Snape, Apologies, and Redemption

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 152182

Don L. <lauciricad at ...> wrote:
> I for one do not think JKR had bowed or should bow to criticism 
> for her fictional characters' faults any more than she should 
> stop writing the series because of criticism from some parts 
> because of the misplaced fear that young readers may become 
> Satan's followers or read more redeeming books less.

Did she bow to criticism?  Who knows?  Maybe some day she will tell 
us.  It seemed to me highly suggestive that so many parts of HBP 
responded -- or corresponded, if you will, -- to so many vociferous 
arguments and criticisms coming from the fandom.  DD at the Dursleys 
dealt to an extent with the whole "DD approves of child abuse" 
business.  Hagrid's brief speech about Hogwarts and its dangers dealt 
with that discussion.  Etc.

But this isn't a bad thing.  The business of an author is not to 
say, "Here is my creation, all bow down and #@$% you if you don't 
like it or understand it."  The business of an author is to say "Here 
is my vision, what do you think?"

Now, often when you present people with your vision they are going to 
say, "I don't see it."  Sometimes you shrug because that part of your 
vision isn't that important from your perspective.  Sometimes, 
however, what they don't see is critical to your vision as a whole.  
And in that case it behooves a smart author to explain herself.

And therein is where DD comes in.  JKR has an enormous amount 
invested in getting across a certain vision of DD.  Apart from Harry, 
he is the most crucial character in the series.  How you respond to 
DD in large part determines your approach to the entire Potter saga.  
It may be that Snape's character can remain an enigma, as far as JKR 
is concerned.  I don't think the same is true of DD.  I think she 
VERY much wants readers to see DD a certain way, and if they don't 
then something crucial isn't getting across.

In the wake of OOTP it was obvious that many people didn't see DD the 
way JKR wanted.  She then did what an intelligent sales person does 
when their pitch isn't working, she changed her tactics.

> Conversely, I detest the idea that an author must conform her 
> story, her world and her characters particularly Snape or DD, 
> judged and criticized on narrow definitions of repentance and 
> redemption.


Well, that is what determines what you will do with the books, isn't 
it?  Put them in a glass case?  Throw them in the wood chipper?  IMO, 
the detestable thing would be NOT to deal with these issues.  Sorry, 
but any work that approves of the abuse of children is, IMO, 
reprehensible, and good for nothing but mulch.


Lupinlore