Several things here. I do agree that we are supposed to like Harry; the problem is that he becomes quite unlikeable (at least to me) in the last two books. It's a huge problem to me that the boy never expresses gratitude or remorse about anything.
As to Snape as a Christ figure, I think it is still quite possible to see him that way. The scene you mention is clearly a part of Rowling's attempt to diminish the character - but it doesn't work as she intended, at least to me. Reasons? In that same scene, we see Snape's obvious concern for Dumbledore - a man who is in the process of betraying him to his death. We get the "only those I could not save" comment, which shows Snaps's moral growth so clearly. And, as Bohemianspirit has said, we get a strong feeling of misdirection. No, Snape doesn't like Harry. I do think he loves him. Did you read my paper on this? There is a difference between liking and love, and it's not a difference Rowling seems to appreciate.
But it's true, as I said above, that no reading of these books is entirely coherent. That's because the books are not. Snape as a Christ figure - I've said all along that he is too imperfect to really fit that role, but I still maintain that his journey makes sense as the slow, growth or an unloved and neglected young man into sainthood. The saints are all, without exception, imperfect people. All, without exception, are called to imitate Christ to the best of their ability. And we are all called to sainthood. But that's my theology; it probably isn't Rowlling's. Nevertheless, I maintain this is what she shows us in Severus Snape. She could also have shown us this in Harry, if she had taken the trouble to show the boy actually being sorry for wrong he has done, loving an enemy, changing his behavior --- but she didn't. She seems to think Harry is fine as he is and doesn't have to grow up.
Yes, that is Harry with young Severus in my icon. It's a part of a painting Sigune did for me in the exchange last year to illustrate one of my stories. Needless to say, I was thrilled with what she did!
Well, yes-
As to Snape as a Christ figure, I think it is still quite possible to see him that way. The scene you mention is clearly a part of Rowling's attempt to diminish the character - but it doesn't work as she intended, at least to me. Reasons? In that same scene, we see Snape's obvious concern for Dumbledore - a man who is in the process of betraying him to his death. We get the "only those I could not save" comment, which shows Snaps's moral growth so clearly. And, as Bohemianspirit has said, we get a strong feeling of misdirection. No, Snape doesn't like Harry. I do think he loves him. Did you read my paper on this? There is a difference between liking and love, and it's not a difference Rowling seems to appreciate.
But it's true, as I said above, that no reading of these books is entirely coherent. That's because the books are not. Snape as a Christ figure - I've said all along that he is too imperfect to really fit that role, but I still maintain that his journey makes sense as the slow, growth or an unloved and neglected young man into sainthood. The saints are all, without exception, imperfect people. All, without exception, are called to imitate Christ to the best of their ability. And we are all called to sainthood. But that's my theology; it probably isn't Rowlling's. Nevertheless, I maintain this is what she shows us in Severus Snape. She could also have shown us this in Harry, if she had taken the trouble to show the boy actually being sorry for wrong he has done, loving an enemy, changing his behavior --- but she didn't. She seems to think Harry is fine as he is and doesn't have to grow up.
Yes, that is Harry with young Severus in my icon. It's a part of a painting Sigune did for me in the exchange last year to illustrate one of my stories. Needless to say, I was thrilled with what she did!