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...

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 should not be, either. In fact, when we work together, we become a stronger force than we are when we act alone. This is an inspiring message to leave the young students with as they part ways.
The Harry Potter series moves beyond the world of magic with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and begins teaching important lessons such as acceptance and understanding through introducing individuals from other cultures. Rowling makes the novel seem more realistic while still remaining honest to her world of magic. The incorporation of other characters with different languages and cultures allows the Hogwarts youngsters to grow in their understanding not only with magic, but with people as well. They learn that while we may face barriers that prevent us from speaking perfectly, we can still communicate effectively. Harry might have felt at odds with Krum throughout the novel but it would have proved to be a disadvantage if he had. Krum could have remained bitter because Harry was selected as champion but it would have done him no good. These are lessons that the boys learn as they learn about life in general and the challenge of choosing good over evil. The most interesting aspect of the differing cultures emerges in the tournament, which gives each participant an overall goal that demands that characters put differences behind them.

Works Cited

Blake, Andrew. The Irresistible Rise of Harry Potter. New York: Verso Books. 2002.

Clark, Leilani. "What is it about Harry Potter?" Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 2001, 44, 8. GALE Resource Database. Information Retrieved March 14, 2009. http://www.infotrac.com

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York:…