Was Severus Snape Truly in Love with Lily Evans or Only Obsessed?

The character of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series has often been a subject of speculation and debate, particularly regarding his feelings towards Lily Evans. Was Severus truly in love with Lily, or was he merely obsessed with her because of her status as a Muggleborn? This article will explore the dynamics of their relationship and delve into the nuances of their connection.

Did Severus Snape Like Lily Evans, or Was He Obsessed Due to Her Muggleborn Status?

When discussing Severus Snape's affections for Lily Evans, one cannot help but notice the potential influences of her background. Many sources, including fanfiction and movie adaptations, have portrayed Snape as having a particular obsession with Lily. However, a deeper examination of the text reveals that Snape's feelings may not have been as fixated on her Muggleborn status as some believe.

Common Perceptions and Criticisms

Girls often prefer boys who are clean, as depicted in the Harry Potter books. Yet, Severus Snape was known for his greasy hair, which suggests he did not maintain an every-day routine for grooming. Additionally, Snape's interest in the Dark Arts can further mar his reputation, leading to assumptions that his feelings for Lily were tainted.

In the second part of Sorcerer's Stone, when Lily gives Snape a choice between befriending her or becoming a Death Eater, he chooses to align with the darker side. This decision results in the end of their friendship, adding to the complexity of their relationship. However, as a reader and not a fanfiction writer or film critic, it's essential to base our interpretations on the text rather than external media.

Exploring the Possibilities of "Love"

Was Severus merely obsessed with Lily? Or did he genuinely love her in various ways?

At their first meeting, around the age of 10, Lily was a representation of hope and happiness to Snape, who had a challenging and miserable childhood. Love, in the form of a "first anything," can be profoundly impactful, and resilient in memory. Snape's attachment to Lily might be seen as a positive, if idealized, sentiment.

Alternatively, Snape could have fallen in love with Lily in the way Sirius Black fell in love with James Potter - engrossed in a perfect match, a close friend, and a source of dreams. His interest in her might have been driven by his desire for someone who fit his ideal of friendship and companionship. However, Snape's actions often indicate an underlying obsession, rather than true love, as we understand it.

Snape's Obsession or True Love?

Snape's obsession with Lily can be seen in his behavior, particularly in how he interacted with her during their time at Hogwarts. Throughout their encounters, Snape displayed a warped version of what he desired from Lily, rather than cherishing her as an actual person:

Snapse's priorities were often aligned with his personal desires. When Petunia and Lily interacted, Snape wanted to keep Lily away and disregarded her warm welcome. When Lily was upset about her argument with Petunia, Snape was insensitive and changed the subject, focusing on Hogwarts. Snapse's declaration that Lily should be in Slytherin despite neither being sorted yet suggests he was imposing his preferences on her. His disregard for Lily's concerns about the people he was associating with, such as Avery and Mulciber, further illustrates his selfishness. Even during his "apology" to Lily, Snape ignored her criticisms, joining the Death Eaters with the hope of impressing her, regardless of her objections.

Snape's later actions further demonstrate his obsession, rather than love. Upon realizing he had put a target on his friends, Snape prioritized his own happiness over their well-being. He only sought to save Lily when it directly impacted himself, neglecting their family. After Lily's death, Snape continued to mistreat her son, Harry, as a form of revenge against James Potter, without considering Lily's wishes or her son's happiness.

Conclusion

Snape's claims to have acted for Lily's sake fall flat when we consider his actions. He was more focused on his own desires and ideals, rather than the real Lily. True love would involve considering the well-being of both the beloved and the loved one. Severus Snape's version of love, on the other hand, was flawed and self-centered. His real motive appears to have been his idealized version of Lily, rather than the actual person she was.