Connections Interview re: Snape (1999)

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 171611

> houyhnhnm:
> 
> Rowling may have said something about Snape being unable to fall in
> love, though it doesn't ring any bell with me.  The quote I am 
> familiar with is: 

> JKR: Yeah? Who on earth would want Snape in love with them, that is
> a very horrible idea. Erm ...

> Who would want Snape in love with them is quite different from 
> Snape himself being unable to fall in love. 
> <snip>

Jen:  JKR didn't say Snape was unable to fall in love, no.  My 
original post was an idea about why JKR expressed feeling 'stunned' 
at the question: "Er - one of our connec-... one of our internet 
correspondents wondered if Snape is going to fall in love?"

When I listened to the audio as opposed to reading the quote, JKR's 
answer to the question, "I'm slightly stunned that you've said that - 
erm - and you'll find out why I'm so stunned if you read book 7," 
struck me as possibly surprise to hear Snape characterized as someone 
who might be interested in and capable of falling in love during the 
series.  (I've personally not seen much to indicate he's motivated by 
love; wearing his heart on his sleeve could mean any emotion shown 
too freely.)

I realize the odds-on favorite intepretation for the quote is Snape 
loved Lily, that JKR was expressing surprise someone picked up on 
this plotline as quickly as POA.  I've always thought that was the 
explanation until hearing the audio, when JKR's tone and the way she 
organized her words made me wonder if she was addressing the more 
nebulous idea of Snape falling in love rather than suggesting a 
specific plot of Snape loving someone would be revealed in book 7. 

Jen