She might also have noticed that she explained how the Ministry keep track of underage magic in two completely different ways in two successive books, to choose just one example! I still find it hard to believe that someone who knows she has legions of fans who will over-analyse every comma does not check, re-check, and check again. I would. In fact, I think I would be so thrilled at the books' success that I would be constantly re-reading my favourite bits, just to say 'I wrote that'! I assume that it must be superstitious - that she must feel that she has to put her head down and charge at it, or the ability to do it will dry up?
But to get to the point - great essay! Personally, I think what I identify with in Snape is someone in a very stressful and isolated position with, it now appears, no support whatsoever, struggling to do the right thing for people he does not actually like. Having experienced a very, very mild version of this, I am astonished that he manages to do what he does, 'running on empty', so to speak. And, as I was brought up to believe that the proof of love is action, and that to love those we do not like is the greatest love of all, I thought I could see Snape heading for a lot more recognition than he in fact got. But instead JKR seems to have opted for the prevailing opinion that love is a warm fuzzy glow that unites friends and families (and just ignore all those left outside that glow) - which is disappointing.
However, we should be grateful - her careless writing and lack of interest in her greatest creation :) add to his appeal, in my opinion. Whenever the spotlight falls on him there is something interesting - but there is plenty of room for speculation. What was his relationship with Lucius Malfoy like? How did his parents get together? Why did he want to be in Slytherin? How did he feel about Dumbledore? Why did he live in a Muggle house? Etc. etc. etc. He is midway between the Hero, about whom there is no mystery left, and a minor character like Ernie Macmillan, who has too little story provided.
That's my answer. I'm sorry it's almost as long as the original essay - but it really made me think!
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Date: 2008-03-27 11:43 pm (UTC)But to get to the point - great essay! Personally, I think what I identify with in Snape is someone in a very stressful and isolated position with, it now appears, no support whatsoever, struggling to do the right thing for people he does not actually like. Having experienced a very, very mild version of this, I am astonished that he manages to do what he does, 'running on empty', so to speak. And, as I was brought up to believe that the proof of love is action, and that to love those we do not like is the greatest love of all, I thought I could see Snape heading for a lot more recognition than he in fact got. But instead JKR seems to have opted for the prevailing opinion that love is a warm fuzzy glow that unites friends and families (and just ignore all those left outside that glow) - which is disappointing.
However, we should be grateful - her careless writing and lack of interest in her greatest creation :) add to his appeal, in my opinion. Whenever the spotlight falls on him there is something interesting - but there is plenty of room for speculation. What was his relationship with Lucius Malfoy like? How did his parents get together? Why did he want to be in Slytherin? How did he feel about Dumbledore? Why did he live in a Muggle house? Etc. etc. etc. He is midway between the Hero, about whom there is no mystery left, and a minor character like Ernie Macmillan, who has too little story provided.
That's my answer. I'm sorry it's almost as long as the original essay - but it really made me think!