Question for Snapeophiles and -phobes RE Dumbledore, Snape, and Harry

[arrowsmithbt]

No: HPFGUIDX 114597


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "dzeytoun" <dzeytoun at c...> wrote:
> 
> I agree that she has been blindsided by some of the fan's 
> preferences, particularly with regard to Snape and Draco.  Indeed, 
> she evidently finds it a deeply unhealthy trend, something with which 
> I agree.
> 
Kneasy:
Now, now - don't exaggerate.
She's surprised at the popularity of Snape and Draco but puts it
down to the actors playing them in the films - and she's 'shocked'
(take that how you will)  by the number of web site moderators who
want to be sorted into Slytherin. Interesting too that the person she
'hates' most isn't Snape but Vernon Dursley.

IIRC "deeply unhealthy trend" was the sort of language used by those
who wished to ban - or burn - the books.

>Dzeeytoun: 
> One thing I find interesting is Movie!Snape.  He is considerably less 
> prominent (particularly in PoA) and much nicer than Canon!Snape.  
> Indeed, in PoA he came off as kind of the crank with the heart of 
> gold.  I wonder how they are going to deal with him in later movies?  
> My inclination is they will do much the same as in PoA -- leave a lot 
> of stuff out.  Of course, they could also go the Cujo route and just 
> flat change the story.
> 
Kneasy:
They could try it I  suppose. Never get away with it though; besides
it wouldn't be canon. How can you take seriously anything that isn't 
canon?

I must admit I've been following this thread with vast amusement.
Amusement because I find it difficult to believe that there can be
any confusion between fantasy and reality and also because JKR 
deliberately set out for Harry to go through Hell, both at Privet 
Drive and at Hogwarts. 

There's an interview on Quick Quotes where she states that the WW
is meant to be a parallel of the Muggle world with the same faults,
vices, racism, unhappiness, corrupt politicians -  it is not a haven of 
sweetness and light. And Harry has to learn this. In another interview
she recalls that a mother asked her not to write any more bad things
because she wants "the books to be a happy escape" for her children.
JKR wonders if she's actually reading the same books because Harry's 
life is just sheer hell, getting worse book by book.

So it's JKR's world - she sets the parameters. 
If you're not happy - well, you could  always stop reading them, I suppose.