Connections Interview re: Snape (1999)

[jkoney65]

No: HPFGUIDX 171597

> Jen:

> There are times the Snape character makes me boil, especially
> when he appears to be using his position as an adult and
> authority figure (with Dumbledore's > permission by omission
> if nothing else) over those in lesser positions by age,
> circumstance or power. It feels like injustice to me and
> not something others should have to tolerate. However,
> there's always the truism we can't escape ourselves! Snape
> is no different; he has to live inside his mind with all
> those thoughts of the past and feelings of anger, hatred
> and whatever else sours inside him.  Sometimes a tormented
> mind IS the worst punishment.  And in a book with creatures
> like Dementors, who guard not with physical weapons but the
> weapon of leaving a person with only the miserable parts of
> their lives, then JKR could be saying a person left dwelling
> on only his worst memories *has* been punished.

Jim:

One of the major points in the story is that it is our choices
who determine who we are. Whatever Snape has been through, he
made his choices.

He was forgiven by Dumbledore but it doesn't appear that he truly
changed. He is still a petty bully. He never grew up.

It doesn't matter what side he is on, he is still a loathsome
character. The Order only trusts him because Dumbledore says
to trust him.

We are told that he sent word to the Order about Harry and
friends going to the ministry. Considering it took them a long
time to get there, it seems to me that the Order should have
been there waiting for them not arriving after they've been
there a while.

I don't believe he was ever a good guy and I hope that his death
is slow and painful.

Jim