In times of crisis and fear, people turn to authority figures and expect their comfort. After Britain entered what would be known as World War II, the people turned their attention to King George. When the World Trade Center was attacked, the American people turned to President Bush. In both cases, the authority figures delivered speeches that were memorable and comforting to their people; a true example of an appropriate response to a Kairos moment. Shortly after the events of September 11, a British author wrote the fourth installment in a series containing a speech with several striking similarities. The speech given by Albus Dumbledore at the end of Goblet of Fire, the fourth book in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series, is a fitting response to a Kairos moment that seeks to comfort and prepare Hogwarts students for the future . by honoring the deceased innocent hero, preaching unity against opposition and warning them of difficult times ahead. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay After a traumatic year in which dark wizards emerged, teachers were held captive, and a well-liked and admired student was been killed, the headmaster of Hogwarts needed to comfort his students and staff by honoring an innocent, dead hero. This was the first time a character from the world of the book had died, well known and loved by all of the main characters and many readers of the book. Many speeches following tragic events actually make a point of honoring victims and fallen heroes. For example, on September 11, former President George W. Bush made a point of honoring their sacrifice, saying that they were "America's finest, with the daring of our first responders, with the care given to strangers and to the neighbors who came to help.” blood and aid in any way possible” (Bush). By depicting the best qualities of the people who lost their lives, he hoped to appeal to the audience's pathos. Additionally, this recognition and humanization of those who have died will provide comfort to members of the public who have suffered a personal loss, making their loss even more meaningful to the public. Goblet of Fire was released shortly after the events of September 11. This might explain why Dumbledore's opening remarks: "There are many things I would like to say to you all this evening, but first I must acknowledge the loss of a very good person, who should be sitting here to enjoy our feast with us. I would like all of you to please stand up and raise your glasses to Cedric Diggory” (Rowling 721) is so similar to Bush's previous statement, but clearly illustrates how much post-crisis speeches involve similar elements. By emphasizing Cedric's best qualities, Dumbledore attempted to comfort his students while honoring their fallen friend. Regardless, everyone present at the speech drank in his memory, recognizing that this act of comfort was universally received. As one literary critic stated, "It is fitting that Cedric Diggory attained almost heroic status upon his death in Goblet of Fire, and that Dumbledore, in his closing speech at the school, paid tribute to Cedric as depicting typical Hufflepuff characteristics. Home” (Hopkins 27). The characteristics that Dumbledore describes Cedric as possessing include being "a good and loyal friend,a hard worker, he values ​​fair play,” all of which are commonly associated with heroic or admirable individuals (Rowling 721). By giving Cedric heroic status in his speech, as well as reminding the students of his more human qualities as a Hufflepuff, Dumbledore acknowledges the magnitude of the loss the school is suffering and reminds the students that they are not alone. If they need comfort, they are surrounded by people who are going through the exact same thing and who understand exactly how they feel. It's also another example of how 9/11 and other disasters could influencing Rowling's writing when crafting Dumbledore's end-of-year speech, particularly when he was trying to comfort his students. In his address to the nation, Bush made a point of describing the type of people who died, saying: "The victims were on airplanes or in their offices, secretaries, businessmen and women, military personnel and federal employees. . Moms and dads. Friends and neighbors” (Bush). In Dumbledore's speech, he also made a point of emphasizing the truly insane nature of the setting in which the tragedy occurred, in a school, and highlighted how much Cedric was like the students, calling him "a very good person, who should be sitting here” (Rowling 721). By recognizing these similarities, he ensured that the students knew their feelings were justified, thus dispelling any feelings of guilt they felt for not knowing him well enough to feel sad about his death and providing comfort to the students . By paying tribute in thanks, Dumbledore brings comfort to his students and staff and brings them together as a community, but he must also prepare them for what comes next. After honoring the dead, Dumbledore now attempts to unite the students and preaches the importance of is for them to come together and stick together despite their differences in order to prepare for the coming war and defeat Voldemort. The audience for Dumbledore's speech is made up of students from three different countries with different languages, customs, and cultures. Even at the best of times, unity does not often exist between the four Hogwarts houses where none of these differences exist. As one literary analysis points out, “the immediate result of this rare example of cooperation between houses is that Cedric is murdered” (Kornfeld 127). This lack of unity did not help any of those present deal with their grief or the dark days of the war to come. This is why Dumbledore's attempts to unite everyone present are so important; This year at Hogwarts was supposed to be about unity and coming together from the beginning. As Dumbledore points out, “the purpose of the Triwizard Tournament was to deepen and promote magical understanding. In light of what has happened – of the return of Lord Voldemort – such bonds are more important than ever” (Rowling 723). If he can bring the students together at what is surely the darkest time of their lives thus far, they will have a better chance of surviving this war. However, just because he says they all need to come together doesn't mean all the students present will believe his speech applies to them. There are students from three very different types of schools, one of which is famous for being notoriously involved in dark magic. Perhaps this is why he reiterates so emphatically that “every guest in this room will be welcome here at any time if they wish.” I say to you all, once again: in light of the return of Lord Voldemort, we are as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided” (Rowling 723). He puts a point.