Parenting Harry (was: Re: I don't like him much)

[Renee]

No: HPFGUIDX 120134


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "mcmaxslb" <McGregorMax at e...> 
wrote:
> 
> Eloise:
> This thread, from my POV has nothing to do with 
> defending Snape's character, but merely with the observation that 
(as 
> JKR has written the books) without Snape, there would be no-one 
> effectively challenging Harry's tendency to rule break, no 
involved 
> adult questioning his "special status". 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  Snape can in no way fill that role. Snape has caused such dislike 
> and contempt between Harry and himself though his sick attempts to 
> get revenge on a dead man though attacks on his son that Harry has 
> absolutely no respect or regard for Snape. Snape lovers point to 
> Snape telling off Harry about Harry's unauthorized trip to 
Hogmeads, 
> but they refuse to acknowledge that Snape's words ment nothing to 
> Harry because Harry knows that Snape cares nothing for him and 
this 
> tirade is just another bullying attack. Now when Lupin says just 
> about the same thing then Harry takes it to heart because he 
respects 
> Lupin and knows that Remus cares about him. 
> 
> 
>  
>  Eloise:
>  I don't like bullying. I don't like the way Snape behaves towards 
> Harry and his friends...
> 
> mcmaxslb:
> Then why do you defend Snape? Becaues that is all he is.

Renee:
Aren't you overlooking the times Snape protects Harry, or attempts 
to? It's the discrepancy between the bullying teacher on the one 
hand and the protector on the other (and the scene mentioned above 
nicely combines them) that makes Snape ambiguous and interesting. 
And while the bully deserves criticism, I'd say the protector 
deserves some acknowledgement, grudging or not. But acknowledging a 
person's positive traits doesn't mean you think the negative traits 
are acceptable.   

On the other hand, I'm not sure that challenging Harry's tendency to 
break the rules is presented as an altogether positive trait. 
Especially not as Snape often does so for the wrong reasons (f.i. 
thinking Harry's a arrogant, spoiled brat whose head is too big for 
his shoulders). There seems to be strain of anarchy running through 
the books, or at least the suggestion that breaking rules in a good 
cause is better than sticking to them under all circumstances. In 
fact, even Snape himself goes against authority in the person of 
Umbridge when he judges it necessary. 

Renee