This speech is from the fourth Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The rhetor in my piece is Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He speaks to an audience of students and staff at Hogwarts regarding the recent murder of Cedric Diggory by Lord Voldemort. In this speech, Dumbledore’s purpose is to inform his audience of the truth surrounding Cedric’s death. Additionally, his speech serves to persuade them that diversity in their world should be valued and that Cedric’s loyalty and bravery should inspire them in the coming days.

Just before Dumbledore’s delivery of this speech, Cedric Diggory participated alongside several other wizarding students (including Harry Potter) in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. During the tournament’s final challenge, Harry and Cedric were transported to a cemetery where they faced off against Lord Voldemort. Fortunately, Harry survived; however, Cedric did not. The school is shaken by this tragedy and as their leader, Dumbledore must present them with some hope for their future.