When it comes to book-to-movie adaptations, no other massive franchise has amassed the timeless fan dedication, marketability, and popularity as Harry Potter. Whether it be the versatile merchandising or the sheer nostalgia the films provide, the Harry Potter franchise gave a generation of movie-goers something that they can come back to. These films gave us an intricate storyline that was filled with complex, multilayered characters and relationships that cut deeper and deeper the further into the franchise you got. One of the most interesting plotlines in this franchise surrounds Severus Snape and his redemption arc. In turn, one of the most controversial arguments is whether he deserved it.
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Professor Snape was played by the incomparable Alan Rickman. This character had a difficult upbringing, and as an audience, we were restricted to only glimpses into the motives behind his actions. The Harry Potter franchise spanned eight movies, and up until the last one, Snape’s character and allegiance were still up in the air, if not already a villain in our eyes. Snape was nowhere near a perfect character. However, his flaws never outweighed what made him a hero. Here is why the redemption of Severus Snape was well-deserved.
Product of His Environment
Warner Bros. Pictures
First off, it is time for all of us to offer a hand of understanding. One of the most common arguments against Snape as a character is the way he treats the students, in particular, Harry. Now, let’s add some much-needed background to this very complex character. Snape was bullied by Harry’s father and his friends when they were students at Hogwarts. He was always an outcast that never fit in, and he had to watch the one love of his life fall in love with the man he could not stand (via Screen Rant). Cut the man some slack. He holds some bitterness — who doesn’t these days?
Some of the best characters in books, movies, and TV shows are the ones that are not monotone. They are multifaceted, layered with both good and bad qualities. Should he let out that pent-up anger and resentment on an otherwise innocent child? No, and we get that. But, was he kinder to anyone else? Not really. This was kind of just the way Snape was, and it fit perfectly into his storyline. We also understand that he was on Voldemort’s side in the past. So, let’s give him some credit for switching sides and playing both the “good guy” and the “bad guy” behind the scenes. He has the capacity to grow, and this particular character flaw is not enough to deny him redemption.
Always: Lily as the Love of his Life
In order to be able to grasp a character’s redemption in any meaningful capacity, we have to analyze all parts of them. It is safe for any fan of the Harry Potter books and movies to say that the best quality of Snape’s character is his love for Lily. Everything Snape did, whether it was switching his allegiances or sacrificing his life to rectify her death, was driven by his love for her. This made Rickman’s performance as this character one of the best on the series.
As an audience, we were gifted with seeing the beginning of Snape and Lily’s relationship. Back when Lily was rejected by her sister, Snape was the one to be by her side, a fellow outcast. However, when they went to Hogwarts, Snape was pretty much left behind, left to admire and love her from afar. He loved her too much to ruin her love story, even if it was not with him. The entire plot surrounding Snape’s love for Lily just proves how selfless he really was. No matter where his alliances were, nothing had the power to change him other than the fact that Lily died and was murdered by Lord Voldemort. After that, avenging her was his only option. That means helping Dumbledore and protecting Harry (because of Lily).
A Lifetime of Sacrifices
Snape gave up his life, safety, and comfort to protect Harry from Voldemort. Some of his actions throughout were a bit misguided, and Harry definitely endured more from Snape than he deserved. However, with the results we got, it had to have been worth it. Although it was only fully revealed at the end and to what extent, Snape pretended to be Voldemort’s follower throughout all the movies (and books). In fact, his only real ally that knew about this arrangement was Dumbledore. He was constantly working with the Death Eaters, getting them to trust him to the bitter end. He even killed Dumbledore knowing that it meant Voldemort would kill him for the Elder Wand. Sacrifice after sacrifice, Snape never hesitated to do what he needed to do, a mark of true bravery, courage, and selflessness.
If any character in the Harry Potter series deserved redemption, it was 100% going to be Snape. In the last movie, Snape shows Dumbledore that his Patronus is the same as Lily’s and that what he does will always be for her — always (via Wizarding World). We also would like to think that Snape’s endearing, selfless, and occasionally unconventional way of protecting Harry came from one small detail. He may be harsh on him because he looks so much like his father. However, Harry does have his mother’s eyes.
