The Problem with Lupin (long) was Re: How Close Are Harry and Lupin?

[arrowsmithbt]

No: HPFGUIDX 96863

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "pippin_999" <foxmoth at q...> wrote:

snipped
> You'd have to wonder about somebody who says he felt guilty, 
> but didn't change his ways. Lupin's fans say his guilt is 
> needless, the product of his overly tender conscience. And if his 
> conscience is that tender, well, he just *couldn't* be  up to 
> something, could he? 
> 
> Well, I'm afraid he could. 
> 
> There's only one time in the canon where Lupin accepts 
> responsibility for the consequences of his actions. He's very 
> proud of Harry's patronus charm. 
>  
> And we, suckers that we are, let him get away with it. Everybody 
> does. And so you know what? IMO, he'll never change. How can 
> he, when he's never felt that anything he did actually hurt 
> someone? 
> 

There's nothing quite so satisfying as a thorough-going character
demolition, is there? Fair warms the old cockles of the heart to see 
the boot going in. No doubt thousands will spring to Lupin's defence,
if they haven't already (I'm not up  to speed on this thread, been 
busy elsewhere). But while not  totally convinced that he is ESE, 
there's an awful lot of questions in the Lupin dossier that it would
be nice to  have the answers to.

It's all a matter of perception.
There are so few relevant facts that a posters perception of Lupin
is generally accepted as the reality. He's nice to Harry, he looks 
tired verging on ill and he doesn't lose his temper. Not much, is it?
So we are reduced to scouring the canon to try and add a bit more
by evaluating his actions. 

But even here he hasn't  done much. Moral cowardice in "Snape's
Worst Memory', chatting to a Dementor on the Hogwarts Express
and that very odd episode in the Shrieking Shack. Nags like a
hollow tooth, that one does. It's off kilter; there's a sub-text I 
can't quite read clearly. Sirius needs to explain nothing - Lupin
*knows*; he reads Sirius's script for him and it's all buddy-buddy
from then on.

I've theorised before that DD knew what was going on, indeed
that's why he recruited Lupin as DADA teacher, him knowing all
the parties concerned, but still.....

Some posters reckon that he's written as a member of an oppressed
minority and is there to demonstrate JKR's sympathetic leanings
towards the less fortunate. Possible - except that there's an
awful lot of oppressed or victimised groups in HP; House Elves, 
Mudbloods, Muggles, Goblins, they've all been on the list at one 
time or  another and there's always someone willing to see 
oppression somewhere, whether it's intended or not. I think it's 
supposed to make them appear caring; it doesn't of course. 

But  where  to put Lupin in the order of things? Not easy.
Traditionally werewolves are not good news, but JKR is  not averse
to flouting  tradition to suit her needs. A few months ago there
were posters queuing up to wonder if Lupin would fall victim to 
Peter's silver digits; no longer. The site seems to be becoming
remarkably staid lately. At one  time last year you could guarantee
three outrageous theories a day; not now. So  it's up to the few,
we happy few, who strip our sleeves and show our scars, and with
advantage.... Um. Not St  Crispin's Day is it?

Anyway, Lupin deserves, needs close examination. He gives the
impression of someone suffering the agonies of remorse and is
trying desperately to make amends. But for what?

You know, it's impossible to tell  from canon if there was a full 
moon on the night of Godrics Hollow. Anyone got an Almanac?

Kneasy