HP and social issues - Lupin

[Wanda Sherratt]

No: HPFGUIDX 28652

Since I'm new and havent been able to read all the nearly 3,000 
messages in the archives, I'm sure you've all discussed the way JKR 
weaves social issues into her books - slavery with the House Elves, 
racial prejudice (giants) and class prejudice (purebloods and
others).  I wonder if Lupin is another example of a social issue
being 
addressed in a veiled manner - it seems to me that he could be read
as an example of an AIDS sufferer.  His affliction is incurable, 
though it can now be kept under control with a sort of drug, it's 
draining and debilitating, it's dangerous to other people, and
saddest 
of all, it's shameful and leaves him isolated and rejected. I felt so 
sorry for him when he had to leave Hogwarts, knowing that if he
stayed 
the parents would all pull their kids out of the school because they 
wouldn't want a werewolf teaching their children.  You know it's true 
and you can't really blame them, because there IS a risk, but it's 
just sad.  And I can appreciate Dumbledore more, being willing to 
accept Lupin because he's a good teacher, and not sharing the 
anti-werewolf hysteria.  Lupin is also a very mature character, 
accepting his affliction with patience and not blaming or reproaching 
other people even when they're making his life harder.  I don't find 
him the most exciting character, but I do think he's one of the most 
admirable.