Snape's ambitions (was Re: Narcissistic!Snape)

[juli17 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 127364



> imamommy:
> 
> I had a thought recently:  why does Snape continue to apply for the 
> DADA position, when he's been turned down for fourteen years?  Not 
> why won't DD let him have it, but why does he keep going after it?
> 
> I came to the conclusion that DD may have given Snape some shred of 
> hope that, indeed, he might give him the job someday.  If Snape was 
> never going to get the post, wouldn't DD just tell him, "forget about 
> it!"?  So does that indicate that Snape has an understanding with DD 
> that when the time is right, he will be able to teach DADA?


Julie:

Good analysis. Clearly DD hasn't hasn't told Snape that he'll never have
the position, or Snape would quit applying. Whether DD is stringing 
Snape along for some reason, or is waiting for the moment when he
decided Snape is genuinely ready to teach DADA, I don't know. But
it does support the idea that Snape will teach DADA before the
end of the series. I'm betting on Book 7, when things become 
desperate.

> 
> Along with that, why does he want to?  He seems to be an excellent 
> potions maker; what does he feel he could do better in DADA?  Surely 
> it wouldn't improve his method of teaching.  Also, I would imagine 
> his knowledge of the subject would be quite extensive,  but what does 
> he feel he has to offer more than anyone else?
> 
> Comments?

Julie:

I've assumed that Snape does have plenty to offer as a DADA teacher.
While he's excellent at potions, that ability could also be an integral 
element within the dark arts (and it's been theorized that Snape's 
potion-making expertise was put to good use by Voldemort). I think
Snape is more than competent at DADA, which is why he wants to
teach it. Snape is always very certain that *his* way is the best way,
which may be another reason he wants to teach DADA. He thinks
no one but him can teach students how to really defeat Voldemort.
Given his years in the service of the Dark Lord, he may even be 
right about that!

The best part of Snape teaching DADA, to me anyway, will be when
he finds out that Harry outshines him in both ability and execution. 
Ouch, that's going to hurt. And it should bring a new dimension to
their relationship, whether for good or bad. I'm betting JKR is well
aware of that potential, and I don't believe she would be dwelling 
on Snape's continual desire to teach DADA if she wasn't going to 
do something with it eventually.

Julie 
(certain Snape will teach DADA, but has been certain before
and also mistaken!)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]