Snape parallels

[colwilrin]

No: HPFGUIDX 172908

Carol:
Severus Snape contributed to the death of the woman he loved
> and wanted to die when his efforts to save her failed, but after DD
> asks him what good that would do, he dedicates his life to making sure
> that she didn't die in vain.
> 
> Carol, who thinks that all Severus Snape ever wanted was love and
> acceptance or at least a bit of recognition
>

Colwilrin:

Snape is the one character that I think JKR developed the most.  He is 
the most complex of all, and I can say is almost the central character 
of the series.

He has intrigued and held the allegiance of fans throughout the 
series.  He has been the one character that created polar, zealous 
arguments from fans supporting both sides of his possible allegiance.  
He is probably my favorite character...if I really think about it.

Snape loved Lily from childhood.  She accepted him, and was his 
connection with "normalcy".  Think of any awkward, unpopular 
teenager...then think about that same teenager having the most popular 
girl as his "secret best friend".  Lily meant the world to him.  It is 
very sad that he could not get past that love and find a relationship 
where the girl would return his affections.  Having Lily die because of 
something that Snape did...no matter how far or unforseen from his 
original intention...was a severe blow to Snape.  It forever precluded 
him from moving beyond his love for Lily.  His personal growth was 
frozen in that moment in time...never to find resolution.  JKR 
understands this psychology, and illustrates its natural progression 
with the precise understanding of a mental health expert.  From the 
first sighting of the "shining doe", I teared up.  I knew that it was 
Snape's patronus.  I knew that the patronus would be whatever Lily's 
was...but couldn't figure out her patronus until that doe walked in.  I 
smacked myself in the head "DUH"...a doe.  From that moment, I knew it 
was Snape...and he was helping...not that I ever doubted him.

My only complaint regarding Snape is that he did not die fighting.  My 
impression by book 6 was that Snape was as powerful...if not moreso 
than DD or Voldy.  I surely thought that he would go down in a bitter 
fight.  However, that would not have leant to preserving his memories 
for Harry to find.  Still do wish it would have been a blaze of 
glory...or (my ulimate wish)...that he survived and THEN became 
Hogwart's Headmaster...the second best they ever had!