The Horizontal Arc of Severus Snape: Unpacking His Final Lessons

Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

After six deep-dive episodes, Professor Julian Wamble closes our exploration of Severus Snape—one of the most complex figures in the Harry Potter series. This final Prof Responds examines the ethics of Snape’s teaching at Hogwarts, the tension between redemption and guilt, and what his story reveals about power, trauma, and morality in the Wizarding World. Through listener reflections, we unpack how Snape’s double life as spy and professor complicates ideas of heroism, forgiveness, and accountability.
From The Half-Blood Prince to The Prince’s Tale, we ask: can understanding someone’s pain ever excuse their harm? And if Snape never truly changes—why do we?