The resolution of Snape (was Re: Harry mastering his emotions in

[juli17 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 118298

In a message dated 11/21/2004 3:29:53 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com writes:

> 
> 
> Naama wrote:
> >For me, it's almost a given that Snape will die. This has been 
> quoted many times:
> >
> >Q: There's an important kind of redemptive pattern to Snape
> >A: He, um, there's so much I wish I could say to you, and I can't 
> because it would ruin. I 
> >promise you, whoever asked that question, can I just say to you 
> that I'm slightly stunned 
> >that you've said that and you'll find out why I'm so stunned if 
> you read Book 7. That's all 
> >I'm going to say. (found in www.quick-quote-quill.org, from a 1999 
> interview).
> >
> >Not that she's explicitly saying, "he's going to sacrifice himself 
> to save Harry's life"... 
> >for me, though, it's as good as. 
> >
> 
> Hannah: That's an interesting interrpretation. I really, really hope 
> you're right, because I'd rather have dead!good!Snape than living!
> evil!Snape.  As a Snape fan, I felt sick when I first read this 
> quote. I'd been fervently hoping up till then that Snape would turn 
> out to be a good guy in the end, and maybe even end up getting on ok 
> with Harry.  I'd undergone mental contortions to excuse his 
> behaviour up till now.

The problem with this intepretation is that JKR's answer appears
to have been directed at a different question. In the full quote, the
questioner asks whether Snape has ever loved anyone. JKR 
starts to answer, then the moderator of the interview interrupts 
with the words above about a redemptive pattern. However, when
JKR replies, she refers again to the "whoever asked that question,"
indicating that she is speaking about the original question, not
the words the moderator interjected. 

I think JKR's response about waiting until book 7 means we will
find out just why Snape turned on Voldemort, and that it may
well be very personal, i.e., someone he loved died because of
Voldemort, directly or indirectly. Which works for me. I'm much
more interested in learning about Snape's motives and past than
seeing him sacrifice himself (or not) for Harry. Even more than 
his willingness to die for his cause, I think his motives for joining
the cause are what will reveal Snape's true character (i.e., is he 
looking for redemption, revenge or just the easy way out).


Julie


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