Snape a hero?

[Barry Arrowsmith]

--- In the_old_crowd at yahoogroups.com, "potioncat" <willsonkmom at ...> wrote:
>
> 
> Kathy (Potioncat)
> And how would you determine that? If JKR had kept Snape's motives 
> under wraps, would he be a hero? 
>  

Unlikely.
Was there anyone who thought that Sevvy spied for the Order
because of anything other than personal motives?


> 
> Kathy: 
> When did keeping your word fall off the good list?
> 

It was never on it.
Keeping your word is about personal honour, not objective
goodness.

And he fails that test too. Didn't he first swear allegiance to Voldy?

> 
> > Now Ginger:> 
> > A hero who acts out of duty or sense of right and wrong is a great 
> > hero indeed, but a hero who acts out of love is no less a hero.  We 
> > consider the boy's fallen parents to be heros, even though we know 
> > they were motivated by the love for their son.  Why is the one who 
> > acts out of love for the boy's mother any different?
> 
> Kathy:
> Oh good, we're a gathering of 2. 

I see. 
So if Arthur fell for Bellatrix he'd be justified in betraying the Order?
Or is it only love for 'nice' people that counts?

> 
> Well, what is a hero? 
>

Good question.
But IMO it doesn't include acts driven by personal agendas.
Bravery yes, heroics no.

Example - a house catches fire, there are kids inside. A parent that
recues them is considered brave; a stranger that rescues them is 
considered a hero.
You probably disagree.

> 
> Kathy:
> I'm still working out just who JKR's Snape is and what she thinks 
> about him. She more she says, the more confused I am. But how can 
> someone risk all he's risked and not be a hero?
> 

I like Snape, I think he's a splendid character, miserable curmudgeon
that he is, and I can't help but imagine what his reaction would
have been if someone accused him of heroism.

> And, what does it mean that the Chief Auror (or whatever his title 
> is) named his son after the git if he doesn't consider Snape a hero? 
> I'm sure Harry doesn't recall Snape with any fondness.
> 

That he feels he owes him something - on a personal level?

Kneasy