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Reviews For The Punishment Should Fit the Crime
I like the way you're dealing with Harry's issues with self-harm, mostly because Snape's reactions are realistic. He doesn't know how to deal with it, so he becomes angry. I'm glad he recognized that he frightened Harry. I like the way you write his discomfort and Harry's uncertainty. Well done.
Excellent chapter - I always wondered why the teachers and staff didn't realize that it is abnormal for a child to take the type of injuries he got and not cry or at least, seek help. I was raised as a tomboy and thought it weakness to cry over any little thing - but with something big, I went to my parents - (not crying,mind, but seeking help) This next conversation should be interesting.
I'm really loving this story!! I don't really have anything constructive to say, I just thought I should really get around to reviewing after being lazy for the last eight chapters. Oh, it's 'berk' not 'birk'.
"Oh, and Potter? The next time you hurt yourself, or hide an injury from me, or try to get yourself killed, or disobey an order, you can go directly outside and find a suitable switch, is that understood?" This worries me because you mention self-harm as one of the warnings. Is Snape going to whip Harry if he tries to harm himself? Because that is no way to deal with someone who purposely injures themselves. If he does something foolish and gets hurt, then, yes, he does deserve to be punished. But if at some point in this story Harry begins to hurt himself for emotional reasons, punishment is not the way to deal with it. A person dealing with self-injury needs serious help, and it's definitely not something a spanking (or any type of punishment) will fix. I don't know if that's what you were planning, but I just wanted to share my opinion. I think this story has potential to be really good, and I'd love to see you take it in a great direction. Author's Response: Thank you for your comments. I understand your concerns completely and agree, that would be a rotten way to help someone overcome self injury. The question is: Will Snape see it that way?
No, it's just that there are serious issues with how Snape is handling Harry, but this doesn't seem to be reflected yet in Harry's state of mind—other than a general state of unhappiness, which definitely would be the case. Of course, you may very well be planning to elaborate on that as the story goes on; I'm just giving you my impression of the direction as of now, and things seem to be progressively—though slowly, of course—getting better. And whether or not you think the methods themselves that Snape uses are appropriate or not, I think when you couple them with his apparent distaste for Harry, they are damaging. There is a vast difference in living with someone very strict, whom you know loves you, and someone very strict, whom you believe (if not know) greatly dislikes you. It is incredibly important psychologically for children to feel secure in their parents' (and/or guardians') love. Obviously, we're dealing with Snape here, so trust me, I'm not expecting any affection from him yet! :D All I'm saying is, if things continue on the route they're on, then realistically, something's got to give. Don't get me wrong—this is actually excellently written, and I do like it overall. I'm just trying to give you some constructive criticism. Keep writing! Author's Response: Thank you for your criticism. I agree, children need to feel loved. At the same time, we tend to relate to others the way we have been related to as children, and I think that goes double for parenting ( I have no children, but I do work in a daycare). It's obvious from cannon that Snape's family was very dysfunctional. It will take time for him to unlearn potentially harmful behaviors. He's a smart guy--I have faith :) "....something's got to give" (smiles knowingly) Couldn't agree more. Heh heh heh. |
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