One last try (re: Parenting Harry (was: Re: I don't like him much))

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 120205



Eloise:
snip.

Is it clear where I'm coming from? (I'm not addressing 
imamommy now.) I'm not commenting on the validity of the rules, the 
necessity sometime to break them, the style of enforcing them, the 
virtue of the characters, just on there being a role of being the 
rule-upholder. Above all, I am not commenting on, approving of or 
disapproving of Snape's actions.

snip.

> I have said that Snape performs a particular function in the text, 
> one which I described as being the unpalatable side of parenting, 
> being the Enforcer, if you like. (Just as a side note, although I 
> defined this as a parenting role, it doesn't then necessitate that 
> the role will be performed well.)


Alla:

Let me try one more time again, because I think we really are talking 
past each other.

Look at the first part of your quote I snipped. If we are not 
commenting on Snape's motivations and methods, but just on the fact 
that he functions as rule upholder, then, sure I can agree that he 
does that in the text.(unfairly, sadistically, IMO, but formally - 
sure, I can agree)

But in the second part of your quote I snipped, you compare what 
Snape does (being the rule upholder) with PARENTING and that I really 
disagree with.

I cannot compare what Snape does with being a parent, because parent 
does NOT in my opinion and experience upholds the rules the way Snape 
does. Parent can NOT by my definition be a sadist towards a child,   
even if the child breaks the rules.



In short - yes, I can agree that one of Snape's functions in the text 
is to uphold the rules, but the way he does that, IMO, does not give 
him a right to be called a PARENT, even metaphorically.
Enforcer - sure (who errs on the sadistic side), but not a PARENT, 
not in my opinion at least.