Characters Snape can be compared to
The purpose of the following list to provide ways that characters can relate to Snape. This can be from a variety of angles, from similar experiences, wardrobes, or speeches to character development and thematic qualities. Some characters, I think, were put for the express purpose of bringing out some important qualitiy of Snape we as readers need to notice.
The following comparions have no definate interpretation to any character, plot modivation, or future actions attached.
| Harry Potter | See when both get mad at end of 3rd. both have tendency to let their tragedy rule their logic- also makes both stubborn when their beliefs are challenged (especially in related to tragedy). Both also know "how it felt to be humiliated in the middle of a circle of onlookers" |
| Ron Weasely | Both hates Harry's fame (and probably talent on Quidditch field) Maybe also being the 3d wheel in trio. |
| Hermione Granger | Realizes the power of rules. Knows that superiors put law into practice for a reason. Rules are meant to be followed. Also the strongest logic-based of the trio (see below) |
| Minerva McGonagall | Believes in rules also, demand dedication and work in studies. Strict too. McG differers when she shows emotion and care toward events, and is even willing to break them for the sake of winning Quidditch |
| Bartimus Crouch Jr. | Seeps in deception. Since both were DE's, know how to manipulate |
| Bartimus Crouch Sn. | Both stoutly deny their past by ultra-conservatism. |
| Petunia Dursley | Physical description. both notice details- meticulous. Petunia also is proficent in cooking, which in many ways is like potions. Hates wizarding in general.(compare her "freak" speech and his "foolish wand-waving" one) but also blind in the important matters (she doesn't notice that Dudley is as big as a whale) |
| Lucius Malfoy | one is popular, uses his money to hide his past other doesn't. Both got away from being convicted as Death Eaters. |
| Rita Skeeter | both deal in skewing perception for their profit- Rita just does hers on a larger scale. |
| Voldemort | Use of "master" epithet. Demands total obedience. Can be a bit eccentric, especially when Harry disobeys them. Patronymic power |
| Igor Karkaroff | Both Death Eaters. Also look at similar physical descriptions. One however when faced with retailiation from the Death Eaters runs away |
| Sirius Black | Both are percieved by all (and act) guilty. But their driving force is for a sense of justice (Sirius wants to get Pettigrew, because he betrayed Potter's parents; Snape wants to get Sirius for both 'killing' Pettigrew and to get even.) |
| Draco Malfoy | Compare Draco's hate of Harry to Snape's hate of James-- for the same reasons |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Given 'second chance' by Dumbledore and opprotunities to teach. Also on Order. |
|
Gilderoy Lockhart |
Though apparently opposite of Snape, he does hide a secret -- in his case, his inadequacies in spellcasting. |
| Remus Lupin | Given 'second chance' by Dumbledore and opprotunities to teach. Also on Order. |
| Sybil Trelawney | Both deal with rather occult subjects -- mind reading, dream interpretation. In Trelawney's class, the dreams are fake, while with Snape they are real. |
| Dolores Umbridge |
Almost an absurd insistance to stick to decorum which creates humor and dramatically contrasts against what is going on in terms of the student's relations to the teacher. See Umbridge's first class (insistance on raising hands) verses the Occlumency classes (I told you to call me 'sir') |
The Battle of the Trios
There seems to be at least three trios (maybe four) which exist in the series
|
Kids |
Adults |
Marauders |
|
|
Harry |
Dumbledore |
James |
|
|
Ron |
Snape |
Sirius |
|
|
Hermione |
McGonagall |
Lupin |
|
| And Their Enemies... |
Draco |
Voldemort(?) |
Snape |
I can only note that the three Trios enter and operate as a unit; the majority of the time, all three all together.
Those across from each other can be juxtaposed (I think):
Harry\Dumbledore\James- Leaders of the group. Makes the decisions. Most impacted by tragedy (maybe) The three do have rather astounding powers, and are at least the most famous of the trios.
Ron\Snape\Sirius- least known, often shoved to the side. Resents the fame of the leader (I know in Ron and Snape's case, but I don't know about Sirius). Deepest relationship with leader.
Hermione\McGonagall\Lupin- Calm, patient, most emotional, but law abiding.
Mafloy\Voldemort\Snape: All Slytherins, at least. Yet, I'm heasitant to parallel Mafloy to Voldemort\Snape because Mafloy is a...well...sissy. Maybe might demonstrate an inner cowardance on Voldemort\Snape's part, but no evidence for it yet.
These are not perfect- I can tell some arguements against the Ron\Snape\Sirius jux.
The 5th though confirms the Lupin\Sirius placement in the chart: "No one would make me a prefect, I spent too much time in detention with James. Lupin was the good boy, he got the badge"(170).Also notice how Hermione admonishes Harry and Ron over their behavior, though she also condones it, much like Lupin does.
As always, any thoughts on the possible significance of the placement of the trios please email me. I enjoy all your comments.