Would Harry forgiving Snape be character growth for him? Re: CHAPDISC: HBP 29,

[ibchawz]

No: HPFGUIDX 164114


> Alla:
> 
> Oh, I think I got the problem, maybe. I do not understand how one 
> excludes another. I mean, if Snape is evil or less than good, yes, 
> the story is about Harry being right about Snape's nature, but who 
> says that story is **only** about Harry being right about Snape 
> nature?

ibchawz responds:

Let me start by stating that I am probably one of the few that is 
still on the fence regarding Snape.  Until I read DH, I will 
probably remain on the fence.  Since I want to honor your wish to 
keep this discussion more about forgiveness and less about whether 
Snape is ESE, OFH, DDM, ESG, etc, I will get to the topic of 
forgiveness.

I agree that forgiveness and second chances have been a major theme 
in the books.  Many of these instances have already been cited by 
others so I will not repeat them here.  I believe that Dumbledore 
(it may have been someone else - correct me if I'm wrong) told Harry 
that it was often more difficult to forgive someone for being right 
than for being wrong.  This discussion was focused on Percy Weasley 
reconciling with his family, but could be foreshadowing a much 
larger "forgiveness for being right".  This also reminds me of what 
Dumbledore said of Neville at the end of PS/SS.  He said that it 
takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even 
more courage to stand up to your friends.  Perhaps these two bits of 
wisdom are related.  This could mean that Harry forgiving Snape for 
being right could actually be more profound than forgiving Snape for 
being wrong.  This scenario could actually provide character growth 
opportunities for both Harry and Snape.  Any thoughts?

ibchawz