Multiculturalism in Harry Potter and

Multiculturalism in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Rowling's novel, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire explores, among many things, international relations and multiculturalism in ways that help us understand the importance of getting along with others when we face with a dilemma. Rowling explores multiculturalism within the wizard world by expanding the boundaries of Hogwarts with wizards from other nations. Rowling keeps the novel full of magic and stays true to her overarching theme of good vs.

evil by including characters from other countries that reach across cultural barriers and work toward the common good. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are exposed to many different individuals from different cultures but their primary interaction occurs with Viktor Krum. The Triwizard Tournament is significant because different cultures are aiming for the same goal. These aspects operate together to highlight how important it is to get along because we never know when we will encounter evil and either need a helping hand or need too provide one.

At the end of the novel, Harry has a sense of a world that is much bigger than the one to which he was accustomed. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire illustrates how we must join forces even when we must overcome barriers when share a common cause to defeat evil. Rowling creates this atmosphere of camaraderie when she brings different cultures into the Hogwarts sphere. The novel is different from the others in the series because it opens up the world in which the primary characters live.

Andrew Blake observes that the characters live in a "multicultural community in which what the real world calls 'mixed-race relationships' are common" (Blake 108). This notion is explored through the leadership of Dumbledore, the characters are encouraged to reach out to one another and practice understanding to foster healthy relationships. Rowling introduces us to the significance of the variety of cultures early in the novel. Primarily, introducing Harry to foreign students broadens his horizons.

After hearing about the many different wizard schools, and seeing so many representatives of different countries, Harry feels as though he has been "stupid never to realize that Hogwarts couldn't be the only one" (85). This thought is just the beginning of what Harry is about to experience. Centering the inclusion of different cultures around the tournament adds a level of excitement to the plot. Leilani Clark maintains, "Dumbledore is keen to promote international cooperation and kindness toward all" (Clark) and "he gives chances to people that others might not" (Clark).

In addition, Clark adds, "Rowling explores the notion that fear of difference breeds misunderstanding" (Clark). Rowling also provides the characters opportunities to reach positive goals while attempting to solve problems. Rowling also introduces the notion that it is not easy to get along because or preconceived notions. As it is in real life, we have ideas about people that may or may not be true. We hear things and are simply predisposed to have an opinion one way or another.

This aspect of getting along with others is significant because the youngsters already know that Durmstrang has a "horrible reputation" (Rowling 166) and there exists "rivalry between all the magic schools" (166). We also know that Durmstrang is attracted to the Dark Arts and Beauxbatons appear to be drawn to the Ravenclaws. These ideas indicate that the youngsters are working with an idea that is negative and they are being encouraged to put these notions aside for the common cause of good.

Similarly, while we often have negative preconceptions of people, we can have overtly and misplaced positive impressions of people. Our first impression of Viktor Krum is offset by Ron's words and behavior. He seems to admire the young man to an unhealthy level. He tells Hermione that he is certainly more than "really grumpy" (83) in that he is "unbelievable" (83) and a "genius" (83). Later in the novel, Viktor is described as bit of a hero in his own world.

His talent has rendered him to be quiet famous, with even Ron seeking an autograph from him and considering giving his bad space in his room. Viktor gains importance when he is selected as a Triwizard Champion and this creates tension between Krum and Harry. The two could have allowed tension to grow between them but they are different enough that they do not. Harry does not enjoy the limelight as much as Krum does and the two never attempt to undermine each other.

While Krum is initially angry about Harry's being champion, the two eventually form a friendship. Krum is a gifted athlete while Harry was born to be great; they know and understand this about each other and this is why they are able to be competitors without becoming enemies. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire grows with the characters in that it provides them with opportunities that we all encounter at one time or another.

By getting beyond differences, we have a better chance of success than we do if we harbor bad feelings or cling to stereotypes. Rowling provides the perfect setting for the diverse cultures to interact. The Triwizard Tournament is significant to the development of the characters because it allows them to engage with others from different cultures while having a good time. As with most people, interaction with others with a common cause often builds camaraderie.

The atmosphere surrounding the tournament allows Harry, Ron, and Hermione an opportunity to mingle with others and to learn that when our small circle of friends in indeed small. Dumbledore has an ulterior motive for bringing Beauxbatons and Durmstrang to Hogwarts is to foster not only friendships among the young wizards but also form alliances that could last lifetimes. At the end of the novel, we see that the students are able to put their cultural differences behind them and part ways as friends.

Dumbledore reinforces the need to reach for the good and fight evil despite differences when he tells the students in the Hall, "We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open" (723). This passage reveals the message of the novels in this series. Life is a constant struggle between good and evil and, just like good and evil are no respecter of persons or cultures, we.