Does SNAPE hate himself?

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 118372


Chrusotoxos: "I was just wondering about something I read I don't know
where, a post saying that, after all, Snape wasn't self-disgusted at
all and that he liked his life a lot, thank you very much.

I was unsettled by this view, because I always took for granted that
Snape hated himself in a way or the other - I mean, if he betrayed it
was because he didn't like his life (if he hasn't joined Voldemort
just to spy, of course). But maybe it's true that he was disgusted
with himself back then, and since he has recovered."

He hasn't recovered, and you were right.  The idea that Snape likes
his life is, in my opinion, preposterous.

People who like their lives are not filled with the rage Snape is.
Children who grow up cowering in their homes while their parents fight
are not happy.  Kids who are outcasts at school, who are tormented and
rejected and in lash out in turn (cause and effect wrapped up in one)
are not content.  Snape hasn't changed.

He is filled with rage at others as well. He was ostracized as a kid,
and paradoxically did everything he could to earn it.  That didn't
change his anger. I doubt he ever got love for himself - the idea that
he secretly had a crush on Lily makes sense and may help explain the
depth of his hatred for James. Everything we observe about Snape
shouts out his torment.

Snape, happy? No way.

Jim Ferer