Narcissistic!Snape (was: Whither Snape?) [long!]

[naamagatus]

No: HPFGUIDX 127188


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "cubfanbudwoman" > 
<snip>
> Susan again:
> I am most intrigued by the comments about bullying, lack of ability 
> on *communal* traits such as agreeableness [hee!], and the seeking 
>of external self-validation (Order of Merlin, anyone?).  
> 
> Granted that we have little insight into adolescent Snape, so we 
> can't be certain whether the typical adolescent manifestations of 
> narcissism were present for him, but they certainly don't seem OoC 
> from what we do know and from adult Snape's behavior.  
> JKR has described Snape as "deeply horrible," "sadistic," and one 
>who abuses his power.  Many HPfGUers see him as a classic bully.  
>And even many of those who see him more in the role of classic 
> schoolmaster than bully do acknowledge that his behavior w/ Harry, 
> Neville & occasionally Hermione is cruel or excessive.  
> 
> Wouldn't a narcissistic Snape explain a *lot* about his inability 
to tolerate "dunderheads," his annoyance with know-it-all Hermione, 
his snarky put-downs of others?  For everyone who is *lesser* than he 
in ability actually builds him up, and anyone who is *equal* to or 
> *greater* than him in ability, challenges him uncomfortably.

But that last one isn't really true. He is loyal to DD and with 
McConagall, he is as closest to friendly as we've ever seen him. I 
know that some of his traits fit the description you've brought 
above, but do you really get that "fragile ego" feel with him? For 
instance, he keeps applying, year after year, for the DADA position. 
You'd think that a guy with a fragile ego won't keep on setting 
himself up for rejection like that. 

I don't know. I just don't get fragility there. But I'll tell you who 
is the classical narcissist - Voldemort. He really fits that 
description (Hitler also has been "diagnosed" as a narcissist). The 
need to prove himself in front of his DEs. His rage when Harry told 
him that DD is more powerful than him. With Voldemort, you really get 
the feeling that for him, other people function purely as audience 
(unless they are means to an end - therefore, to be manipulated). 
Snape isn't like that - he does have authentic (albeit twisted, 
mostly) relationships with people around him. In a sense, his ability 
to be so hurt by what other people do to him (and he doesn't acutally 
go violent when insulted) shows that he is not a narcissist. I 
think... yeah. Just twisted and bitter.


Naama