Lupin as a metaphor (was: DD and the rat)

[elfundeb]

No: HPFGUIDX 116083

Pippin:
> Oh, I expect ESE!Lupin will be offered a chance at redemption, 
> but I wouldn't bet on him taking it. As for the message,  Lupin 
> resembles an Uncle Tom/Uncle Remus character, created with  
> good intentions to counter a threatening  stereotype. But Uncle 
> Tom/Uncle Remus is now considered to be itself a negative 
> stereotype, because in the  zeal to make him unthreatening, he 
> is also made childlike, powerless and so lacking in resentment 
> as to appear incapable rather than forbearing of anger. 

There may be an idealized vision of Lupin in which he is too good to be resentful, but there's no evidence of that Lupin in canon.  Lupin's suggestion to Neville of how to humiliate Snape's boggart is a perfect example of how Lupin could exact revenge against Snape despite his relative powerlessness.  But Revengeful!Lupin doesn't lead to ESE!Lupin.  Just look at the Twins, who reserve their most devastating stunts for those who, in Harry's words, "really deserve it," yet no one believes they are evil.  Why would Lupin betray James, one of the friends who gave him the best times of his life, and who saved Lupin from possible catastrophe when he pulled Snape back in the tunnel?  Even if he distrusted Sirius after the prank, there was no reason for him to betray James.

My attraction to Lupin's character is not because he is perfect or because he is idealized, but because his flaws flow naturally from his hardships.  He has lived a life of quiet desperation, punctuated only by a short interlude of adolescent foolishness.  It is natural for him to cling desperately to his few opportunities, to convince himself that he doesn't have to reveal his adolescent mistakes when to do so might cost him a desperately needed job.  It is not right, however, and had Sirius actually been a DE, his decision might have cost Harry his life.

Lupin's failure to confess to Dumbledore in PoA calls to mind the old adage, "The only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing."  Lupin did nothing, and the consequences would have been tragic had everyone not been mistaken about Sirius.  He didn't rein in Sirius when he was prefect, either, and thereby allowed evil -- in the form of Sirius' and James' merciless bullying of Snape -- to flourish.  

JKR has shown us many forms of evil.  Voldemort represents one extreme manifestation of evil.  The Death Eaters with their penchant for torturing powerless Muggles who are unable to defend themselves represent another form.  Fudge and his need to retain power at all costs represents a third form of evil.  

And Lupin represents something very different.  His condition makes him very sympathetic, and rightfully so, but his unwillingness to jeopardize his rare opportunities for friendship and employment for the greater good is a unique form of evil.  It would be really pointless if he turned out to be just another DE, but a glimpse of the desperate straits  our attitudes force upon the disabled (mental or physical) and the Hobson's choices they have to make, is something different altogether, and unique among the characters in HP.

Debbie
wondering why those who can control their emotions are always first on the suspect list


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