This week the world lost not only an iconic actor, but a great man. Movies such as "Love Actually," "Die Hard," "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," "Gifted Hands," and the beloved Harry Potter series showcased Rickman’s wide range of talent and humanity. He didn’t simply act in movies; he was a part of stories that are still in our hearts and minds. Although I loved all of his movies that I've seen (especially "Love Actually" and "Gifted Hands"), his role as Severus Snape will always be the most inspirational. Why, you may ask? The story of Harry Potter is pure fiction, I’ve heard many say. But is it? The series might be filled with wands and other magical themes, but under the surface level, there are even more real-life themes. In fact, Severus Snape might just be the most real character in the entire series, and Rickman didn’t just play him; he became him.
Snape taught me that the grey area is all too real; there is no black and white when it comes to good and bad. He also taught me that love really is a conquering force. As a student in school, he was bullied by the man who would one day marry the love of his life. Worse yet, he had to teach their son when he became a professor. Of course, at the beginning of the series, we had no idea he had this struggle. We thought he was your typical villain. By the time we realized just how much life had slapped poor Snape around, we had seen him save Harry on multiple occasions, despite constantly being accused of following the most evil being out there. He may not have gone out of his way to be the nicest person in the wizarding world, but he prevented Harry from dying several times throughout the series. We eventually found out after his tragic death that he had come to care for Harry, even to love him. His actions and eventual sacrifice to keep Harry alive may ultimately have been for Lilly Potter, but they were also for Harry. His love for Lilly Potter and later on Harry overwhelmed any darkness within himself.
On a more real-life level, this kind of moral selflessness isn’t seen everyday. Although it was revealed that Snape didn’t originally want to look out for Harry (considering he was James Potter’s son, right?), he did anyway, because it was the right thing to do. Today, it would be easy enough to think only of oneself and do whatever it takes to get yourself ahead in whatever you’re doing; but for me, Professor Snape is a reminder that no matter what life deals you, it is never wrong - or too late - to do the right thing. With all the hatred and negativity in the world, we need reminders, like Severus Snape, that not everything is as it seems. He’s a reminder that although a situation or even a person may seem hopeless, evil, or crazy, there is most assuredly a redeeming quality hidden somewhere. This gives me hope; hope that somewhere in this frequently hate-filled, politically driven world, love will conquer all.
Mr. Rickman, you will be sorely missed, but always remembered. Rest in peace.
