The function of Chapter Two

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 138888

This is yet *another* look at Chapter Two, "Spinner's End."  Please 
bear with me.  Most of the discussions of this subject seem to be 
concerned with what this reveals about Snape's character, and then 
what it means for the plot.  However, HBP is a radically plot-driven 
book, much more so than OOTP, at any rate.  Many of the criticisms of 
it, in fact, seem to be that the plot determines the character in 
HBP, rather than the other way around -- which would be more 
believable and better writing.

So, what function does Chapter Two provide for the plot?  
Particularly, what do we get out of Chapter Two we *only* get out of 
Chapter Two and nowhere else?  I am going by the theory that JKR 
learned her lesson in OOTP about indulging in unnecessary excursions, 
and that there must be something in Chapter Two we don't get anywhere 
else in the book.

Well, we learn about the Unbreakable Vow, but that isn't anything we 
don't hear about anywhere else.  Harry hears Snape talking about it 
with Draco and Ron explains it, so the vow as such is simply 
redundant info.  

We get the explanation from Snape's side of his return to 
Dumbledore.  However, the basic facts of this are repeated at the end 
of the book, and so that once again is redundant.

We get a few "backfills" that help explain plot holes and 
contradictions (e.g. Quirrell), but those seem mainly to be just 
housekeeping items.

What we DO get here that we don't get anywhere else in the whole 
book, or the whole series for that matter, is a look at Snape when 
Harry isn't around.  We see the circumstances of his life (evidently 
not too good) and the way he interacts with some key characters 
(Narcissa, Bellatrix, Wormtail).  I think THIS is the key to the 
chapter -- particularly since JKR has hinted that Wormtail still has 
a role to play, and that Harry sparing him will be very important.  
I'm not predicting, but I am guessing, that the purpose of this 
chapter was to reveal the relationship between Wormtail and Snape, 
and possibly to hint at something between Snape and Narcissa.

Now what does that mean for Snape's character?  Well, not all that 
much definite.  It could be used as evidence for anything.  However, 
IF Wormtail is to be important the fact that he has been working for 
Snape hints at a Snape that is not completely on Harry's side.  But, 
like I say, it is only a hint and nothing would surprise me at this 
point.  Mostly I am influenced by my firm belief that bringing Snape 
down clearly on either side would be a contrived and poorly written 
ending, at this point.

But anyway, to return to my main theme, I think what most of us have 
been focusing on - the Unbreakable Vow and the circumstances of Snape 
taking it - is only a blind.  We don't really learn anything from 
that that we couldn't learn or infer from information elsewhere in 
the book. I think the real information that will be important is how 
Snape relates to Wormtail.

But I would not be at all surprised to be wrong about that one.


Lupinlore