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

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 127191


SSSusan previously:
> > 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.

Naama:
> 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.

SSSusan:
Indeed, Snape does appear to be closer to DD & McGonagall than to 
anyone else.  But he wouldn't see them as CHALLENGES the way he would 
others.  It's the notion that a *student* (such as Hermione) might 
challenge him with her level of skill or knowledge; it's the notion 
that someone *else* besides him – and Potter at that! – supposedly, 
per the prophecy, has the ability to stop Voldemort.  DD & McG do not 
have this ability; they understand & accept that the WW needs Harry.  
But Snape *resents* it, in my view.  

Also, consider what DD has ostensibly DONE for Snape – believed him, 
trusted him, *validated* him, all things which the narcissist 
craves.  McGonagall, we don't know, but I can speculate that they 
respect each other's intellectual & magical abilities and/or that she 
acknowledged his talents while a student.  He is *appreciated* by 
these two probably more than by anyone else, and this plays into it 
for a narcissist.


Naama:
> 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. 

SSSusan:
I have always believed it possible that the DADA "applications" are 
part of the ruse between DD & Snape to keep the DE kids 
thinking/reporting that Snape's after the spot.  


Naama:
> 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.


SSSusan:
Well, let me refer you to this part of the essay again:
"In order to sustain their exaggeratedly positive self-views, 
narcissists constantly seek external self-validation in the form of 
attention & admiration from others
.  When threatened, narcissists 
respond with intensely negative emotions.... Furthermore, narcissists 
respond to ego threat with aggression against others."

Think of the end of PoA and Snape's incredible ranting & raging after 
Sirius escaped.  He was apopleptic!  Unless you buy into OscarWinner!
Snape, that was genuine rage and (as DD categorized it) 
disappointment.  He wanted that Order of Merlin (read: 
acknowledgement, validation), and he wanted revenge against Sirius.

Think also of Snape's comment to DD:  "Surely you remember that he 
tried to kill *ME*?"  Again, the possible implication that he craves 
validation, craves being considered important.

I still see it as a good fit. :-)

Siriusly Snapey Susan