Death
Quotes

Do Not Pity The Dead

Do Not Pity The Dead

“Do not pity the dead, Harry.  Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.”

Albus Dumbledore responding to Harry's pity for the grotesque form of Voldemort's remaining soul (DH35: King’s Cross)

Commentary

Harry can certainly empathize with those who live without love, after his upbringing with the Dursleys.  It is perhaps this empathy, brought to mind by this moment with Dumbledore, that brings him to advise Voldemort to "...try for some remorse" (DH36).  As Hermione shares in DH6, remorse is the only way to piece one's soul back together after making a Horcrux.

--AK

Pensieve (Comments)

Tags: compassion dead death empathy life living love pain pity remorse sympathy

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