Lupin re: Real characters & persuasive argument

[Amy Z <lupinesque@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 50460

Pippin wrote:

> For 
> my part, ESE Lupin is not an attempt to flatten him...rather the 
> reverse. I was unsatisfied with the characterization and 
> development of Lupin in several respects. 

I agree with you.  Your arguments are thoughtful and nuanced and have 
added a great deal to my sense of this character, much more than any 
number of "isn't Lupin FANTASTIC" posts could have done.  

Now, I am not exactly calm and balanced when it comes to Lupin--it is 
patently obvious that I identify with him to a pathological extent--
so I usually bite my tongue and don't try to respond to your posts.  
I nod in fervent admiration, though.  And you know, you *do* account 
for counterarguments as you go.  You don't *have* to, but I like it 
best when you do because I'm not of the sort that finds 
the "Resolved:" approach very convincing, whether the resolution 
is "Lupin is ESE" or "Lupin is a hero."  Please note that I'm not 
saying there is anything *wrong* with someone taking that form of 
argument.  It isn't unfair or dodgy.  It just doesn't work very well 
on me.

BTW, I have a counterargument to this <g>:

>  When Trelawney's voice goes from misty to crisp, we 
> understand that the mistiness is an act. What are we to make of 
> it  that Lupin's voice alters suddenly from calm to steely, a 
steely 
> voice that Harry has never heard from him before?

But I'd better leave it to someone a bit more detached to give it, 
since I too begin spouting things like "paragon of virtue" when 
attempting to write about Lupin.  Maybe tomorrow I'll be calmer and I 
can give it a whirl.

> Those were all things that bothered me before I came up with 
> the ESE theory. I admit I presented it rather gleefully, and in a 
> one sided way, but the glee came from solving one of Rowling's 
> mysteries in advance (I think!), not "trashing" the character.

Amy
hoping Lupin dies in 5 rather than being dishonored by proving to be 
ESE <--tongue in cheek comment, not to be taken seriously.  Seriously.