[HPforGrownups] Re: What's wrong with being bad ?

[Irene]

No: HPFGUIDX 101953

kyntor70 wrote:

> Kyntor replies:
> 
> There are really two things about this point of view that bothers me.
> 
> First, I don't really believe that Snape is practicing "ritual 
> humiliation" purely for the benefit of his students.

I've never  said he does  not enjoy himself in the process.

> He seems to 
> enjoy humiliating certain people just entirely too much.  
> 
> If Snape really was trying to educate his students through the use 
> of "ritual himiliation," wouldn't he be treating the Slytherins the 
> same way.  By not humiliating them, will they still be able to 
> learn?  If the Slytherins can learn without the humilation, then it 
> is not really needed is it.
> 
> Secondly,  if "ritual humiliation" is such a recognized teaching 
> technique in wizarding society at that particular time, then why is 
> this teaching method not used by the other professors.

Two words: Moody, ferret. :-) And very effective it was too.

Seriously, McGonagall can give Snape run for his money in sarcasm 
department. Now, please listen before you go for my throat - she is 
obviously not as  cruel, I  could never  imagine her doing anything like 
"I see no difference" scene, but she is very caustic.
The difference in the readers' perception is very much because of the 
difference in Harry's perception: when McGonagall tells him "if you die 
tomorrow, you don't have submit the essay", it's OK. If it was Snape 
saying the same thing, Harry would think it was a death threat.
Anyway, why is she so amused at Harry's reaction to "potions" during the 
career talk?

Irene