Sadistic Teachers (was:Re: Teaching Styles)

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 147991

> >>Gerry:
> > There is a distinction between that and downright sadism. This   
> > was an example of sadism.
> > <snip>
 
> >>Shaun:
> The point is I don't believe it is an example of sadism. I've seen 
> truly sadistic teachers in action - and Snape doesn't even come 
> close. 
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
We're all working with the same definition of sadism, right?  That 
it's someone who gets sexual pleasure out of causing pain?  Or at 
the very least, gets a kick out of causing physical or mental pain?  
Because I don't get the idea that Snape gets any such jolt out of 
his interaction with Neville.  

When Snape tells Neville his potion will be tested on Trevor the 
only descriptive word JKR uses is "coldly", and that's when Snape 
tell Hermione to not show off.  And when he feeds Trevor the potion, 
JKR describes his eyes as "glittering".  Neither words suggest that 
Snape is enjoying himself to a level a sadist would.

And I don't think it's because JKR is too squeamish to give us a 
sadistic teacher, or to describe a sadist enjoying himself.  Not 
with Umbridge waiting in the wings.  Look at what she does with 
Harry when she tells him that his detention will be doing lines.

"You haven't given me any ink," he said.
"Oh, you won't need ink," said Professor Umbridge with the merest 
suggestion of a laugh in her voice.
[...]
He let out a gasp of pain. [...]
"Harry looked around at Umbridge.  She was watching him, her wide, 
toadlike mouth stretched in a smile.
(OotP Scholastic hardback p.266-267)

Umbridge is very much anticipating Harry's pain, enjoying the 
anticipation, enjoying his actual pain, and also enjoying the power 
play that she is winning as he cuts into his own hand, again, and 
again, and again.  (I haven't reread that scene for a while, and I 
must say it's pretty shocking seeing how blatantly abused Harry is, 
and how much Umbridge enjoys abusing him.)

No, JKR knows how to depict a sadist.  If Snape is supposed to be an 
example of one, she's been very coy about showing us that.  At least 
in my opinion. 

Betsy Hp