Five Reasons Why I’ll Never Call Snape a Hero
The argument of whether or not Professor Severus Snape is a hero seems as old as time itself. Now, let’s get this straight: I adore the characterization of Snape. He is a rich, dynamic, and intriguing character, but he is also a terrible human being.
He does not protect Harry out of the goodness of his heart
I have heard so many times that he is a hero because he protects Harry without recognition for the trouble he goes to. But let’s look at this again, shall we? He protects Harry to ease his guilt for the death of Lily.
If we compare this to the way in which he tries to help Draco Malfoy, he appears to have a different, albeit not any more successful, way of doing this. But even this has another point; Snape had taken an Unbreakable Vow to protect Draco. The punishment of not fulfilling it would be his own death, so even here it can be argued he is protecting himself and not Draco!
He transfers to the “good” side for selfish reasons
Yes, yes, I hear you. Snape turned good and gave up his chance of a life to be a double agent. But I have one massive problem with this reasoning. He only sought out Dumbledore when he was personally affected by Voldemort’s deeds. He was hurt. He lost someone he loved. It was only then that he saw the evil of his work. He did not repent for the other lives lost to evil, and he only mourned for his own loss. This does not make him selfless and a hero! This makes him selfish and self-absorbed.
He is a bully
Snape was bullied throughout Hogwarts, but he had chosen to continue this pattern with his own students. Teachers have their own styles, I get that! But this teacher’s style is to berate, humiliate, and scare his students into following his rules.
He had a choice, and he chose Voldemort
Remember, if the time should come when you have to choose between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort.” – Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Even though Dumbledore is talking about Cedric Diggory, we can see that Snape chose the easy path (to be a servant of Voldemort), and even when he chose the right path, he did not do it to be good or kind. He was brave, I’ll give you that, but what do you think he would have done if Lily had not been murdered? Would he have sought out Dumbledore then? I highly doubt it.
He is a terrible teacher
Now, teachers aren’t expected to like every student they teach. However, they are supposed to be professional. They are there to teach, to impart their wisdom to future generations, and to find ways to help students engage with the topic. There are many instances of Professor Snape acting out of line when teaching the trio that suggests his love of teaching does not extend to all pupils. Five points from Gryffindor for answering a question right? Only Snape can do that!
Have I convinced you? Will you forever love Snape? Let me know what you think in the comments!
