Yet another defense of Snape's Occlumency lessons (long)

[snow15145]

No: HPFGUIDX 120081


Snow previously:
Don't you think it would be almost essential for Harry to learn the
Occlumency lessons under adverse conditions? After all, Harry would
have to learn to be in control of his emotions or overcome his
hatred to use Occlumency properly against Voldemort. Voldemort isn't
going to stand there saying, "are you ready Harry, I'm going to
attack your mind".


Alla:

Hi, Snow! I apologise, but I am not very receptive to this argument.
Dumbledore and Snape had a chance to see that Harry does NOT learn
well in Snape's class under adverse conditions, IMO. What make them
decide that he would learn this time, I am not sure.

Snow:

Hi, Alla! I don't like to butt heads with you because I can realize 
where you are seeing this from, and I would tend to agree, but I 
don't think that learning Occlumency was necessarily the driving 
point in the lessons. Harry needed to learn the severity of listening 
and trusting Snape to overcome. Harry was the most unwilling 
participant. 

Snow (me) previously:

I do agree that Snape should tone down his snide remarks but you
have to agree that it does catch Harry's attention (which is like
talking to the child that is humming to itself when you are trying
> desperately to get your point across).


Alla:

Actually, I don't agree. Sorry! Snape snide remarks catch Harry's
attention in the negative way. It does not force him to study, it
only forces him to mistrust Snape even more and hate him even more.

Just my opinion, of course.

Snow:

Yes! But it makes him listen. It seems to be the only chances of 
making the boy pay any attention to what Snape has to say:
 
The insult:
OOP Pg 530 "You do not understand fine distinctions. It is one of the 
shortcomings that makes you such a lamentable potion-maker."

Now the teaching (after catching his attention through the insult):

"It is true, however, that those who have mastered Legilemency are 
able, under certain conditions, to delve into the minds of their 
victims and to interpret their findings correctly. The Dark Lord, for 
instance, almost always knows when somebody is lying to him. Only 
those skilled at Occlumency are able to shut down those feelings and 
memories that contradict the lie
" 

Harry is being taught but the recipient is not willing to trust the 
teacher.