Examples Of Snape In The Prince

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Henderson 1 The character Professor Snape in the Harry Potter Books by author J.K. Rowling’s is a great example of a Machiavellian character. Niccolo Machiavelli wrote a book called The Prince in 1513, which was basically a how to book on becoming a successful and powerful person. In his book which is more like a guide to becoming powerful ruler, Machiavelli lays out basic rules for achieving success. Many authors have used Machiavellian type characters in their books to create better stories. Some of these characters are evil or ruthless, while others are just really focused and set on success. Professor Snape is a great…show more content…
Snape has been hurt by his love for Lilly in the past. Now he appears to be angry, dark and uncaring. “Returning to the questions of be being loved or feared, I sum up by saying, that since his being loved depends upon his subjects, while his being feared depends upon himself, a wise Prince should build on what is his own and not on what rests with others.” Pg. 45 (prince) I believe that Snape feels it is better to have his students fear him. This is easier for him because he does not have to depend on anyone but himself. Being feared by his students makes it easier to continue to work on his secret mission with Dumbledore. Professor Snape also appears to follow Machiavelli’s rule that a prince should act as both a fox and lion. “But since a Prince should know how to use the beast’s nature wisely, he ought of beasts to choose both the lion and the fox; for the lion cannot guard himself from the toils, nor the fox from wolves.” Pg. 46 (Prince) Snape’s character uses both the cunning of a fox and the courage of a lion throughout the Harry Potter Series to achieve his ultimate goal the
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