Why Did Petunia Call Snape 'Awful Boy' in 'Harry Potter'? Exploring the Complexity of their Relationship

In 'Harry Potter', the relationship between Petunia Dursley and Severus Snape is characterized by constant tension and mutual disdain. Petunia's negative feelings towards Snape are deeply rooted in her desire to distance herself from the wizarding world, especially after her sister Lily became involved in it. This essay delves into the factors behind Petunia's hostile attitude towards Snape and explores how their interactions symbolize the conflict between their family histories and personal insecurities.

The Foundation of Their Tension

Several key factors contribute to the hostility between Petunia and Snape. Initially, their relationship was marked by hostility and misunderstanding. Snrpe's approach to their first encounter was abrupt and insulting:

Surprisingly definitive tones defined what was otherwise a short pause of unsettled tension. 'You're a witch, kid,' said Severus in a very hard tone, without preamble. Petunia’s hum of annoyance was an answer enough, as he scowled and leant more fully into the bushes to catch a glimpse of his sister. 'Oh, here, you, my Lord Voldemort wannabe. . .you creep off your mama’s skin and hide behind the shrubs!'

Petunia's disdain for Snape deepens when she confronts him again, this time after he assaults her for spying on the Potters. Her judgment of Snape's appearance and social skills further estranges them:

Petunia was aghast, and Severus spied the reaction she was loathe to show. 'Are you all right, Petunia? I'm sorry – what was that about with us?'

These interactions reflect the symbolism of Snape, representing everything Petunia dislikes about the magic world, her sister Lily, and their family's pride in her sister's magical abilities.

Petunia's Jealousy and Resentment

Petunia's jealousy and resentment towards Lily are palpable. Her desire to attend Hogwarts and the rejection she faces highlight her bitterness:

'I wish I'd been a witch, Peter – you and James and even Lily –
Why can't I be a witch, Petunia?'

Snape becomes a tangible symbol of Petunia's resentment. He reminded her of her family's pride in their sister's magic and the resulting cracks in their relationship:

Snape…wet, mangled, matted, dead, or in a loathsome concentrate, he would be a terrible reminder of everything Petunia was coming to despise.

The Linguistic Use of 'Awful Boy'

When Petunia refers to Snape as 'awful boy', it encapsulates more than just their childhood interactions. It represents a deep-seated resentment and the emotional distance created by Lily's magical inheritance and their family's pride:

'If he isn't expelled, you'd be next!' Petunia had shrieked before Snape could lay a finger on her.
'How could you use such awful clothes! He held Lily’s letters without looking at them.' Petunia had stared, not at Snape, but at Lily and the whole world that had passed her by. 'Poor Lily – poor me.'

Snape was not just an antagonist but a figure that encapsulated the scars left by the magical world and the relationship between Petunia and Lily. Their interactions symbolize the broken connection and the emotional rift that separates them.

Conclusion

The complexity of Petunia and Snape's relationship in 'Harry Potter' is a poignant exploration of familial and personal conflicts. Their mutual disdain is rooted in deeper issues of identity, pride, and the effects of the wizarding world. Through their interactions, the novel exposes the struggles of individuals navigating the boundaries between different worlds and the impact of family secrets on personal relationships.