Why J.K. Rowling's Depiction of Snape Illustrates Cruelty in Real Life
In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, the character Severus Snape is widely criticized for his harsh and often cruel demeanor. Some argue that his treatment of certain characters, particularly Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter, and Hermione Granger, is unjustifiable. This article delves into why Snape's behavior, as described, serves to highlight how child abusers, both physical and verbal, can exhibit similar traits. It also addresses why author J.K. Rowling's direct guidance on how readers should perceive the characters can be limiting and overbearing.
Why Snape is Depicted as Mean
First, it is crucial to understand that child abusers, whether they are physical or emotional, often exhibit similar behaviors to Snape. They are mean because they lack empathy and any form of genuine concern for their victims. In the case of Snape, his strictness, lack of praise, and frequent use of negative reinforcement mimic the behavior of abusers who use fear and intimidation to control their victims. Parents and educators who fail to provide support or even inflict harm on their children can sire individuals like Snape, who reflects these abusive traits within the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
Snape’s Methods of Discipline
Snape's educational approach is marked by a combination of harsh punishments and minimal positive reinforcement, much like the tactics used by abusers. He frequently takes points from students, imposes detentions, and rarely gives praise, even when it is appropriate. His method, which emphasizes negative consequences over positive incentives, is a clear reflection of the abusive behaviors found in real-world child abusers who rely on fear and punishment over nurturing and support.
Snape’s Harassment of Specific Students
Neville Longbottom: Snape is particularly mean to Neville, both physically and verbally. He is not only a harsh teacher but also a tormentor who targets Neville with relentless bullying. For example, he bullies Neville so intensely that he becomes Neville's own boggart, a manifestation of his fears. Furthermore, Snape goes as far as to bully Neville in front of other teachers, threatening to poison Neville's toad, a terrible act of cruelty that has real-world equivalents in the abuse of animals by abusers.
Harry Potter and Friends: Snape is similarly harsh towards Harry and his friends, using his past grievances as a means to bully and humiliate them. He often takes action against Harry that echoes the actions of his father, targeting an innocent 11-year-old boy. This not only reflects his cruelty but also paints a picture of a bully who targets the weak and innocent.
Description of Snape’s Behaviors
Racist Treatment: In the Hogwarts setting, Snape's behavior also reflects the real-world issue of racism. He refers to Lily's friends as "Mudbloods," a term synonymous with derogatory slurs used in real-life racial discrimination. Moreover, his actions, such as attacking Petunia with magic and being complicit in the use of Dark Magic, further highlight his abusive and discriminatory nature.
Use of Dark Magic: The spell Levicorpus, which was famously used against Snape, was originally invented by him as a means to bully others. This showcases Snape's own tendency to be both a victim and perpetrator of cruel and controlling behaviors. It also challenges the perception that he is merely a villain acting out of protective love for Lily Potter. His reaction to being bullied with his own spell and his past employment of Sectumsempra on his tormentors mirror the behaviors of abusers who lash out against those who wield power over them.
Conclusion: The Need for Objectivity in Reading
Ultimately, J.K. Rowling's overbearing guidance on how readers should perceive Snape as a character can be seen as limiting. It is essential for readers to have the freedom to interpret characters and events in their own ways. Rowling's role as an author should not extend to dictating how readers think or feel about the characters they love or detest. While she may have created these characters, the essence of their personalities comes from the reader's interpretation and understanding.
Snape's portrayal in the Harry Potter series serves as a powerful example of how real-life bullies and abusers can be identified in fiction. His behavior not only serves as a critique of the harsh realities of real-world abuse but also provides a lens through which readers can examine their own prejudices and the impact of abusive behaviors on their own lives and relationships.