Harry and Snape's redemption

[Don L.]

No: HPFGUIDX 150939

Shelly: "Gollum is no misunderstood tragic hero."

Don:
My further thoughts on this: 

I am not a Snape lover, but like Gollum, Spape's actions and motives 
are often misread and confused by both the heros and readers.  I 
believe Snape and Gollum are often confused themselves, and as the 
primary heros of the story, Harry and Frodo, become more aware of the 
Snape's and Gollum's childhood, etc. become more compassionate and 
understanding – as does the reader.  Frodo on many occasions, 
acknowledging the twisted evil of Gollum, also empathizes with heim, 
sparing or causing others to spare Gollum's life.  Harry has not yet 
with Snape, but I anticipate he will, assuming also as I do, that 
Snape is fighting against Voldemort.  

Gollum and Snape's character, motives and actions are interestingly 
parallel.  Both are despised by most; however each finds acceptance 
that motivates them too uncharacteristic acts in support of others 
and the common good.  Both find acceptance however.  Gollum is 
accepted by Frodo, Snape is trusted and accepted by Dumbledore.  In 
return both take on incredible risk to return this acceptance, 
regardless that their true nature remain cruel and self-centered.

Both are striving in parallel with the goals of the hero, but each 
are not destined to be successful.  Gollum seeks unwittingly to 
prevent Sauron from re-obtaining the ring by the mistaken goal of 
retrieving the ring for himself.  Snape would avenge Lily, by getting 
close enough to kill Voldemort or destroy the Horcruxes - an almost 
impossible task.    Both are obsessed, paranoid and twisted enough 
think they can accomplish it themselves.  

I suppose the question is; Are Gollum and Snape heros?  I suggest 
both are willing, to stand up to the power and evil of Sauron and 
Voldemort respectively, while many others are content to stand by the 
wayside - a good qualifier of heroism.  This fact, however, avoids 
their motives, so their identification as a heros is suspect.   If 
not heros, anti-heros maybe?  I, however believe they at least act 
heroically, acting outside of their self-interests at critical 
junctures, furthering the causes of their respective heros.

Don