Double Standards

[Emily]

I want to start a discussion on double-standards in the Harry Potter series. This can either be things that the fans or JK Rowling herself has said regarding the characters. I think the fandom is rife with double standards. I do want to keep this as respectful as possible, of course. I'll get the ball rolling on an issue that's bothered me for YEARS.

Two characters had a story arc like this:

*was led to the side of the Death Eaters
*for personal reasons
*lacked self esteem
*cared for someone in the Potter family (or in one case, all of the Potter family)
*is indirectly responsible for James and Lily’s death
*served as a double agent type of person
*is a mix of good and evil
*very complicated
*was fully redeemed in Harry’s eyes
*because of their love for James, Lily and, Harry (or in one case, just Lily)
*in the end, ultimately aided Harry to victory

But one is seen as a tragic hero, and one is seen as that dirty little rat. Ironically, the one who actually cared about the whole Potter family in the end, is the one they hate.

I don't want this to be seen as Snape hate. He's a very complex, compelling character. I just think he gets way more love from the fandom than he deserves, and I think much of it is Alan Rickman's fault. I honestly would have preferred more of Deathly Hallows to focus on Peter's love for James (whether it was platonic or romantic, which I believe it was both). Snape was too possessive of Lily, and I really wish someone in the series could have called him out on it.

[[deleted user]]

This seems interesting, but could you explain it a little more?

[Laurie]

That does sound interesting, but I, too, would like a bit more explanation, particularly where Peter and his love for James is concerned? While I am guilty of extreme Snape love, I completely agree with you on his love for Lily being too possessive in many ways.