By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
J. K. RowlingRead
Remus Lupin was supposed to be on the H.I.V. metaphor. It was someone who had been infected young, who suffered stigma, who had a fear of infecting others, who was terrified he would pass on his condition to his son. And it was a way of examining prejudice, unwarranted prejudice towards a group of people. And also, examining why people might become embittered when they're treated that unfairly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote explores the themes of prejudice and the emotional burden carried by those affected by stigma.
In this quote, J.K. Rowling uses the character Remus Lupin as a metaphor for individuals dealing with deep-seated stigma and fear related to illness. It highlights how such experiences can lead to bitterness and examines the unfair treatment that marginalized groups often face. This reflection encourages understanding and empathy towards those who suffer from prejudice.
Themes
PrejudiceStigmaEmpathyFearUnderstandingBitternessIllness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mental health awareness, this quote can highlight the impact of stigma on individuals.
More from J. K. Rowling
All quotes →Where are you heading, if you’ve got the choice?” James lifted an invisible sword. “‘Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!’ Like my dad.” Snape made a small, disparaging noise. James turned on him. “Got a problem with that?” “No,” said Snape, though his slight sneer said otherwise. “If you’d rather be brawny than brainy —” “Where’re you hoping to go, seeing as you’re neither?” interjected Sirius.
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Depression isn't just being a bit sad. It's feeling nothing. It's not wanting to be alive anymore.
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I tell you, that dragon's the most horrible animal I've ever met, but the way Hagrid goes on about it, you'd think it was a fluffy little bunny rabbit.
J. K. RowlingRead
Imagine losing fingernails, Harry! That really puts our sufferings into perspective, doesn't it?
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The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.
J. K. RowlingRead
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