a teacher's dream. But he was not what he 
appeared to be. Hagrid has an obsession with dangerous creatures, he 
shows favoritism to the Gryffindors, and yet he is portrayed as 
a "good" person too. What defines goodness and what defines evil? 

I'd love to hear your opinions on this subject.

"greatlit2003"