if only because death is such an easy ending. It's far easier to forgive someone who died saving you than someone who helped you in spite of mutual hatred but is still alive.
That's rather the strongest counterargument. I had thought since Book 6 two things (and I wasn't a shipper or even Snape fan then):
1) That Snape was loyal to the Order after all (ironically before HBP I wasn't all that sure.
2) That he'd die in the next book.
So much is made in the books about how serious it is to take a life, that it is soul-killing. Would JKR really let Snape get away with a rather happy ending? Doesn't he have to pay a price? And if, as I think he is loyal to the side of the Light--is there really any better way to prove it?
But your point is the one writerly one that does give a good reason for Snape to live. What better to show Harry has grown and matured then him being able to forgive a live Snape? I still think the odds are on Snape dying--but I hope not. I hope Snape is the one who won that reprieve.
If Snape otoh is just plain evil and a traitor--I'll throw the book in the dustheap--because that imo would be a complete cheat.
Would JKR really let Snape get away with a rather happy ending? Doesn't he have to pay a price? And if, as I think he is loyal to the side of the Light--is there really any better way to prove it?
The suffering and angst would be enough... :D
I agree that his death is likely and perhaps even imminent, but it doesn't mean that I'm not going to spend every spare moment before Friday at 11:59pm trying to convince myself otherwise.
I think that if he turns out evil, any remaining illusions I have regarding the talent of published authors will disintegrate... Worse than cheating, it would be boring.
You know--I didn't even like Snape before Book 6--that's what started my re-evaluation of him. Two years ago, I'd say I would have wanted Snape both to turn out good and dead because it would mean I was right... right... right.
Even two months ago, I looked at Snape's death with equanimity, and felt so sure about his loyalties I don't feel a qualm.
But unlike two years ago I'm completely emotionally invested in the character and I'm really dreading what JKR will do. I don't know that I trust her.
That's rather the strongest counterargument. I had thought since Book 6 two things (and I wasn't a shipper or even Snape fan then):
1) That Snape was loyal to the Order after all (ironically before HBP I wasn't all that sure.
2) That he'd die in the next book.
So much is made in the books about how serious it is to take a life, that it is soul-killing. Would JKR really let Snape get away with a rather happy ending? Doesn't he have to pay a price? And if, as I think he is loyal to the side of the Light--is there really any better way to prove it?
But your point is the one writerly one that does give a good reason for Snape to live. What better to show Harry has grown and matured then him being able to forgive a live Snape? I still think the odds are on Snape dying--but I hope not. I hope Snape is the one who won that reprieve.
If Snape otoh is just plain evil and a traitor--I'll throw the book in the dustheap--because that imo would be a complete cheat.
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The suffering and angst would be enough... :D
I agree that his death is likely and perhaps even imminent, but it doesn't mean that I'm not going to spend every spare moment before Friday at 11:59pm trying to convince myself otherwise.
I think that if he turns out evil, any remaining illusions I have regarding the talent of published authors will disintegrate... Worse than cheating, it would be boring.
Reply
Even two months ago, I looked at Snape's death with equanimity, and felt so sure about his loyalties I don't feel a qualm.
But unlike two years ago I'm completely emotionally invested in the character and I'm really dreading what JKR will do. I don't know that I trust her.
Reply
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