iRe: [HPforGrownups] Snape is NOT Sexy

[Kelly Grosskreutz]

No: HPFGUIDX 56422

From: weeoo0

Sexy as all get out?  How, Why?
In PP/SS we first hear Snape described as "a teacher with Greasy black
hair, a hooked nose, and sallow skin" (PP, pg 94 Can ed. soft cover)
later, we read of Snape possesing eyes that "were black like Hagrid's,
but they had none of Hagrids warmth.  They were cold and empty, and
made you think of dark tunnels." (pg102)

In CoS we once again read of Snape as "a thin man with sallow skin, a
hooked nose, and greasy shoulder-length black hair" (p62, sofcover)

In PoA we once again note Snape's thin sallow face

On GoF, it's same old, only with "overlarge nostrils" (473 US HC)

Now, I simply am unable to see how such a person is considered so
...sexy .....

okay, okay, yes that is just his physical description, sallow greasy,
a hooked nose, but mum always said, it's what's inside that counts.

From: Me

I agree, although I have found the description for his eyes "made you think
of dark tunnels" quite fascinating.  But not in a sexy way.

From: weeoo0

Yet still i hav a hard time understanding the intimite attraction of
Snape who is, despite any possible need to present a certain persona
in front of certain company, a nonetheless, spiteful, bitter,
sarcastic, man.

And is that what drives it, is it his bitter side that makes him
attractive? The ultimate veil of possible evil which hang over his
sallow thin hooknosed greasy head?

From: Me

I think what attracts many people to Snape is a combination of things.  He
has an aura of power and mystery about him.  As has been mentioned in other
posts, his use of voice and body language is a factor for some.  He has a
dark past, and although he has changed sides, his personality is nowhere
near being the archetypal good/nice guy.  Other reasons I see that people
could find him sexy:  he's like the boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
Portrays this really nasty persona to the world, appears to have "got it
covered," and most people hate him and/or just don't want to associate with
him for whatever reason.  But of course, if he could JUST find the right
girl that can see through his tough, hardened exterior and see him for the
hurt little boy he really is, they can turn him into the nice, good boy they
know is lurking inside. And, of course, he will love her for it and
completely reform his life.

Ok, so this sounds like some fanfic, but I think there's something to it.

From: Weeoo0

So why is it that Snape is sexy?  Is it simply a case of movie
contamination, of Rickmania, whom I have heard women, and some men,
tote to be "the sexiest voice ever"?

From: Me

I have to agree with another poster.  My interest in Snape really began with
his revealing the Dark Mark to Fudge.  Earlier in the book, when we found
out that Snape had been a DE, I had wondered if he had truly turned from him
or if he was one of those who said he had just so he wouldn't get in
trouble.  When I saw him show the Mark, though, it just seemed to solidify
in my mind that he had really turned against Voldemort.  In that moment, he
became my "favorite" character because he had done this but yet hasn't had a
total change of personality as well.  You may have noted that favorite is in
quotations; this is because although I use that word, I find it hard to
apply to one with a personality such as his.

As for the Rickman factor, it did not change my opinion at all about Snape
not being a sexy character.  I did squeal with delight upon hearing he had
been cast in the role, for I knew immediately that he was perfect for the
part and no other would do (and I'm someone who's endlessly picky about who
should play what).  But I did not come to find him any sexier, just
delighted in seeing Snape brought to the screen with justice (at least in
the acting department).

Kelly Grosskreutz
http://www.idcnet.com/~ivanova