In Defense of Snape (Against Snape in JKR's words)

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 122453


Betsy wrote:
But if Snape is not redeemed, then he is still a Death Eater. He is 
ESE!Snape, and his constant saving of Harry's life is part of some 
evil complex plot of... evil complexity?
  
No, Snape is definitely redeemed.  He's just not sweet and fuzzy.  I 
don't think he'll ever be sweet and fuzzy (thank goodness).  I do 
hope there is development of his and Harry's relationship.  There is 
so much similarity between those two that it'd be a shame if they 
didn't finally see each others good sides. 

Alla countered:

NO, Betsy. That is the fundamental difference between how you and me 
see the character of Snape. To me not a DE anymore does not 
equal "being redeemed".
<snip> 
Snape as sadist, who enjoys the sufferings of Harry and Neville 
needs redemption, IMO. <snip>



Carol responds:
Possibly you two are using the word "redeem" in different but equally
valid senses. Betsy seems to be using it to mean reform, and I would
agree that Snape, for all his numerous faults, is "redeemed" in that
sense, a reformed Death Eater who has no intention of going back to
Voldemort and is actively fighting against him. But I think Alla is
using it in the sense of atone or expiate, IOW not just repenting and
opposing Voldemort but somehow extinguishing his guilt, paying for 
his sins in some painful way, in which case I can see why she doesn't
think he is yet redeemed. Am I right, or close to right? If not, can
you both clarify your concept of redemption?

I'm not quite sure how Snape could redeem himself in that second 
sense except by dying to save Harry or some similar self-sacrifice, 
a la Boromir. Anyone have any Snape redemption theories that don't 
involve his death? Would saving Harry from deadly peril without 
dying in the process count? (*I* think it would, but I also confess 
that that's what I hope will happen.)


Alla:

Hmmmm, not exactly Carol. My concept of "redemption" includes both " 
to reform" AND " to atone".

Let's forget for a second that as of today, which can totally change 
tomorrow and back again, I am having my doubts as to whether Snape 
is truly REFORMED DE.

Let's pretend that he is truly loyal to the Dumbledore and 
accordingly to the Light.

Even if I will be sure that he is truly loyal to the Light, I will 
never believe that he is completely reformed yet, because I think he 
still has DE mentality ( enjoying to see another human being in pain 
and enjoying causing such pain)

True, IF Snape is truly loyal to the Light he does not want to kill 
anymore, but I believe that he still likes to hurt other people and 
his students make for nice subjects for his exercise.


Accordingly, I think that Snape still needs to undergo reformation 
and  well, atonement will be nice too. 


Just my opinion,

Alla