Language and Communication Quotes in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

How we cite our quotes: (chapter.paragraph)

Quote #4

Harry stepped forward and bowed low to the hippogriff without breaking eye contact or blinking. After a few seconds, Buckbeak sank into a bow too. (11.79)

Part of being a good wizard has to do with knowing how to communicate with creatures of all different kinds. This takes great awareness, compassion, and a willingness to get to know a perspective different from one's own. Harry seems to be good at this.

Quote #5

"Yes, I certainly do know that you have seen and done much since leaving us," he said quietly. "Rumors of your doings have reached your old school, Tom. I should be sorry to believe half of them." (20.166)

Rumors and gossip are a huge part of how information gets passed around in the world of Harry Potter. We almost think that rumors and gossip play a bigger role in Harry's world than it does in our own, but you might disagree with us. What do you think?

Quote #6

Voldemort's expression remained impassive as he said, "Greatness inspires envy, envy engenders spite, spite spawns lies. You must know this, Dumbledore." (20.167)

Lies and deception form the glue between the obstacles that stand in Harry and Dumbledore's way. One must often sift through such lies when one communicates with someone in the Wizarding community in order to find out what truth is at the heart of the matter. Voldemort seems to know this and is able to manipulate communication well.