Harry Potter conferences

Azkatraz is fast approaching, and I’m thrilled about it. One of the more challenging roles I’ll be playing there is moderator for the panel, “The Life of Severus Snape.” How do you cover Snape in a panel discussion in just 50 minutes? Well, you don’t. But you do cover as many interesting aspects of his character as you can. Below are two excerpts that will give you a taste of what’s to come for The Life of Severus Snape panel.

First, the summary, which is not yet on the Azkatraz website. Participants are Sophia Marquez, Amber Vitale, Elizabeth Wu, and Greg Gershman (from HP Progs!). The summary:

Even now that we know the end of the story, Severus Snape remains as fascinating a character as he was while we were waiting for the release of Deathly Hallows. What did Snape believe about himself? Did he believe he could find redemption? Did he live in guilt, and what effect did this have on him? Was he redeemed in the end? Was his love for Lily genuine devotion or creepy infatuation? What did Rowling think of her character, and how does that compare and contrast with fan response? Did fans have the emotional closure needed in Deathly Hallows? These and other questions will be addressed in this panel discussion as we focus on Snape’s double-agent role, his literary status as Gothic hero-villain and shapeshifter, and his own choices throughout the story. [click to continue…]

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