[HPforGrownups] Compassionate hero (WAS Re: Appeal of the story to the reader)

[Irene Mikhlin]

No: HPFGUIDX 175646

Nita wrote:

<about whether JKR meant readers to gloat at Snape's death>

zgirnius:

> Nah, she did not. I admit my reaction is probably not 
> indicative...but if even Alla did not gloat, we were *not* meant to. 
> <bg>

Nita:

That's my reasoning, too ;)

Irene:

I need to be very careful about the quotes here. First, let me quote Alla's first reaction to the DH:

Alla wrote:

Heeee, to get to Snape for a second, I guess his death makes my
point as well that she wanted to show suddenness and senselessness,
but at the same time I cannot help but smile at the delightful irony
JKR brought there бV potion master dies from poison with no chance to
get an antidote or anything like that.
As I said, I still hate the character, probably more than before,
but I also cannot help but be happy as to the end JKR brought for
him.
Oh, oh and no recognition except from Harry, that noble soul. I
applaud Harry. He is a very forgiving man indeed.
I wanted confrontation between Snape and Harry so badly, but now I
cannot help but think that JKRбжs way is so much better. She would
not let Snape taunt Harry бV haha, I am Dumbledoreбжs man, (or is he?)
who loved your mother, Harry just learns it all afterwards.
Since it also now seems that Lily was all that Snape wanted all his
life, I am happy imagining that in the afterlife Snape will be
watching Lily in Jamesбж arms for eternity.
I think that is a great justice, personally. I was a little afraid
that I will start crying even when I read about Snapeбжs death, but I
found it just funny.

Irene:

Now it's me talking. I think JRK meant some reactions here and she has written the scene in such a way that allows them very intentionally.

First of all, there is "delightful irony", of course - dying from poison, dying in a place that's significant to him from childhood etc.
Delightful. Readers can't help but smile and be happy all round.

Second - no recognition bit. His body is not mentioned by JKR and that's no insignificant omission. No portrait. All he gets is a vague promise in an interview: "Harry will take care of it in due course".

Third - no confrontation. Other people explained better than me why it was so important to JRK that Harry does not have to deal with difficult, living Snape and gets an easy and clean memory instead.

Fourth - can't talk about the delightful idea of Snape being tortured for eternity by James, sorry. Not strong enough.

Fifth - very funny scene, what can I say? 

All in all, I think it's very clear that JKR wrote the scene in such a way that allows Snape haters to enjoy it greatly.

Please, please don't take it as personal attack on Alla or any other reader - we are all entitled to our reading experiences and emotions, and there is no such thing as "wrong reading" of any book. I didn't shed any tears when Sirius had died either.
Attack on JKR, on the other hand? You bet.

Irene