I found a website with interesting debates about Severus Snape! I pasted the one by Goff Morgan, because I thought it was amazing! Funny how people can debate so much over a fictional character. That's the great thing about fantasy though: the themes are real and complex!! ENJOY!
To add to the Snape debate, I think that the reason I enjoy the character is because of his moral complexity. JKR has presented an entirely unique characterisation to her readership - showing that just because you are unlikeable, anti-social and vindictive, doesn't mean you're necessarily "evil"!
One of the main themes about this series is the choices the characters make, not their inherant goodness or badness. Snape's choices are ultimately proved to be for the good. It does not excuse his behaviour, but it places it in a context of his intentions.
A lot of her characters have flaws (Harry's anger, Dumbledore's obsessive secrecy, Ron's inadequacy etc.), but they rise above their flaws - that is their triumph.
Perhaps she also shows us two differing responses to bullying as well. Both Snape and Harry have been victims of that, but they become different people as a result.
Snape becomes a revenger, getting his harmful blows in first, retreating emotionally - one of the reasons he's so accomplished at Occlumency. Sometimes he says what other people wouldn't say because it would be too hurtful. (Frankly, Hermione can be "an insufferable no-it-all". This is the hurt before you're hurt yourself response.
Harry, however, becomes an avenger - turning his hurt outwards to prevent others suffering the same. The "saving people thing".
I always quote the moment in Book 5, during Occlumency Lessons, when Snape asks Harry "Who is the fat boy?", having just seen Dudley's bullying in Harry's mind. For one moment they could have reached an understanding, but Snape ultimately retreats. Perhaps his hurt was the greater.
I'm glad Snape proved to be something more complicated than a simple villain, and that he's one of the many triumphs of JKR's pen."
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