Sarcastic Snape

A little analysis on Snape's sarcasm; this came after reading the sentence:

"'That is just as well, Potter,' said Snape coldly, 'because you are neither special nor important, and it is not up to you to find out what the Dark Lord is saying to his Death Eaters.'
'No-- that's your job, isn't it?' Harry shot at him.
He had not meant to say it; it had burst out of him in a temper. For a long moment they stared at each other, Harry convinced he had gone too far. But there was a curious, almost satisfied expression on Snape's face when he answered.
'Yes Potter,' he said, his eyes glinting, 'That is my job.' "OotP

It struck me as so... not Snape that I had to write up a little essay offering a possible explaination.

Sarcasm as a literary device is a very powerful tool in the Harry Potter work. It is different than irony, which is the complete opposite of what is expected. Sarcasm includes an ironic tone, but also includes satiric tendencies. This is an important distinction to note, because the use of sarcasm consistantly indicates an individual that not only speaks the opposite of what is intended, but it is used to insult and citizise.

We see then how appropriate the word 'sarcastic' is often used to describe Snape's character. Think how it would come across if Snape spoke plainly and candidly all the time. Not only, plot-wise, would he run the risk of revealing his spying tnedencies, thus defeating the purpose of his spying, but when we do discover he is a spy, it would be all the more inprobable. Also, if he retained his cruel demoralizing manner, then the public would rather view him as just a truly mean man. rather than someone working for a higher power (as we all hope he is :) ). His character perception would have been changed dramatically if Rowling chose an alternate way for Snape to speak. This, also adding the fact he is the Head of Slytherin house, is why he must speak in an enigmatic way. Shouldn't the Head of House personify the House, at least in persona?

It is a remarkable occurance then in the fifth book then to see his syntax and diction change more than once. It is during the lessons in Occlumency that Snape really starts speaking in more "straightfoward language." It is so startling to see him speak so directly. I point to when he visits Harry at 12 Grimmauld Place. The change starts when Harry asks, point blank, who will be teaching him Occlumency. Snape's answer is very plain and simple: "I am." That's it. No sneer, no witty comment, no insulting gesture. This is the beginning of a change I think, in the preception of Snape's character.

During the first Occlumency lesson, a startling revelation occurs. Snape, who does still critizise and mock Harry throughout the scene, is essentially telling Harry what is happening to him. He defines Occlumency and Legilimency (essential for us as readers) clearly, and in a lecture tone. Remember, he is the teacher, and this is enforced in the beginning by Rowling when she has Snape say:

'This may not be an ordinary class, Potter,' said Snape, his eyes narrowed malevolently, 'but I am still your teacher and you will therefore call me 'sir' or 'Professor' at all times' "(530).

And so the tone is set. Harry, as the student, asks questions. But what is perhaps the most satisfying for Harry is the fact that Snape is telling him the answers. There is no sarcasm, no irony, no double meanings in them. Remember that until this point in the book, Harry has been left out of the loop of what's happening to him and Voldemort. Even Dumbledore has avoided him. So when Snape does tell him, its all the more important.

Why?

Suppositions can occur at this point. Perhaps Snape was ordered by Dumbledore to tell Harry. Perhaps Snape felt, I don't know, pity for Harry and his ignorance. We do not know. It is important though to wonder the "so what?"

This sarcasm-free passage defines Snape's character even more, definately. It allows us to say that Snape is capable of plain speech. It also adds another side to this already highly complex man. We do not know whether his sarcastic side is his true expression of his self or if it is out of necessity.

I will say this, though. His complexity is enough to warrent his continuation of his character in the series (why spend the time developing the character if you as the writer are not going to hint at the complexity?). This transcends to his use of sarcastic speech.

Any comments to this conundrum are appreciated and welcomed.