Snape's first day of class

[happyjoeysmiley]

No: HPFGUIDX 185935

Carol wrote:
> 
> I don't know about "menacing" but certainly the "dunderheads" remark
> would be surprising (and anticlimactic) after the build-up about the
> class. I think that the boys were surprised but no more than that

[snip]

Joey:
I would have certainly understood that phrase to mean "If you are not 
up to my expectations, I'll consider you a dunderhead (and that is 
not good news for you; beware)." I have had a similar teacher at 
school and the entire class (including studious ones like me :-)), 
never looked forward to his classes and timid students simply dreaded 
his classes right from day one after he made similar remarks. So, 
this could be one reason why I find the remark menacing. :-)

Carol wrote:
> more than one studious student might have been inspired by it. (I 
can see Draco, who seems to have a bit of Potions talent, reacting as 
Tom Felton does in the film.) 

Joey:
I've completely forgotten the scene and so, cannot comment. :-)

Carol wrote:
> But what's interesting to me is that
> he doesn't distinguish between Gryffindors and Slytherins in his
> remarks--the "dunderhead" comment is an equal opportunity insult.
> Evidently, he's had to deal with the likes of Crabbe and Goyle 
before
> and is not enticed by the prospect of more clumsy and ignorant
> first-years.

[snip]

Joey:
Yes, I think so too. I'm not sure which book it was (GoF, I think), 
where Snape made a remark that meant Goyle (or Crabbe?) is not good 
enough for employment in the near future. Snape abhors incompetence, 
I suppose. 

BTW, he also admires *extraordinary* competence. Probably, this made 
him get attracted to the "Dark Lord" and also, makes him use that 
name instead of you-know-who. His reply when Harry confronts him 
during Occlumency lessons regarding DD using the name "Voldemort" 
also confirms my belief. Yet he does not seem to compliment any good 
potion-maker in the making, like say Hermione or even Draco. Hmm.. :-)
 
Carol wrote:
> Carol, who thinks that Snape would have been happier as a lone
> researcher and author "married" to his work

Joey:

Agreed. :-)