Nope, no consensus on Snape (was Re: Snape's Grudge)

[esmith222002]

No: HPFGUIDX 142661


> If, on the other hand, you mean that there is some consensus that, 
> in some vague way, Snape's treatment of Harry is "understandable" 
in 
> the sense of being "ameliorated in guilt or fault," I would say 
that 
> absolutely no such consensus exists, even on a very imprecise 
> level.  Certainly I do not accord any amelioration of guilt to 
Snape 
> in any way, his actions and attitudes are absolutely and utterly 
> unforgiveable.  Nor do I think Alla or Nora or many other people 
who 
> find Snape's actions objectionable would agree that there is any 
> kind of consensus on the issue whatsoever (and they may of course 
> disagree with me on that one).
> 
> 
> Lupinlore
> 
> Whether or not Snape turns out to be DDM, ESE,
> or just OFH, his behavior toward Harry is ridiculous and childish 
and not
> worthy of my respect or acceptance or understanding.
> 
> Sherry, completely agreeing with lupinlore
>

My feelings towards Snape are feelings of pity. His upbringing has 
turned him into a hateful individual.
IMO he detested his father. He disassociates himself from his muggle 
father with his use of the 'Half-blood prince' monniker, and we have 
seen (via Harry's unintentional occlumency) that Snape's father at 
least verbally abused his mother. Perhaps this prejudiced him against 
muggles and drove him towards the death eaters.
He was bullied by the Marauders at school, and even ridiculed in 
front of many others. He does not seem to have had many friends. 
He joined the death eaters, and IMO, Voldemort's treatment of the 
Potters reversed Snape's allegiance. If we believe DD, Snape probably 
hates himself for what happened to the Potters.

To conclude, I think that Snape is one of those people who has a 
massive chip on his shoulder about how his life has panned out. I 
think he feels pain about what has happened, and I think he inflicts 
pain where he can, and this makes him feel a little better. 
Is Snape a nice person - no! But I am always incredibly thankful that 
I grew up, surrounded by loving family, with good friends etc. I feel 
incredibly sorry for Snape, that he has had none of these things.
Plus, IMO, he is still trying to make up for the mistakes he has 
made. There is still honour within Snape, as well as the obvious 
unpleasantness.

Brothergib