Snape and Aesop's Fables

[Marianne S.]

No: HPFGUIDX 138217

I came across these fables today when tutoring a student on "point of view"'
and I was quite stricken by the similarities of the bats to how Severus
Snape can be perceived.


The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat

    THE BIRDS waged war with the Beasts, and each were by turns 
the conquerors. A Bat, fearing the uncertain issues of the fight, 
always fought on the side which he felt was the strongest. When 
peace was proclaimed, his deceitful conduct was apparent to both 
combatants. Therefore being condemned by each for his treachery, 
he was driven forth from the light of day, and henceforth concealed 
himself in dark hiding-places, flying always alone and at night.


I see the Birds as being like those in the Order of the Phoenix 
(which is, of course, a bird)
The Beasts are obviously the Death Eaters and Voldemort
The Bat is therefore Snape, having been described as bat-like in more 
than one place in the books.

Here's another Bat fable: 

The Bat and the Weasels

    A BAT who fell upon the ground and was caught by a Weasel
 pleaded to be spared his life. The Weasel refused, saying that he 
was by nature the enemy of all birds. The Bat assured him that he 
was not a bird, but a mouse, and thus was set free. Shortly afterwards 
the Bat again fell to the ground and was caught by another Weasel, 
whom he likewise entreated not to eat him. The Weasel said that he 
had a special hostility to mice. The Bat assured him that he was not 
a mouse, but a bat, and thus a second time escaped.

If these fables are any way a source of Snape's characteristics, I could
see Snape as now being in hiding from both the Order for killing
Dumbledore, and Voldemort for saving Draco. However, I don't
believe that Snape is exactly like the Bat because I believe he 
discloses more truth to Dumbledore than to Voldemort and ultimately
wants the Good side to win, not the uberweasel Voldemort.

Marianne S