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

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 127441


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "pippin_999" <foxmoth at q...> 
wrote:
> 
>> Pippin:
> You want to see someone punished for mental/spiritual faults?? 
*Moral*
> faults are another matter. In so far as Snape chooses what is easy
> over what is right, he deserves (IMO) retribution, as a reminder that
> the wrong path is never easier in the long run. In so far as Snape
> can't distinguish the right path, however, I don't think he deserves
> to be punished for not choosing it. 
> 


If one means "fault" in the sense of "structural defect" (i.e. there's 
a fault in the concrete, there's a fault in Snape's mental make-up) 
which does NOT imply responsibility but rather implies pathology or 
disease almost totally beyond the control of the one afflicted, then 
punishment for the fault PER SE would not be appropriate.  However, 
punishment definitely WOULD still be appropriate for the behaviors and 
attitudes influenced by the fault.  Snape may have a sadistic 
personality.  That in no way releases him from punishment for his 
sadistic acts and attitudes toward Harry.  Unless, of course, he could 
be claimed to be so psychotic as to have absolutely no responsbility 
whatsoever (i.e. if he thought he was being snarky to a tree rather 
than a student).  However, he is definitely not psychotic and 
therefore punishment applies.

However, there is another meaning of fault, that is with regard to 
mental and spiritual defects over which one has a great deal of 
control.  Snape did not create his grudge, but he has nurtured it and 
fed it like some kind of hideous infant.  For that reason, his defects 
are in some way his responsibility (i.e. his faults as in they are HIS 
FAULT), and he does deserve to be punished for them.



Lupinlore