[HPforGrownups] Lusting After Snape

[Kathryn Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 129322

potioncat wrote:
> I'm honestly curious about what people's views on the above are and
> why (beyond the usual literary reasons) we feel attracted to the
> characters who appeal to us.
>
> (major snips)
>
> So my argument states that Snape appeals to *some* women who feel
> frustrated that society, their families, or life in general obliges
> them into a caretaker role when they privately feel that they are
> better suited  for more intellectual work. Some of these women might
> reject caretaker roles for themselves, and others might be 
> *extremely dutiful* mothers,teachers and nurses who simply feel the 
> pressure to be compassionate and tender-hearted all the time. It's 
> a heavy burden for anyone not 100% sweetness and light in the first 
> place. But what if women actually acted like Snape! It's hardly an 
> option for any of us who care about what our loved ones think of 
> us. (If only the world were as accepting as Dumbledore!
>
> So Snape is deliciously enjoyable because, as a literary 
> character, he can get away with all the nastiness he wants and we 
> can enjoy it vicariously without actually hurting anyone in the 
> Real World.
> (More major snips)


Kathy writes:

This is an absolutely great theory!  I know that I have much the 
same disposition as Snape, just about as much patience and I can tell you that motherhood hit me hard.  I can "do" (change diapers, feed, 
clothe, take them to the hospital and dentist, perform first aid) but 
when it comes to "nurture", I struggle.  Fortunately I have very 
understanding children. It is interesting to note, while I am confessing anyway, that my other favourite character is Dr. Gregory House, from the TV show "House".  I hugely admire anbody who can be that obnoxious and get away with it.  This must confirm something! 

KJ