On the perfection of moral virtues.

[julie]

No: HPFGUIDX 168838


> 
> Lupinlore:
> Now, I think there are ways that such a storyline might be handled. 
> But a "you were DDM! and all is forgiven no apologies necessary
> because I now understand that nice is not the same as good?"  Well,
> then, I think, it would be time to feed the book into the old
> woodchipper and good riddance to it.
> 

Julie:
The problem with this stance (it is unacceptable for Harry to
forgive Snape unless Snape apologizes or is appropriately 
punished for his specific crimes, if I'm reading correctly)
is that forgiving someone is a *separate* issue from the
forgiven's remorse or punishment. Certainly they can occur
together, but it is not required, because forgiveness is 
actually more about the forgiver than the forgiven. This 
is the Christian concept of forgiveness (as well as that
of other religions and world views), and JKR is influenced
by her Christian upbringing and values.

So it is important FOR HARRY that he forgive Snape, whether
or not Snape ever apologizes for his treatment of Harry as
a student or is ever punished in a clear and specific manner
for said treatment. That forgiveness cleanses Harry of his
unproductive anger and hatred, which aren't hurting Snape
in any way at the moment, but are eating away at HARRY. The 
books are all about Harry and his well-being after all, not
Snape ;-)

As for punishment, it can be specific to fit the crime (as
you desire) or it can be viewed in a more general manner.
I.e., if Snape turns out to be DDM and has sacrificed much
of his life and his future (should he die) to the cause of
defeating Voldemort and protecting Harry until such time 
as he can accomplish that defeat, some fans (including me)
would see that as sufficient atonement for his crimes, both
large and small. (I do see Snape's "crimes" as a teacher as
quite small, and not in any way criminal abuse, and you see
them as much larger I know, so perhaps that perception also
feeds into the varying degrees of punishment we desire.) 

Atonement can also be an apology, one of action rather than
of words. Words can be cheap after all. (Though I admit for
someone like Snape, action is probably far easier for him
than words!) 

Julie