Why is Snape good?

Answered by Cody Janus

Severus Snape is considered to be a good character in the Harry Potter series for several reasons. Firstly, his bravery and loyalty are evident throughout the story. Despite being initially portrayed as a villain, it is revealed that Snape has been working as a double agent for the Order of the Phoenix, providing valuable information to Dumbledore and helping protect Harry and his friends.

One of the main reasons Snape is seen as good is his love for Lily Evans, Harry’s mother. Despite their complicated relationship, Snape’s love for Lily is unwavering. This love drives him to protect and ultimately sacrifice himself for Harry, as he sees Lily in him. Snape’s love for Lily also highlights his capacity for redemption and his desire to make amends for his past mistakes.

Furthermore, Snape’s intelligence and expertise in the Dark Arts make him a valuable asset. He is a skilled Potions master and his knowledge of Dark Magic allows him to slow the progression of the curse on Dumbledore’s hand when he wears Marvolo Gaunt’s ring. Snape’s understanding of the Dark Arts also aids him in his role as a spy, as he is able to navigate the dangerous world of Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

Another aspect that showcases Snape’s goodness is his exceptional skill as an Occlumens. He is able to perfectly conceal his thoughts and emotions from Voldemort, who is considered the best Legilimens. This ability demonstrates Snape’s strength of character and his ability to maintain his cover under immense pressure.

Personal experiences and situations can also shed light on Snape’s goodness. For instance, Snape’s difficult childhood and his association with the Death Eaters provide context to his choices and actions. It is revealed that Snape was bullied by Harry’s father, James, and this likely contributes to his initial antagonism towards Harry. However, despite this animosity, Snape ultimately protects and guides Harry, emphasizing his moral compass and his dedication to the greater good.

Snape is considered a good character due to his bravery, loyalty, love for Lily, intelligence, expertise in the Dark Arts, and his skills as an Occlumens. His complex and multifaceted nature adds depth to his character, making him one of the most intriguing and memorable figures in the Harry Potter series.