Lessons of Harry Potter: Book Five

When Dolores Umbridge gives Harry detention with the punishment of writing “I must not tell lies” she is, in fact, wrongly accusing him of being dishonest. Although this punishment is completely unwarranted, the lesson is an important one. Lying is the ultimate form of betrayal in my mind. Once you tell a lie you discredit yourself not only in that moment, but also in the eyes of others whose trust may not be easy to regain. Later, Harry is able to throw this line back at Dolores when she asks him to tell a lie for her benefit. When he does not, J. K. Rowling also teaches that you must be prepared to practice what you preach. 

Are you truthful? Do you keep in mind that what you preach may come back to bite you? What lessons have you learned from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix?

-Alyssa J Freitas