Remus Lupin - Week 6

[February Fortescue]

Rowling gave quite a bit of thought to Remus Lupin and his parents:

https://www.harrypotter.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/remus-lupin
 

I think his backstory is beautiful written and brings so much more depth to the character. I just want to hug him, and find a permanent cure for lycanthrophy! I also hope the students are tangent to be compassionate towards all creatures (not that they should put themselves in harm's way, however)

What were your takeaways?

Share your thoughts and earn 10 scales by December 1st

[River Fenwick]

I've always loved Lupin's story! I genuinely feel for him during his childhood, having been lonely, moving from place to place all the time, and not being allowed to play with other children. Finding friends in Hogwarts that accepted him for who he was and actively helped keep his secret must've been a shock for him, especially after how he grew up. Lycanthophy defined his entire life, which must have been so draining. I believe it also stirred some self-resentment within Lupin, as he was practically taught his whole childhood that being a Lycanthrope was a shameful and dangerous thing and something almost no one would or even should accept in a person.

[Galena May]

There was so much in Remus Lupin's story that brought up so many messages about how harmful prejudice can be. From Lyall Lupin to Edward Remus Lupin, three generations suffered because of Lyall's thoughtless parroted words. Yes, words don't hurt as hard as sticks and stones, but words can cause more lasting and sometimes permanent damage. Words are a terrifying weapon, akin to a double- edged sword. Lyall spent a life full of anxiety, Remus felt ostracized and never knew how talented and worthy of love he was and also almost missed out on his true love, and little Teddy was almost abandoned based on unfounded fears of his own father for no reason at all.

The manner in which Remus lived his life, ironically did a lot to remove the very prejudice that his own father held against werewolves,  from the wizarding community. And this is what I find most striking about Remus's life, and also a fitting reply to Lyall Lupin for being judgemental and not knowing when to hold his tongue, although he suffered enough throughout his lifetime to recompense for the damage he had already caused to society at large by incensing Fenrir further. Remus managed to fix his father's mistake through a very painful struggle.

Although we know that Fenrir would have been evil anyway, as shown by the evidence of the two murdered Muggle children, it would be difficult for Fenrir to garner support from other werewolves, if the prejudice wasn't so high.

Finally, call it Dumbledore being genuinely an all-knowing, kind, all-loving father figure of sorts to everyone, or being a manipulator who knew how to use the people he knew by appealing to what moved them most (even though his higher purpose was always the greater good), I am once again reminded how eerily cunning Dumbledore must have been and how he orchestrated a large part of the triumph of good against Voldemort.

Edited November 4, 2024 by Galena May

[Adeline Morior]

I love Lupin as he is one of my favourite characters. I am always happy to know he has a very extensive backstory to bring into character and consideration all he has been through and the fears he had due to it. As the good person that he was, I am always glad that he  really thinks of what those around him says and takes the good advice in it. Deciding to stick and devote to his family even though it let to his death shows  his amazing character and to the point of what an amazing father he would have been had he gotten the chance.

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