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

[lealess]

No: HPFGUIDX 127317


I've been following this discussion with interest.  I am not a 
psychologist, and what I know of narcissism I've read here.  Even 
so, is it possible that Snape is just extremely introverted and 
not necessarily narcissistic?  He would still be self-referential 
in most of his dealings with others, but it would be a reference 
to internal standards, instead of a striving for external 
validation, that would make it difficult for him to understand or 
even tolerate others.  His anger could come from being stuck in a 
situation in which he is not comfortable, i.e., having to be with 
people, especially those who do not fit his expectations (probably 
unrealistic) of others.  He does seem to want to be listened to, 
but then ... who doesn't?  I know few people who want to be 
discounted.

Is it possible the only measure he really cares about is an internal 
one, that he would value justice, decorum, duty, etc., according to 
the standard he sets for himself (perhaps too high or inflexible) 
over the external validation of a medal or maybe even Dumbledore's 
approval?  Perhaps this explains the scene Harry witnessed regarding 
the Order of Merlin, which might not have been about the award at 
all.  It might have been the disappointment of not seeing Black pay 
for what Snape still believed to be his crimes, that and the stress 
of being near that person, and a werewolf, and being knocked out by 
three students...all in all, a lot of stress.

Perhaps his internal sense of what is right is what keeps him doing 
the work that Dumbledore asks of him.  It may also be what sets him 
against rulebreakers.  He may (or may not) even have relatively high 
self-esteem, but again, it might not be dependent on the opinions of 
others (much as his appearance could reflect his idea of what's 
really important, either that or a dislike of water).

As for cruelty and anger towards children ... I see him as someone 
who just would be happier on his own.  Dumbledore's probably well-
meant scheme to get him socializing and worse, interacting with 
children, is a tremendous failure.  If Snape is extremely 
introverted, it might be impossible for him to change his 
personality and actually welcome being around others.  His self-
containment probably saves him as a spy, though.

I agree he needs to let the past go, but I don't think the inability 
to do that is a creation of narcissism.

???
lealess