[HPforGrownups] The Houses, Finally

[Philip]

No: HPFGUIDX 184598

Pippin says:

<snip>

 But Snape, unlike Dumbledore, can manage an apology without making
excuses for himself. Unlike Harry, he bears his guilt without trying
to shift it onto someone else. He makes amends without complaint,
unlike Harry, who, even if he knows he deserves a punishment generally
thinks it should be a lighter one.

Snape humbles himself to the friend he has wronged and to the enemy if
it will save his friend. 

He does it alone, without instruction, without a chorus from the
spirit world to cheer him on, without expecting praise or recognition
or reward -- which is just as well, because he doesn't get any. He
does what he believes is right, even if it makes him unpopular, and,
in the view of the majority, dead wrong. And he never, never gives up.

Philip responds, interested:

Interesting ideas. Personally I question to what extent Snape represents the
typical Slytherin. You've certainly picked some examples of Slytherins who
had some examples of moral courage. However, let's not forget Regulus joined
the Dark Side first, before leaving it. How much more moral courage did
Sirius have, when he rejected his family's wishes by joining Gryffindor,
compared to Regulus who joined Bellatrix and Narcissa in Slytherin.

Malfoy is courageous. Hmm. I would have said he is on edge the whole series.
He seems like a quintessential Dark Side material, but fails at the final
hurdle. Then he rejoins the Dark Side rather than face the final curtain?
Some lack of moral courage I think.

It is Dumbledore who says to Snape "Sometimes I think we sort too early". I
think he's of the opinion Snape's adult life makes him a good Gryffindor,
i.e. his moral courage places him in Gryffindor.

Philip Whitehouse, highly intrigued by the provoking new thread.  

 

 

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