Narcissistic!Snape (was: Whither Snape?)

[fanofminerva]

No: HPFGUIDX 127435


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "cubfanbudwoman" 
<susiequsie23 at s...> wrote:
> 
> Julie:
> > Personality Disorders are characterological in nature.  These, 
> > actually, are regarded as more serious psychopathology than 
other 
> > psychiatric/psychological disorders.  This is why they are coded 
on 
> > Axis II rather than Axis I, with the only other disorder on Axis 
II 
> > being mental retardation.  While I can see why some would think 
of 
> > Snape as having some Narcissistic characteristics, I would not 
> > diagnose him with this.  Lucious Malfoy, yes, but not Snape.
> 
> 
> SSSusan:
> Oh, now, you *can't* stop there, Julie!  Please go on re: Lucius!  
> We've talked about Snape and a little about Lockhart in this 
vein.  
> Will you make the case for Lucius?
> 
> Siriusly Snapey Susan

Ok, but I do not have my HP books at work, so I cannot quote canon.  
I will speak of the general characteristics we know of LM.

In the DSM-IV, Narcissitic Personality Disorder criteria are the 
following (need to endorse 5 or more):

1. "Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates 
achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior 
without commensurate achievements)" --> While canon does not provide 
us with his talents or abilities as a wizard or his achievements, he 
does have that air of superiority, even with DD who is, by the 
comments of others, a much more powerful wizard than LM.

2. "Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, 
brilliance, beauty, or ideal love" --> Again, we are not provided 
with insight into what preoccupies his fantasies, but he certainly 
does seem to feed off of power (LV, the Ministry of Magic, etc.).  
He aligns himself with powerful people, institutions, etc., even 
when they seem diametrically opposed to each other.  This sometimes 
is referred to as "closet narcissism."

3. "Believes that he or she is 'special' and unique and can only be 
understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-
status people (or institutions)" --> see above and also consider how 
he views the Weasleys, not to mention Muggles or house-elves.

4. "Requires excessive admiration" --> Again, no direct canon 
evidence for this, but implication is there that he would tolerate 
more people who admired him than people who do not (confrontation 
with Arthur Weasley in COS, for example).

5. "Has a sense of entitlement (i.e., unreasonable expectations of 
especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or 
her expectations" --> Consider the changes he tries to affect at 
Hogwarts, the scene at the Quidditch World Cup, etc.

6. "Is interpersonally exploitative (i.e., takes advantage of toehrs 
to achieve his or her own ends)" --> No direct canon evidence but 
consider (a) reasons for being a DE and (b) how did he get his money?

7. "Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the 
feelings and needs of others" --> I would argue that this is a given 
for DEs.  We also see this in the limited interactions we have seen 
with Draco and with his treatment of Dobby.

8. "Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious 
of him or her" --> I can think of no canon evidence for this, but at 
least the last part sounds plausible for his character.

9. "Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes" --> I would say 
this characterizes all of his behaviors we have seen in the series 
thus far.

So, I see where Lucious actually exceeds the 5 criteria needed for 
this diagnosis, even with the limited canon evidence we have on 
him.  I made a case for 8 of the 9, excluding #8.  He may also meet 
diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder, but without 
more canon evidence, particularly his behavior in adolescence, I 
would keep this as a "Rule Out" diagnosis.

SSSusan, I hope this is what you were asking me.  I'd certainly be 
interested in others' views.  

Julie
(By the way, in case anyone was wondering, I am a Clinical 
Psychologist.)