The flawed master: lessons Professor Snape taught me Paperback – November 9, 2009

by Logospilgrim

Professor Severus Snape, a role model? Could the bitter, sarcastic and harsh man be a good teacher? Could he be worthy of imitation? In her mystical essays, Logospilgrim proposes that he is. Although Professor Snape frequently chose to behave in a manner that was harmful to him and those around him, the author believes that his virtue outweighed his weaknesses, and that both his virtue and weaknesses are a source of wisdom and consolation to those who are progressing along the path of devotion. He is, indeed, a symbol of true faith.

Genres: Harry Potter

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

I'm a writer, a coconut atheist, a stay home vagabond, and a gonzo maverick. These days, I write mostly about joyful secular living and being a happy tomboy. I have a degree in Religious Studies and enjoy collecting curiosities. I may be somewhat of a curiosity myself. I'm learning to play the ukulele, and I can juggle. I am also known as the quiet professor.

Reviews

[Denise Roper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flawed master: lessons Professor Snape taught me is author logospilgrim's second collection of theological and mystical essays on Professor Severus Snape. Snape is, perhaps, the most complex character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, and logospilgrim has much to say about his transformation from antagonist to hero in this second volume of her "Snape Trilogy." The flawed master is a follow-up to Bring forth the best robes: a spiritual understanding of Severus Snape, but it may stand alone as a volume of Christian spiritual wisdom, inspiration, and guidance for all Harry Potter fans, who, like logospilgrim and myself, read Rowling's seven-part series with an overwhelming desire to see the redemption of Professor Snape--a bitter and broken man who had renounced his allegiance to the Dark Lord and pledged his service to one who would defeat him, not by violence, but through love and self-sacrifice. Snape, the flawed master, was proud, angry, sarcastic, and sometimes cruel, and yet he rose above his many flaws to become Harry's secret protector and Dumbledore's most trusted accomplice. He was the spy whose bravery and self-sacrifice contributed to Harry's ultimate triumph over the evil Lord Voldemort. Logospilgrim's insightful essays are a balm to soothe our wounded hearts. If a man as flawed as Severus Snape can find redemption, then there is hope for us all, even the greatest of sinners. This is an inspiring book for those who seek the deeper meaning that is to be found in the Harry Potter series. The spiritual treasures within it are not merely lessons learned from a flawed master; they are the great moral truths of the Gospels, lessons taught by the One True Master, the one who was without sin, the one who died to redeem us all.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gave me a different perspective upon Severus Snape's death that I had not considered before. I still have a great rejection of his death, and multiple reasons why it was unfair and wrong, but through Logospilgrim's words I have seen his death differently. It felt still unfair and wrong, but I also saw the heroism in it. It settled some of my hurt feelings and allowed me to have the creativity to create my own Severus Snape blog.

[Margery Bayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly what I was expecting, but that should teach me to read reviews and blurbs more carefully. Basically, I am on a big Harry Potter kick right now and am trying to find and read as much unique and compelling HP analysis as I can find. This is a good addition from a different angle than I was expecting (my own fault, so I rate this book upon what it is not what I thought it was going to be). It's not the straight forward literary analysis I was expecting, but because of that, it was able to get at the text at a different angle than other books on the same subject manner.

[Katherine Luttmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! I enjoyed it immensely!