Snape, Apologies, and Redemption--Lupin vs. DD

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 152581

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "leslie41" <leslie41 at ...> wrote:
>
<SNIP>
> > 
> 

> But of course, this is patently ridiculous. We know that Lupin does 
> not approve, even though he doesn't put a stop to it or question 
> it.  (Or do you think that Lupin approves?)  So how can you assume 
> DD approves of Snape's nasty personality because HE does not 
> intervene?   

Hmmm.  I don't think it is patently ridiculous.  I rather think that 
teenage Lupin probably did, in his heart of hearts, rather approve of 
what happened to Snape.  Lupin does have many faults.  Hiding from a 
lot of the bad things around him, including the bad things he has 
been a party to, is one of them.  I rather think Harry was right to 
be incredulous when Lupin claimed to "neither like nor dislike 
Severus Snape."  Sounds like a case of denial to me.


> 
> And what of Black?  If you insist that Rowling's work is trash if 
> Snape is not punished, must not Sirius Black be postumously and 
> publicly vilified as well, for his attempted murder of Snape, of 
> which he did not repent? Must not Lupin be subjected to public 
> criticism for his refusal to interfere?  Or is it okay for students 
> to torment each other to the point of public humiliation and 
> possible death?

The faults of Sirius were also many, it is true.  And yes, Rowling's 
work will be severely flawed if they are not dealt with.  Not as 
flawed as with Snape, as Black's sins were nowhere near as egregious 
as Snape's.  But, you do definitely have a point there.  I would 
point out that they apply to Draco Malfoy as readily as to Sirius 
Black, but you have a point.

> 
> I suspect that you don't want Lupin and Black subjected to scorn, 
no 
> matter what they've done or failed to stop. I suspect that you have 
> a blind spot when it comes to them, and an unreasonable bias 
against 
> Snape.  Eh, it's human.  But it's not *logical* and *reasonable*.


It perfectly logical and reasonable to expect child abuse to be 
denounced and punished.  And yes, IMO, Snape definitely IS a child 
abuser, over and out.

  
> 
> I also suspect you will be terribly disappointed in the end when 
> Rowling does not accomodate your vision of how things should be.

Not disappointed, actually, as I rather suspect her books will, in 
the end, approve of the abuse of children, and as such be worthy of 
nothing but contempt.  But there are many sad things in the world.  A 
popular series that approves of child abuse is reprehensible, but far 
from the worst thing that one faces from day to day.


Lupinlore