Why Lupin Is the Best Teacher in the “Harry Potter” Series
It’s time to talk about our favorite werewolf, Remus Lupin! My favorite part of reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was getting to meet Lupin. He’s quiet and introverted, but he still manages to be an amazing spellcaster and leader. Lupin has significantly influenced readers of the Harry Potter series. He taught us about werewolf discrimination, loyalty and friendship, and a person becoming better than their circumstances. I often wished that I could have had a teacher like Lupin, though I could’ve done without the werewolf part.
After having two absurd Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers at Hogwarts, Lupin was a welcome relief. The first time I read Prisoner of Azkaban, he won me over when he gave Harry a piece of chocolate. This was just a hint of how compassionate a character Lupin is. Lupin is one of the most reserved characters in the Potter series, but we get to know him more little by little.
One of the best qualities that make him an amazing friend and teacher is his honesty. He respects Harry, and you can see that in their relationship. He doesn’t hide the truth from Harry unless he’s protecting him. When he can, he answers Harry’s questions and teaches him advanced spellwork. Some teachers talk down to students, but Lupin never does. He treats Harry, Ron, Hermione, and even Neville with compassion and respect.
Lupin is also skilled at making the best out of his circumstances. His life story is tragic, and he would never have chosen to become a werewolf. Despite the struggles he faced, Lupin tries to help others and become a better man. He makes a difference in his students’ lives and fights alongside the Order of the Phoenix. By doing all this, Lupin shows his friends and the reader that we can become so much more than our bad circumstances. I’ll never forget the moment in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix when Umbridge insults Lupin and his students argue back that he was an amazing teacher to them. I think that Lupin taught his students more than any other Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and had the most positive effect on their lives.
He’s not as impulsive or as brash as the other Marauders, but Lupin is as loyal as a friend could ever be. Unlike Sirius, who is so visibly grief-stricken over James’s death, Lupin’s pain is mostly hidden. He stays strong all the time to protect Harry. His loyalty to James goes so far that he feels it necessary to look after Harry, but he’s perceptive enough to realize that Harry is his own person. His relationship with Harry is much more cerebral than his wild friendship with James. He sees the best in Harry and is entirely loyal to the Order of the Phoenix. As a character, he is written with such inner strength and bravery that the reader would never think of him as disloyal or less than a wonderful friend. That’s one of the main things that I think makes Lupin such a phenomenal teacher, that he becomes a kind friend to his students and brings out the best in them.
Due to his perseverance, caring nature, and ability to connect with his students, Lupin is the best teacher at Hogwarts. What makes him such an incredible Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is that he encourages his students, similar to Professor McGonagall. Unlike McGonagall, though, Lupin isn’t afraid to shed his strict exterior and make friends with his students. One could argue that this isn’t a teacher’s job, but it works for Lupin. He’s just as compassionate as Hagrid, but Lupin always maintains control and focus in his classroom. Additionally, like Snape, Lupin doesn’t shy away from showing his students how dark and brutal the world can be, such as with the boggart lesson. However, Lupin recognizes when his students have had enough and doesn’t push them past their limit. Lupin is a competent teacher with a protective nature, and he’s committed to helping his students succeed.
