A tale of three viewpoints : how narrative perspective is used to create moral ambiguity in Severus Snape within a postmodern fantasy : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in English Literature at Massey University, (Manawatū), New Zealand

Abstract

Fantasy characters have traditionally been placed into a moral binary of good or evil. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series adheres to this convention through its central conflict between good and evil, and a moral framework defined by power, love, and choice. The character of Severus Snape is significant within Potter’s representation of morality due to his ambiguity, and the way this complicates the series’ understanding of morality. Snape’s ambiguity is created through the relationship between focaliser, narrator and implied reader. The positioning of Harry Potter as the focaliser for the series’ majority develops a consistent confusion around Snape’s character, caused by the flaws in Harry’s perspective that can be noticed by the implied reader. The narrative provides evidence that both contradicts and supports Harry’s assessment of Snape, resulting in a complex ambiguity that deepens alongside the series. This is developed further by the periods in the narration where the focalising character temporarily shifts, deepening the space between the implied reader’s and Harry’s perspective. Snape’s conclusion refuses a conclusive binary positioning, disrupting the series’ otherwise fixed moral positioning, which contributes to Potter’s success.