One last try (re: Parenting Harry )

[Renee]

No: HPFGUIDX 120354


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "dumbledore11214" 
<dumbledore11214 at y...> wrote:
> 
> > 
> Alla:
> 
> Could you still help me out a little bit?
> 
> Sure, me wanting to scream at Snape comes from looking at the 
> character "as a person " or looking at the character within the 
> story.
> 
> Of course I don't want him out of the narrative, when I look at 
him 
> outside the story, I consider him to be one of the JKR's finest 
> creations.
> 
> BUT and here is my misunderstanding probably comes from. Even when 
I 
> look at the character outside the story, I cannot employ neutral 
> attitude towards him.
> 
> Am I supposed to,when I assess his function within the text?

Renee:
Basically, yes. When discussing the technical side of storytelling - 
how the effects are brought about, how the elements of the story are 
put together, etc., I find that having strong opinions about the 
characters tends to obscure my views of how they function in the 
story. Snape the character is allowed to push my buttons, but if I 
want to talk about Snape the plot device, Snape the metaphor, Snape 
the archetype, or whatever, I try to take a step back and be as 
objective as possible. Actually, when approached at this level, 
Snape isn't a character anymore but an object of study.     
 
Alla:
> Going back to very beginning, I thought that besides arguing that 
> Snape is an Enforcer of the rules in the story, Eloise was arguing 
> that the character should be praised for how well he performs this 
> function. (Sorry, Eloise I probably misunderstood you again) and 
> that is what I was absolutely disagreeing with.

Renee:
I didn't read it as such, but rather as a comment on how well Snape 
as a plot device *serves* this function, regardless of the merits of 
his performance - or lack thereof. But it could be I'm the one who 
didn't get it.