More insight into Snape/Snape's challenge

[kiricat2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 68629

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, IAmLordCassandra at a... wrote:
> 
> I was re-reading the 'Occlumency' chapter when I certain scene 
caught my eye. 
> One that I think gives us deeper insight into Snape than anything 
else in the 
> book. 
> 
> "Then you will find yourself easy prey for the Dark Lord!" said 
Snape 
> savagely. "Fools who wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, 
who cannot control 
> their emotions, who wallow in sad memories and allow themselves to 
be provoked 
> this easily-weak people, in other words-they stand no chance 
against his 
> powers!..."  <snip>
> 
> "I am not weak," said Harry...<snip> 
> 
> "Then prove it! Master yourself!" spat Snape... 
> 
> (US ed. page 536) 
> 
> Did anyone else get the feeling Snape was speaking for experience 
here?  That 
> it was once he who had been weak and had to Master himself? 
> 
> Then there is Snape's challenge.  "Prove it! Master yourself!"  I 
don't think 
> he meant simply in Occlumency.  Snape himself has said he sees 
Harry as 
> nothing more than a weak child with an inflated head who considers 
rules beneath 
> him. He is firm in this hatred and loathing and opinion towards 
Harry, no matter 
> how irrational the reasons.  Now, in his own way, I think he is 
asking Harry 
> to prove him wrong.  
> 

Oooooh.  I like this. It didn't strike me to turn Snape's words 
around on himself. (Sometimes, he's much too subtle for me!) I read 
that completely on face value as Snape riling Harry for Harry's own 
emotional shortcomings, which, also, by the way, Harry could also 
read as Snape's not-so-veiled scorn at Sirius.  Both of which could 
serve to make Harry angry.  

But, as least part of it I can see as Snape talking about his younger 
self, although he's never struck me as a "heart on his sleeve" kind 
of guy. But, having sad memories, allowing himself to be provoked?  
Yeah, I can buy that.

Marianne