The Plot Thickens Discussion ~ View topic

The way we look on the outside doesn’t always reflect the way we are on the inside. Could it be possible that Snape’s clothing is a way of masking his allegiance to Dumbledore? Could it be possible that Snape is using his outward appearance to throw off suspicions – and who is he trying to confuse, exactly?

I suppose clothing or anything personalized can be seen in its underbelly as a statement of fears and hopes. For example the more one works at being attractive, perhaps the more a sly observer might assume he or she fears rejection. Confused

Perhaps Snape prefers black – and occlumency – so that no one can see him for what he is. In the wilds you hide in the shadows, where you can see and not be seen.

In a similar mode, the number of books in Snape’s waiting room might imply Snape is afraid of making mistakes through ignorance. And his writing in books (Harry's potion's book as HBP) might imply Snape's not trusting even that. Too bad wizards don’t use the internet. Twisted Evil

Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 241 Location: Waiting for snow

I don't really relate Snape's clothing to his appearance inside or out. In fact, Snape's clothing appears to have changed very little from his days as a Hogwarts student. I see him as someone like Lupin who doesn't really fuss so much about his clothing. I would guess with all of the research he's done on Dark Arts and working for both sides that Snape hasn't had that much time to spend at Madame Malkins. JKR does seem to use extremes when discussing wizard clothing, we have Dumbledore, Lockhart, and Slughorn who are all fancy dressers and Lupin, Snape and even Sirius who appear as though they haven't been shopping in years.