Why Snape is so interesting

[Darlene Carroll]

No: HPFGUIDX 153819

 
  Randy <estesrandy at yahoo.com> wrote: 
  "I think the reason Snape is so interesting to the readers is due to his hidden motives. We see the good side and the bad side. He is 
described in images of bats, spiders, and dragons as someone else 
posted earlier. I find it interesting that he is described by these 
images, and he is the focus of so many debates about his evil or 
goodness."

   
  Honeykissed:
   
  Randy, you have made a great point here.  I find it ingenious that JKR used Snape to play off of individual's preconceived ideas.  I agree that Snape is not pleasant, fun and appears down right miserable and likes making everyone else miserable.  I don't think JKR has said that he has actually smiled at all in any of the books, he just smirks.  He also LOOKS the part, look how he is described (just like you stated)....however, I do believe he will come thru in the end.  I also think its funny how she described Umbridge in "girlie" terms and she turned out to be anything but.  Umbridge was evil beyond evil...from throwing poor Trelawney out on her duff, to making Harry write on his hand until he bleeds.  And...let's not forget she was going to use one of the unforgivables on Harry in order to make him talk.  If that's not bad enough we find out that 
she was the one who sent the dementors after Harry which almost 
resulted in his expulsion.  Now anyone, including me, if we met Snape (as described by JKR) and Umbridge (ditto) without knowing anything about them would probably think that Umbridge was as sweet as cake and Snape the exact opposite based soley on looks....and we know that is not the case.
   
  Snape is a person who is immature in certain respects, can't get over what happened in his childhood and at Hogwarts when he attended and I believe he takes it out on Harry.  He is a genius at "acting" (he is so good that we don't know who he is "working for") and potions (not to mention Occlummency and Legilmens) and thus will be the key to this series.  I happen to think he is playing for the "good" side but you just love to "hate him" based on his behavior toward Harry (and in general) and just the way he looks.  
   
  I will be surprised if he is working for Voldemort :).