Snape and Harry

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 188930

 
> Sherry now:
 But my basic point is that I don't agree that Harry should have
> to apologize for his father's actions, or for the actions of any other
> person.  He's only responsible for his own actions.
> 

Pippin:
The books haven't got much use for apologies, IMO. The only time Harry insists on an apology, it's from Ron, and it's just an excuse for not trying to make things up with him. Once Harry is genuinely ready to forgive, he doesn't need to hear an apology any more. 

Snape tries desperately to apologize to Lily, but it's too late. He was, IMO, genuinely sorry for what he'd said, but not for associating with people who used that word all the time. If he'd been ashamed of them, she might have forgiven him. But if he'd been ashamed of them, he wouldn't have been hanging with them in the first place.

In fact, I think the books haven't got much use for shame in general. It, like pain, is seen as positive only in that it can teach  you to avoid the things that cause it. If you can't avoid them, or you aren't willing to, it's just a useless burden. OTOH, if you can mend your ways before you become ashamed of them, so much the better.



Pippin