[HPforGrownups] Hero types was Re: Another Snape thread/ Snape as hero

[Kemper]

No: HPFGUIDX 152070

 >
> Kemper earlier:
>
> > ... I tried to get Snape to fall under a Randian Hero but can't get
> past the emotional restraint nor the handsomeness pre-req.  Though I
> suppose it could be said that Snape's handsomeness doesn't need to be
> physical, but that's weak.
> >
> Carol responded:
> Most of the time (with notable foaming-at-the-mouth exceptions), Snape
> *is* emotionally restrained. See his conversation with Draco in "The
> Unbreakable Vow," for example, or his handling of Harry in the
> Occlumency lessons (until Harry invades his privacy by entering the
> Pensieve, that is).
>
> As for Snape's looks, I think that the Harry filter plays a part in
> the descriptions we're presented. When we see Snape in the objectively
> narrated "Spinner's End," we have Snape's "curtains of black hair" and
> his sallow complexion, but no mention of an "overlarge" nose or yellow
> teeth. (Roman noses used to be associated with aristocracy, and many
> people find them attractive.) Clearly Snape isn't monstrously ugly or
> Narcissa would not have held his hand, put her face close to his, or
> shed tears on his chest. (No, I'm not advocating ACID POPS here.) And
> he does have other attractions, which I think he has deliberately
> cultivated to overcome the skinny little nerd image from his teenage
> years, notably his studied movements and modulated voice, as well as a
> style of speaking (which we first encounter in "The Potions Master" in
> SS/PS) that marks him as an educated, cultivated man. Even though I'm
> emphatically not a Snape/Narcissa shipper, I can see someone like her
> finding the adult Snape attractive. (As for Lily, it's impossible to say.)
>
>


Kemper now:
But Snape isn't clearly attractive, even without the Harry filter.  Sallow
is hardly a flattering comment.  Maybe Narcissa needed a good cry, and Snape
was more compassionate (?!) than Bella, comparatively.  I'm willing to agree
that's he's not too ugly, maybe even average, but the support seems lacking
with regards to an attractive Snape.  (I, too, am not promoting ACID POPS).

Snape doesn't seem emotionally restrained to me.  He seems like he could
come undone at any moment, that he's barely holding on to his emotions.  If
he was emotionally restrained, I would think his disdain for anyone would be
so subtle that it would not be obvious to the reader and therefore, to
Harry.

Kemper, thanking Carol for clarifying his mistaken thoughts/writings for
attributing the Romantic Hero hero of Ron to Betsy instead of Pippin, and
apologizing to both of them.


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