Hagrid's Name and Respect for Snape

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 98033

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "littleleahstill"
<cmjohnstone at h...> wrote:
> Gregory wrote:
>  
> >This whole discussion of Hagrid's name has been very interesting, 
> >and I don't really have much to add except a question.
> 
> >What views do you take when you combine the use of Hagrid's last
> >name with Dumbledore's incessant insertion of "professor" when 
> >Harry does the same with Snape?
> 

> Leah:
> 
> Apart from the obvious need for school discipline, I see the 
> insistence on 'Professor Snape' by Dumbledore as a reflection of his 
> awareness of what Snape has done and continues to do for the Order.  
> ...edited... Dumbledore feels Snape deserves respect, and without 
> telling Harry exactly why, is trying to instil some of that respect 
> in the boy.  I do feel though that Dumbledore's respect for Snape as
> a member of the Order blinds him to the latter's very questionable 
> teaching methods.
> 
> Leah

bboy_mn:

Regarding Dumbledore insistance that Harry call Snape by the title
'Professor', Dumbledore must be aware that there is animosity between
Snape and Harry, and I think He doesn't want that animosity to prevent
Harry from showing Snape the respect he deserves. While Harry may not
think Snape deserves that respect as a person, Snape is unquestionably
a powerful wizard, an extremely knowledgable Portions Master, has
taken great risks to aid the side of good, has tried to save Harry,
and has done things of great importance to the wizard world and to
Harry that haven't been fully revealed yet. Consequently, Dumbledore
wants to foster a sense of respect in Harry; a respect that Snape
deserves even if Harry doesn't know why.

As far as Snape's teaching method, I think he teaches a very advanced
class, and as miserable as the students are, they are far ahead of
where they need to be to pass either OWLs or NEWTs. Measured by the
results he produces, by the students test scores, Snape is a good
teacher, although, without question he is not a very nice person.

I think, to some extent, Dumbledore believes that Snape also, although
unintentionally, teaches the student a valuable life lesson. That
lesson is that in the very long life of a wizard, you will meet and be
forced to work with people who are capable but not very pleasant. In
real life, as we all know from experience, you have to learn to deal
with these people. 

Slight Rant: this is a lesson that kids today are not learning, that
why you find so many self-centered impolite 'Snape'-like kids in the
world. Kids who all have a very Draconian (Draco-like) sense of
priviledge, and can't believe that the entire world doesn't exits for
the sole purpose of making them happy. A misconception that many never
get over in a lifetime. Consequently, once they are out of college and
in the real world, they do not function very well. So, thank you very
much Professor Dumbledore, that is indeed a valuable, though very
unpleasant, lesson for the kids to learn.

I also think that is why Peeves-the Poltergeist and Filch remain at
the castle. They both provide valuable life lesson, as well as great
adventure stories to tell your friend over drinks when you are older.

I do agree to a limited extent, that Dumbledore is slightly blinded by
the good Snape does. I think if he really knew how horribly miserable
some kids like Neville were, he would tell Snape to ease up a bit.

Just a few thoughts.

bboy_mn