Analysis of Snape Part 2

[AyanEva]

No: HPFGUIDX 122019


When analyzing the personality of Severus Snape, given the information
provided in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (Rowling, 1997),
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (Rowling, 1999), Harry Potter
And The Goblet Of Fire (Rowling, 2000), and Harry Potter And The Order
Of The Phoenix (Rowling, 2003), it is easier to begin the analysis at
Stage Two, Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt, rather than Stage One,
Trust versus Mistrust.  There is more evidence that can be used in
defense of Erikson's theory indicating a failure to complete Stage
Two, as opposed to a Stage One completion failure.     Further
extrapolation will occur when examining the completion of Stage Seven,
Generativity versus Stagnation, and Stage Eight, Integrity versus
Despair due to the fact that Severus, at around the age of 34, is
still roughly within the age span of Stage Six, Intimacy versus
Isolation. 

During the second stage of development in the Life Span and Identity
Crises theory, a child is supposed to develop autonomy, while at the
same time minimizing shame and doubt.  If the parent is overprotective
or under-attentive, the child will not develop a sense of autonomy. 
In Order Of The Phoenix, the reader is privy to a memory from Severus
Snape's childhood.  In this rather unpleasant recollection, the reader
sees that a, "hook-nosed man was shouting at a cowering woman, while a
small dark-haired boy [Severus] cried in a corner
it was unnerving to
think that the crying little boy who had watched his parents shouting
was actually standing in front of him with such loathing in his eyes
"
(Rowling, 2003).  The last half of the citation is indicative of a
maladapted personality, but that will be discussed further in a later
stage of development.  Presently, it is worth noting the possible
effect of mutuality in the case study of Severus Snape.  

Severus' father seems extremely irritable, verbally (if not
physically) abusive, and indifferent to the emotional responses of his
son.  Snape's mother ascribes to the profile of an abused individual,
exhibiting learned helplessness.  The child Severus' emotional
response, as well as future behavior, seems to imply a great deal of
emotional sensitivity.  Severus, however, is left alone in a corner
and ignored while his father verbally abuses his mother.  Often,
verbal abuse in families evolves into physical abuse and it is
probable that this abuse was not limited to only the mother.  Severus'
emotional sensitivity could only serve to exacerbate the irritability
of his father and cause his father to further `lash out' at his
family, leading Severus to engage in submissive behavior.  The
father's alternating indifference and overbearing nature ensures
Severus' failure to achieve Autonomy and instead suffering from Shame
and Doubt. 

AyanEva