Lessons from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire- SPOILERS

[Lissy_1992]

Having read all of the books in the Harry Potter series, I know and love them well. As the series goes on, I feel that they progress in content into some pretty dark scenes. In comparison, the earlier books of the series feel sweet and almost juvenile in their themes and adventures.

The Goblet of Fire was when I really realised that there was no going back. The loss of innocence from Cedric Diggory's death marked that book in my mind. No-one was safe just because they belonged to Hogwarts. Evil could, and would, get in. It was just a matter of time, preparation and courage.

This book is also one of the main books in the series that stands out for me for a different reason: the many messages we can relate to, learn from and apply into our own, real world. Granted, J.K Rowling is phenomenal at incorporating this throughout all her books, but I feel that the Goblet of Fire shows great examples at a key turning point in the overall journey of the series. These messages are clear to a reader should they step back for a moment and contemplate, without just getting carried along in the drama of it all. Here a just a few of those.

1. People are not always as they appear. This one seems blatantly obvious, yet it is well worth noting. Harry was told that Mad-Eye Moody was a trusted Auror, and so he was, but the man he thought to be Moody turned out to be the evil Barty Crouch Jnr. Lesson: do not always assume you know someone.

2. Not everyone is grateful for being saved. In the book, Hermione is furiously fighting for the rights and freedom of house elves. This takes time, devotion and dedication. However, when she succeeds and provides freedom for Mr Crouch's house elf Winky, she responds with hostility and a distinct lack of gratitude.

3. Everybody has an important role, no matter who you are. In the book, Dobby the house elf overhears a conversation about Gillyweed and its benefits so provides Harry with some in preparation for the Triwizard Tournament underwater task. Ok, it turns out that this was a purposefully staged conversation by Barty Crouch Jnr to ensure Harry wins, but this doesn't deny Dobby's role in Harry's success. A meek, mere house elf can do great things with the right intentions.

4. Helping others is always right, but doesn't always guarantee a happy ending. As Cedric and Harry both reached the cup at the same time, marking them both heroes of the Triwizard Tournament, they both agreed to touch the cup together, signifying joint winners. Unfortunately, this also meant that when the cup became the portkey to the graveyard that Barty Crouch Jnr had organised, Cedric was taken along too, ended up 'a spare' and was instantly murdered by Voldemort. Sadly, if Harry hadn't agreed to share first place, Cedric would probably still be alive. This was when I feel J.K.Rowling delivered the sobering message that courage and integrity doesn't always win, but you must persevere anyway.

As I said, this marks but a few of the many messages embedded within, but that is for you other readers to explore...

[Bhavna Aburani]

This is so true. Although in the genre of Young Adult, I think Harry Potter series is relevant for every age. It teaches you valuable lessons. It teaches you the meaning of friendship and love. It teaches you that we don't have to be in position of power or extremely rich to bring about a change. Anyone and everyone has the ability to do that. Goblet of Fire specially taught us the meaning of courage. We are not responsible for what happens to us, but we surely are responsible for how we respond. Harry was neither eligible nor prepared for the tasks of Triwizard tournament, but he showed that with faith, wits and courage, there is no problem that you cannot surmount (Obviously he had hermione to help him through, but he was bold enough to do everything that was required of him). I believe everyone should read this series at least once in their lifetime just to see what they have been missing till now

[Amagine]

These are some great lessons. The one that I agree with the most is the one that says that everyone has a role, no matter how small. It kind of sound like a Dr. Seuss quote.

[Londera]

That was a very thorough analysis of the story. The Goblet of Fire was when things really became less about going to class and more about surviving.Not to give any spoilers but things got real quick real fast towards the end. The competition gave the series a real feeling of life or death which is why it is my favourite book in the series.

[Naval Aulakh]

You have mentioned the lessons really well. This book has taught us a lot. I love this book. Another great book by J.K Rowling.

[Storygamer88]

Totally agree that HP gives a lot of lessons, esp the transitional fourth book. It's my favorite in the series partly for that reason. It shows so much more and really sets the stage for the second, darker, more mature half of HP.

[yodit]

The things you just described are why the Goblet of Fire is my favorite book- it truly does mark a transition between the first 3 books (where everything might not be pretty, but it ends up working out well in the end) to the last 4 books (where not everything works out the way it should).

[Bluecobia]

You have some good thoughts . There are some good lessons to be learned the these books.

[Vscholz]

What Hermione does is actually something of a form of oppression for the house-elves. I know she means well and I am not against her or her plight for elf liberation, but I first realized this when I was studying Paul Freire. It's rather fascinating, really, even if it is a bit controversial to state that one of the Golden Trio is oppressing those she wishes to free from oppression.

[r_bhavika]

Harry Potter is a series we all love. There are lessons and morals that J.K Rowling taught us through the HP series. Love, loyalty, friendship, bravery, and sacrifice.
This quote really hits hard. "It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be." Voldemort and Harry both were given the same destiny, but Harry got the light in him that Voldemort didn't. Its how we choose to act. We all have darkness, so did Harry and Voldemort. Cedric Diggory a brave wizard chose to be with Harry even it was The Dark Lord he was fighting. Harry Potter is a brilliant series.

[jesscat304]

Unfortunately, this book in the series is always one I struggled to get through. I’m glad I got to read other peoples perspective, as it gives me the courage to maybe try again. I love the meaning you have gathered from the novel and I completely agree.

[Jill Pollini]

I agree that Goblet of Fire had some powerful messages in the book, I feel that Prisoner of Azkaban is more of a turning point concerning the themes in the series. In my opinion, the concept of Dementors is a representation of Depression and the main lesson in the book is that you need to fight for yourself (Harry casting his Patronus). However, I think that because the Goblet of Fire is longer, and includes a larger number of dark themes that the Prisoner of Azkaban was a nice set up to ease into the darker portion of the book series.

[clancy8]

I totally agree with the third point
" Everybody has an important role, no matter who you are." Harry Potter book it's surely a book to read in a lifetime, taught me alot. especially the Goblet of fire.

[PepperedPenelope]

What Hermione does is actually something of a form of oppression for the house-elves. I know she means well and I am not against her or her plight for elf liberation, but I first realized this when I was studying Paul Freire. It's rather fascinating, really, even if it is a bit controversial to state that one of the Golden Trio is oppressing those she wishes to free from oppression.

Thats actually really fascinating! I never looked at it like that, but thats what I really love about these books. There is always something new to find, and something new to learn!

[CatlynnHighlights]

This is part of why I love Harry Potter books so much. Despite them often being called children's books (I appreciated that this was considered for young adults), Harry Potter books have lessons for all ages. The Goblet of Fire is my favorite Harry Potter book because they're really focusing on something other than school.