[HPforGrownups] Re: More Snape Defense, regarding Snape's childhood. (Long)

[Magda Grantwich]

No: HPFGUIDX 122822

> Alla:
> 
> Cannot speak for everybody else, but I most certainly DON'T make 
> such assumption. What I do think though that his apparently unhappy
> childhood ( and NO, we don't know for sure that he was abused at 
> all, as Charme said earlier - couple of memories don't necessarily 
> make unhappy childhood. We don't even know for sure if the boy in 
> those memories was Snape) often used as an excuse that Snape is 
> INCAPABLE of changing his behaviour and therefore it is OK for him 
> to stay that way. Am I being clear? I am not saying that Snape 
> necessarily knows how to behave normally, I am objecting to that he
> should not be forced to change such behaviour.
> 

And how many times has someone said oh it's not Sirius' fault that
he's insensitive or reckless, the poor guy never had a chance to
mature in Azkaban because he went there when he was 21/22 boo hoo hoo
poor baby?  THere are personality traits and mental processes that
are hardwired by the time you're in your teens and there's not a lot
that can be done to change them.

There are several instances throughout the books that Snape has only
the most rudimentary concept of normal human relationships.  His
belief in POA that Lupin is still friends with Sirius Black despite
Sirius' apparent betrayal of the Order and the Potters shows us that
he doesn't have a clue what real friendship is about.  His
all-or-nothing commitment to a cause doesn't indicate much exposure
to tolerant viewpoints.  His way of dealing with classes through
intimidation of his forceful personality, his undoubted knowledge of
his subject and his image of darkness shows that he is taking the
easy way out when it comes to dealing with students.

Trekgrrrl makes an excellent point.

Magda

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