Snape Harry and forgiveness/ judaism related/Canon for the Snape being abusive

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 144270

Miles  wrote:
> I do not expect justice in fiction, as I had to learn that justice 
is rarely
> part of the real world, either.
> Obviously, we disagree in this point as well ;).

Lupinlore:
I don't know about everybody else, but I'm finding this whole thread 
immensely enjoyable! :-)  But to the point, of Miles' statement.  I, 
for one, most certainly do not expect fiction to mirror the real 
world, especially in moral matters.  What on earth would be the 
point of that?  True, a certain amount of realism makes a work more 
compelling.  For instance, I think JKR lapses badly with regard to 
emotional realism with regard to romance or grieving for lost loved 
ones.  However, when it comes to overall moral patterns I have no 
patience with the "realism" argument.  I am quite aware of how the 
world works, having survived in it for several decades, thank you 
very much.  If I ever need remind myself of the problems of morality 
in the real world, I have only to turn on CNN, read the paper, log 
onto the internet, or visit any number of venues from coffee houses 
to churches to old age homes.  If someone wants to talk about 
morality in the real world, let them write nonfiction.  If they are 
just dying to put real world morality in a work of fiction, my 
advice is to keep it to yourself and save a tree or two.



Miles:
> If we try to find a wider definition for child abuse, I would not 
like it,
> because we should not use the same term for Snape being unfair to 
Neville,
> and Tom Riddle petrifying or murdering students with the basilisk.
> 

Lupinlore:
Why not?  There are many terms that cover both instances.  "Wrong," 
for instance.  "Evil," is another.  "Cruel," would be yet another.  
Just because a term is broad and applies across a lot of instances, 
does not make it invalid.  It is true that Snape's cruelty is not 
the same as Voldemort's cruelty, but that does not make him less 
cruel.  It is true that Snape's evil is not the same as Voldemort's 
evil, that does not mean Snape's actions are not evil.  It's true 
that Snape's abuse is not the same as abuse perpetrated by others.  
That does not mean it isn't abuse, which it most definitely is.


Lupinlore