Theory about Pensieves

[zgirnius]

No: HPFGUIDX 132879

tigga1978 wrote:

> <snip scientific theories on memory>
> Based on these theories, I wonder how *factual* pensieve memories
> really are.  Rather than coming from an omnipotent perspective,
> pensive memories are from the perspective of the wizard.  Remember,
> Harry followed Snape through the memory because he could only see what
> Snape remembered. Therefore, I assert that pensieve memories are
> biased and we cannot depend on a pensieve memory to give us a factual
> account of an event.  We would only have a semi-factual account if we
> viewed several pensieve memories of the same event.  For example,
> Snape hated the Marauders.  In his memories, their actions may have
> been exaggerated because of his feelings for them.  Would James'
> pensieve memory of the same event play the same way?  I don't think 
so.  

zgirnius:
This is a neat theory! I wonder, though...does Snape really remember 
all the stuff Harry sees in that scene? Snape is off in a corner going 
over his DADA paper for much of the scene, while the Marauders hang out 
nearby. Does Snape really remember exactly each time James caught the 
Snitch, and Pattigrew's reaction each time? Seems unlikely.

Of course, maybe the Pensieve can access memories Snape has that he 
never consciously had (as he was within earshot of the events, and so 
heard them even if he was not listening) and then "construct" the 
appropriate pictures for the user to see, or something like that? And 
exactly who said/did what to whom WOULD be colored by Snape's conscious 
recollection of them, and thus biasedas you point out.