The kappa mistake (was Re: Snape and Lupin's Character Arcs)

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 119345


> Hannah: Weighing in a bit late here, hoping not to get caught up 
in the crossfire ;-)  I don't see why Snape's one little error here 
has to be considered such a big thing.  And Snape said the kappa 
was 'more commonly found in Mongolia.'  Not that it was originally 
from there (which is what it says in FBawtFT).  Maybe it has been 
hunted down in Japan, and now is more widespread in Mongolia?  And 
he also doesn't say *where* it is less common than in Mongolia 
either.  So technically, we don't know for sure that he's wrong.


Alla:

Sorry, but since Fanstastic beasts says specifically that Kappa IS 
japanese water demon and does not mention Mongolia at all, I think 
we do know that Snape had been wrong there and as Nora said, JKR 
goes out of her way to point out that he was indeed wrong, by making 
Harry write on the page "Snape hasn't read  this either"

Why is it a big thing? I think it shows again how much Snape's 
emotions actually rule his life. IMO, he was SO consumed in 
preparing the 
lesson which will out poor Lupin, that he forgot to actually prepare 
for normal lesson. Again makes me wonder how hypocritical Snape was 
when he was giving that "emotions speech" to Harry in Occlumency


Hanna: 
> But anyway, that possibility aside, the guy made one mistake, in a 
> subject he was only covering for.  And JKR goes to pains in OotP 
to point out (via Umbridge) that (from a purely facts-into-head pov) 
his classes are actually good; the students all learn, and are even 
advanced for their stage.  


Alla:

Yes, it is entirely possible that Snape is effective teacher for 
some students. I can easily concede that.


Hanna:
 
 I think the problem with Snape teaching DADA is nothing to do with 
his teaching style (and no, I'm not by any means saying that his 
methods of humiliation etc. are right in my book) or with any lack 
of knowledge.  The problem lies in his dark past, and, of course, in 
the difficulty of Spy! Snape teaching defence against LV's main 
weapons.  I still think  he'll get the chance to show whether he can 
or can't teach DADA in  book 7.


Alla:

You mean "brings the worst in him" quote? Quite possible, if we 
actually believe that Snape does want DA position. I still think 
that Snape's applying for DA position could be a cover of some sorts 
or maybe nor, since Rowling admitted that Snape does not get 
position for specific reason, not for the lack of desire on Snape's 
part.

By the way, I also agree with you that Snape has "saving people 
thing" and craves glory and recognition.