I'm feeling so overwhelmed and stressed right now it's funny in an ironic sort of way. I'm always the first one to say relax, calm down, let it go and so this must be payback. Every little thing people say I take the wrong way due to oversensitivity, so I think I'll just...[fill in the blank].

Recently someone categorized described me as "bitter insecure & unhappy" in an entry on her blog. Last night I found an article called "Why Snape?" over at Mugglenet which talked about why people liked the character of Professor Snape so much. This excerpt made me go...ohhhhhh:

As an adult, Snape is in a job he dislikes and is constantly surrounded by people who either annoy him, or do not respect him. He's bitter and angry and having trouble letting go of all the slights he's experienced.... He tends to take these feelings out on those around him through the use of sarcasm.

It is my theory that, deep inside, many of us have felt these things and we identify with Snape. We know what it is to be lonely, angry, and unappreciated - to struggle to get through the day , surrounded by idiots.

It's a short jump from identifying with a character to liking him, in spite of his faults. I think we want Snape to succeed. We've all been in that place in his head and we want him to break free - either because we've done it ourselves and are rooting for him to do the same, or because we're still trapped ourselves, and his freedom would give us hope for our own.

I sent this to a few friends saying something like no WONDER I like Snape so much. The responses I got were...interesting, to say the least. One friend gave me the email equivalent of a hug; which really was what I'd hoped for by sending the email. Another gave a terse, two word reply (no, it wasn't "F.U" lol). The third didn't respond.

The article went on to say this:

And then there are the films. Alan Rickman came to this part with a huge existing fan base. He is a skilled, sexy actor, with a voice that compels. Although Snape is described as unattractive in the books, the Snape we see in the films is much more appealing. Alan Rickman draws the eye in almost every scene he appears in. He is graceful in movement and seductive in tone.

The costume design adds to this attraction. The nature of the character is magnified by his outfit. Snape is buttoned from head to foot. In some scenes, even his hands are covered by fingerless gloves. What is he hiding under all those layers?

His cape *swooshes* when he moves, as if Snape had his own personal wind machine to provide dramatic counterpoint. Everything is black, except for the hint of white at the throat. It is all impeccably styled. For someone who is described as socially backwards and in need of a better shampoo, the Snape of the films looks stunningly cool.

So there, that's why I like Snape so much. Glad someone could put it into words; I surely couldn't!

okay, that seals the deal... i gotta see these movies. from that description alone, i must see all that is Snape.

heh, "all that is Snape."

Dude, you like Snape because he�s dark, creepy and reserved. And you are so opposite to bitter and unhappy. I have never met anyone who takes such joy in the simple things life offers us. You find fun in almost anything. And if anything you may be a little unhappy this year considering the health of your mother and the way you are mistreated by your job and even sometimes friends.

The person that wrote that should be ashamed of themselves. It�s sickening nevermind obnoxious that someone wrote that and made you feel this bad. And I�m going to smack you for letting this metastasize in your head.

Love you Janet.

I'm just getting to my mail. So look for a reply. It took me over an hour to peel the frigging chestnuts for the dressing tomorrow!!
Hugs & love!!!

I'm sorry some one wrote that about you, because in my opinion (for whatever it is worth to you), they are completely wrong! Maybe the reason you like Snape is that although he has his faults, at the end of the day he usually stands for what is right. Unless he's proven evil... although,... :-p

Janet,
You forever changed me when you told me in Japan... "bloom where you're planted"... you have no idea what this has meant to me...
I love you forever...
Lisa

Interesting...I of course don't see you this way because I'm not really exposed to this side of you. And here I just thought you wanted to get into Alan Rickman's pants! ;) Just kidding!

See all of those answers make sense.

I totally agree on Rickman's voice.

Here are some extra hugs.

What a great analysis that was! Personally, though, I think what attracts you to Snape is his depth ~ those still waters that run so very deep (yes, I'm making an astrological analagy here - can't help myself).

After all you are a Moonchild (another name for Cancers) which is a Water Sign. Snape is a very Scorpionic character (exemplifying both the best and the not so best qualities of that very mysterious water sign).

He is a very complex, intensely fascinating character!

I still think he just looks greasy. j/k

{{{HUGS}}}

Nice new blog design!