Snape and McGonagall Re: Snape and Lupin's Character Arcs

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 119465


> Betsy:
I would come down somewhere in the middle here and say that Snape's 
behavior when it comes to Harry *is* immature and arrogant, but 
that's what I love about the character.  Yes, his behavior towards 
Harry is wrong (too cruel and often uncalled for), but damn 
entertaining and in the end, very humanizing.
Here's this ostensibly dignified and intelligent man, totally 
loosing it over an eleven year old.  Immediately, he's more 
interesting than MM.  First you think he's the big evil, but then 
you realize that he's actually a good guy *and* the major "save-
Harry's-butt" guy.  For me it adds so much depth to the character of 
Snape to realize that his dislike of Harry is based on an old school 
rivalry.  It gives him a layer of passion and intensity.  And where 
MM stays pretty firmly in the realm of "dignified teacher," Snape is  
brought down to the level of human being.
Eventually, I'd love to see Snape finally let go of his old school 
 hurts.  Just as I'd love Lupin to get over his need to please (or at 
least need to not-annoy).  In a way, I think Snape and Lupin could 
be intertwined on this particular journey.

> Betsy, who's new and taking a deep breath and jumping right in.


Alla:

Hi, Betsy! Welcome.

I definitely agree with you on some points. Snape's behaviour towards 
Harry IS entertaining sometimes, but to me it provokes dualistic 
reaction - I find his remarks incredibly funny sometimes, but I am 
also disgusted at them.

As I said many times - story without Snape wil lose half of its 
appeal, IMO, but at the same time, I reserve my right to bash him as 
much as I want to for his sadistic behaviour.

As to Snape being more interesting than McGonagall? I am not sure. 
After OOP, McGonagall at least is just interesting to me as Snape is.

"Good teacher" can be fun character, IMO and to me , McGonagall 
definitely is. I adored her rebukes of Umbridge, I hated her "Get a 
grip" to Harry.
In short, I think McGonagall is VERY human. Maybe she is a little bit 
better human being than Snape is (just my opinion of course), but 
definitely very human. 

About Snape being a good guy and major "save Harry", I will just say 
I have to wait and see about this one.

I am definitely in agreement with you that I want Snape to let go of 
his old grudges, not just be excused for some reasons that he cannot 
change or something like that.