The Key to Snape?

[mimbeltonia]

No: HPFGUIDX 139176

Derek wrote:
> I'm not going to pretend that I have done anywhere near the level
> of assessment of Snape's character that many on the list have done.
> Heck, I'm not even sure whether Snape is Evil!Snape or Good!Snape
> or Selfish!Snape or some combination thereof.
> 
> But one thing I have a very strong hunch about is that the key to
> understanding Snape is contained in the "Snape's Worst Memory"
> chapter of OP.  Namely, why was that his worst memory?  What
> element of that incident is the one so horrific to Snape that he
> considers it his worst memory?
> 
> I can't shake the feeling that when we know for certain the answer
> to that question, we'll be able to determine which Snape is the
> Real!Snape.  And since I shouldn't really make that assertion
> without throwing in a theory, here's my theory...  ;-)
> 
> I think it's his worst memory because he called Lily a Mudblood.



Mimbeltonia:

You know, Derek, I think you are right!

An important part of the disgrace in this memory is of course the 
fact that James is using Snape's own spell against him to humiliate 
him in front of the others - including Lily.

We hear less about Lily than we do about James, but she seems to have 
been one of those people who have an unusual ability for caring and 
making friends - like her son. IMO, indications are that though Lily 
and Severus may not have had any one-way or two-way romance going on 
between them, she must have treated him nicely and been friendly with 
him.

In his frustration and humiliation after the Levicorpus, Severus 
resents being defended by Lily, and to his deep regret calls her 
a "mudblood", turning her against him. Being who he is, he is unable 
to take steps to make up, and is left with his Slytherin "friends" 
only.

On another note: I don't think JKR wants us to like Snape. Not right 
now, at least. I think she really wants him to be unpleasant  - 
allthough with some redeeming or excusing qualities and experiences. -
BUT: I think she wants a part of the morale of the books to be that 
even a person you deeply (and maybe even rightly) detest may be 
important to you, may have qualities you do not see, and may do the 
right thing for you in the crucial situation.




-Mimbeltonia