OoP(Spoilers) Snape as teacher

[kiricat2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 67073

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "helopookie" <helopookie at y...> 
wrote:
> > Pip:
>  Which suggests that Snape, unlikeable and unpleasant as he is, has 
> a  teaching style that is effective. Compared to Snape, the 
practical 
> exam itself is a doddle. Even his least confident students look at 
> the instructions and think 'hey, this is easy'. Or easier, at least.
> 
> > Darrin:
>  See, I still don't get the effectiveness of terrorizing one kid to 
> the point of incontinence, while favoring another whole set of 
kids. 
> I don't find the fact that Neville did well away from Snape a 
praise 
> of Snape, but rather an indictment.
> 
> It makes me wonder if Snape had eased up on Neville just at touch, 
> would the kid have been able to do this kind of work in regular 
class?
> 
> But, I can't argue that the results aren't positive in the end for 
> Neville, but I question how much credit goes to the teacher. 
>  
> 
> Now Ben writes: 
>  Did anyone else take great notice that Snape told a Slytherin to 
> lessen their hold on Neville(even though he covered with the ordeal 
> about all the red tape)?  I think it was in Umbridge's office after 
> DA were caught after their meeting.  Unfortunatly, I don't have my 
> copy of the book with me at the moment, so I am unable to direct 
you 
> to the correct page.  
>  As to this discussion, I think it could be used as evidence that 
> Snape does want his students to perform well.  I think his 
nastiness 
> toward students other than Harry is a front.  
> 

I'll repeat my small contribution to this thread one more time.  This 
is from an Oct. 12 1999 JKR interview.  You can find it on the Leaky 
Cauldron at:

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/quickquotes/articles/1999/1099-
connectiontransc.html

"Interviewer:What about Snape?

JKR: Snape is a very sadistic teacher, loosely based on a teacher I 
myself had, I have to say. I think children are very aware and we are 
kidding ourselves if we don't think that they are, that teachers do 
sometimes abuse their power and this particular teacher does abuse 
his power. He's not a particularly pleasant person at all. However, 
everyone should keep their eye on Snape, I'll just say that because 
there is more to him than meets the eye and you will find out part of 
what I am talking about if you read Book 4."

So, according to the author herself, no, it's not a front. He's 
sadistic.

Marianne