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

[lealess]

No: HPFGUIDX 127340



--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "cubfanbudwoman" > SSSusan:
> SSSusan:
> OTOH, I'm not sure that I can agree that Snape values his 
> own "internal measure" over DD's approval.  I think DD's 
> approval/validation is VERY important to Snape.

lealess: Actually, I agree! I think Dumbledore is important to Snape,
but not for narcissistic reasons.

>
> As for his position about rulebreakers, who was it who said Snape is 
> hung up on the rules in a hall-monitorish way?  (I love that.)  Is he 
> hung up on them for reasons of principle and high moral standards?  
> Or is he hung up on them because he can't stand people getting away 
> with things, people sneaking around & doing things?  Methinks Snape 
> doesn't care for kids going against his authority.
> 
> Siriusly Snapey Susan

lealess: One of the things Snape probably has to do as a teacher is to
make students aware of rules, both internal Hogwarts rules and
external wizarding world rules.  He may not like it or even agree with
all the rules, but he probably understands why they exist.  Not
following certain rules could have serious consequences, for Hogwarts,
for the individuals involved, and for third parties who rely on others
to behave in an above-board manner ... not to mention Snape, since it
is no doubt part of his job to enforce rules.  He is faced with people
who continually flout rules, often openly, often unintentionally, even
after being informed many times of their existence, although perhaps
not their rationale.  If he is faced with rule-breaking continuously,
yet never gets any support when he tries to enforce the rules, I can
see where it would drive him around the bend.  How many times does he
have to hit people over the head to get the message through?  Yes,
Snape is sadistic, and he is bullying.  Perhaps he sees this cruel
behavior as the only way to get through to some people, or again,
perhaps it is the result of really rather not wanting to bother, as an
introvert.  I think he probably also sees rules as a touchstone to a
sane existence, i.e., if rules are followed by everyone, it might make
life more simple and just across the board.  Less strife = happier Snape.

So, it might not have anything to do with authority or self-esteem
issues, or even moral standards.  It might just be the frustrations of
the job he probably didn't choose.

Not that I personally agree with this view of rules, but I think I can
understand it.

lealess