[HPforGrownups] Snape's motivation / JKR towards Snape / Snape and Lockhart

[Koticzka]

No: HPFGUIDX 58724

Eloise wrote:
>>I shall be so disappointed if we suddenly find out that it was all a sham,
that Snape *wasn't* a fully paid-up Death Eater, that he *isn't* angst
ridden and tortured about the things he has done in the past, that he didn't
change allegiance, but was merely a clever trickster who fooled Lord
Voldemort into believing he supported him. I shall be so disappointed if I
find out that he is only loyal to Dumbledore because of some deal, not
because he believes in his cause. It would be too simple and glib an
explanation for my taste.

***Koticzka comments (desperately):
I am with you, Eloise, with all of my heart devoted to Snape. Severus Snape
has left Voldie's side long before Voldemort's defeat. This apparently means
that Snape was a DE and changed his allegiance to become a spy.

>From GoF, "The Pensieve:
>>Dumbledore had gotten to his feet.
"I have given evidence already on this matter," he said calmly.  "Severus
Snape was indeed a Death Eater. However, he rejoined our side before Lord
Voldemort's downfall and turned spy for us, at great personal risk.  He is
now no more a Death Eater than I am."<<

I do believe it is very unlikely that he had joined the DEs as a spy
already. Dumbledore says"was indeed a DE" and  "he rejoined..". I see Snape
as a sinner.  JKR would not miss an opportunity to deepen one of her
characters, would she? I am still trying to guess who Snape represents for
her- herself? a colleague? her imagination? He seems to be drawn very
precisely, perhaps even more than any other character. People usually do
that for a purpose. Any ideas or references on the subject? I would be very
grateful!

innermurk wrote
>>I'm not defending Lockhart here, but I do have to ask why it's all right
for Snape to mistreat students as a "learning tool" and it's not ok for
Lockhart to do so. There seems to be a double standard running around here.
Let's face it if Snape had set the trio in a room and unleashed a bunch of
cornish pixies on them, some on this list would argue that it was an
important lesson, he was trying to toughen them up, he was grooming them to
fight the Dark Lord, and a myriad of other excuses. But when Lockhart does
it, he's just a fraud, braggart, and an icompetent idiot?<<

***Koticzka comments:
Because Lockhart is a fraud, a braggart, and an incompetent idiot! And Snape
can probably tell that from his first glance! He must be very good at
reading body language and judging people. Supposedly Lockhart is easy to
read, not only to the Potions Master.

Koticzka
How can you hurt a man who has nothing?
Give him something broken.

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