4. Lupins Lycanthropy Is An AIDS Metaphor
Warner Bros.Harry Potter portrayed werewolves in a nearly unprecedentedly positive light, primarily through the character of Remus Lupin, a good man who is tortured physically, mentally, and socially by his condition. Rowling has since revealed that Lupins lycanthropy is a social metaphor, one of many in the series, representing the struggle of people with HIV/AIDS in society. To illustrate: Lupin was treated with suspicion and prejudice throughout his life from the Wizarding community due to his condition; it was difficult for him to find jobs, friends, and acceptance due to unwarranted hatred against werewolves and an ignorance of their nature in magical society. He is additionally horrified at the prospect of infecting others, and the metaphor is continued in the final book where we see Lupin terrified of passing his lycanthropy on to his child. This cleverly executed metaphor also examines Lupins progressing embitterment due to his unfair treatment at the hands of Wizarding society.