What's in a Name? (CHAPDISC - Spinner's End)

[juli17 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 142697

 


Goddlefrood wrote:
> There is some evidence to support it;  why then did Snape 
> call Lily a mudblood? This is after all one of the  worst insults in 
> the wizarding world. Even for a broken-hearted  teenager it seems 
> rather extreme to throw this loathsome insult, that  is assuming that 
> Snape already had some infatuation with Lily prior to  the incident 
> experienced in the Pensieve.

Bart:
Snape had  been humiliated by a spell that he, himself had invented, and 
was 15. And  was treated as an object of pity by a girl who he may have 
already formed  strong feelings.
 
Julie:
What's in a name is the power to hurt someone.  And  as you say, Bart,
Snape was deeply humiliated, perhaps in front of a girl whom he  secretly
liked. It's likely he saw Lily's support as nothing more  than pity, which 
would intensify his humiliation, and induce him to  strike back at her. No 
strike could be sharper than calling her the foulest name he could  muster,
thus hurting her as she has (unintentionally) hurt him. And, make no 
mistake, teenagers know exactly what hurts the most, and will use it, 
often without thought, when cornered. 
 
The idea that Snape called Lily "mudblood" because of inborn  prejudice
seems especially odd now that we know he isn't a pureblood, and later
called himself by a title that emphasized that fact (Half-Blood Prince). 
And if this really is his worst memory, then the insult shouted out of 
impulsive anger and humiliation, which he can't take  back once his 
anger subsides even if he dearly wishes he could, makes sense.  
 
Julie 




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