JK Rowling weighs in on Snape’s morality and Harry’s name choices!
He’s one of the most simultaneously loved and hated characters in all of literature. Severus Snape incites a world of fervor and emotions in just about everyone who knows the Harry Potter series. Is he a villain or a savior?
JK Rowling took to Twitter to to clear up some of the misconceptions about Severus Snape and why Harry chose to name his youngest son in his honor– which was not completely out of love, it seems.
It all started with the infamous Albus Severus question. JK Rowling says the name choices has to do with who Harry is post-war and the way he relates Snape’s decisions back to his own choices during the war.
Snape died for Harry out of love for Lily. Harry paid him tribute in forgiveness and gratitude. https://t.co/MPXBgUApa3
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
There's a whole essay in why Harry gave his son Snape's name, but the decision goes to the heart of who Harry was, post-war.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
In honouring Snape, Harry hoped in his heart that he too would be forgiven. The deaths at the Battle of Hogwarts would haunt Harry forever.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
When one Snape-loving fan suggested that he was inherently good and there was no malice with Harry, the author was also quick to correct that.
That's not true, I'm afraid. Snape projected his hatred and jealousy of James onto Harry. https://t.co/5jzNHlfSe0
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
Overall, Rowling says Snape’s charm is in the fact that he is neither a pure hero or villain, but that he exists in the more realistic in-between area between good and bad.
Snape is all grey. You can't make him a saint: he was vindictive & bullying. You can't make him a devil: he died to save the wizarding world
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
This little therapy session may not have changed any fans’ minds, but the author still loves that the character keeps fans talking!
I've got to say this: you lot have been arguing about Snape for years. My timeline just exploded with love & fury yet again. Never change x
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
