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The Symbolism of Severus Snape (Part 2)

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Snape lived like a prisoner, sentenced without grounds, being humiliated on a daily basis not just in Hogwarts but also, going back home to be subjected to a unique set of abuse and violation that would come to have serious psychological repercussions. The net result of this abuse from all aspects undoubtedly left a tear in his mental fabric, a tear that highlights Snape's fallen standards for acceptance and fulfillment. This was an unplumbed depth of rock bottom for Snape and his self-control was walking on a tightrope, each day. There was no solace, no peace or purpose and he gradually grew a thick-skin and turned indifferent to emotion. It's not like there was much other than misery and desperation to feel, anyway. After a while, being immune to feeling became his comfort zone.  The Fandom rarely delves into these moments in Snape's life because it is a herculean task to empathize with him, but a cathartic experience, nonetheless. We readily pass our judgments on Snape w...

The Symbolism of Severus Snape (Part 1)

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Severus Snape is often considered by many as one of the greatest characters in English literature. Appreciated for the depth of character which comes to fruition towards the end of the final arc of the Harry Potter series, he is a man no amount of words can fully describe. Herein lies the genius of the Harry Potter series, for we get to pick a side, and so, this is the case  for  Severus Snape, Potion master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Before Hogwarts   The pathos that surrounds the character is truly mind-boggling. You'd think you understand him, but you're opening a Pandora's box and the worst part is you don't even realize it.  We begin with the onset of the man's life. To say 'Snape did not live an easy childhood' is a rather convenient way to trivialize the most glaring reasons for his greatest vices. Describing his childhood by calling it what it is not does nothing to describe it, only to desecrate its existence while never really g...