More on Snape's Appeal

[Kathryn Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 175230


Judy wrote:

In my own case, I wonder if part of the appeal of Snape to me is that
one of my own relatives was always very cruel growing up, and that I
would like to believe that this relative didn't really mean it. I
hope that's not why I care about Snape so much, but it could be.

If readers see Snape as caring, even though he acts mean, does that
mean they will excuse cruelty in their own lives, perhaps even put up
with being abused themselves?

KJ writes:

I think that this is a valid point.  I also had a truly mean uncle.  He 
always acted
very friendly and loving, happy to see me when I was a child.  I soon 
learned,
however, not to shake hands with him when he offered because he would 
twist my wrist.
I knew, even as a small child, that he damn well did mean it.  Finally 
when I was nineteen
I shook his hand when he offered and when he tried to hurt me, I smacked 
him hard
right across the old B'**&^*'s head and told him it was over.

I never had that feeling reading Snape.  Only once did he lay hands on 
Harry and that was
to throw him away.  Snape was more like an old dog that had been teased 
too many times.
He bit but was not truly cruel by nature.

As a character, it made him far more interesting to me than Harry.

KJ