By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
J. K. RowlingRead
Oh, come off it,” said Ron, striding over to her and whipping her results out of her hand. “Yep— ten ‘Outstandings’ and one ‘Exceeds Expectations’ at Defense Against the Dark Arts.” He looked down at her, half-amused, half-exasperated. “You’re actually disappointed, aren’t you?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the disconnect between expectations and reality in academic achievement.
In this quote from J.K. Rowling, Ron is highlighting Hermione's unrealistic expectations regarding her academic performance. Despite achieving impressive results with ten ‘Outstandings’ and one ‘Exceeds Expectations’ in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Hermione still feels disappointed, demonstrating that personal standards can often overshadow even significant achievements.
Themes
ExpectationsAchievementEducationDisappointmentSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a graduation speech to remind students that their achievements are significant, even if they fall short of personal expectations.
More from J. K. Rowling
All quotes →Where are you heading, if you’ve got the choice?” James lifted an invisible sword. “‘Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!’ Like my dad.” Snape made a small, disparaging noise. James turned on him. “Got a problem with that?” “No,” said Snape, though his slight sneer said otherwise. “If you’d rather be brawny than brainy —” “Where’re you hoping to go, seeing as you’re neither?” interjected Sirius.
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Depression isn't just being a bit sad. It's feeling nothing. It's not wanting to be alive anymore.
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I tell you, that dragon's the most horrible animal I've ever met, but the way Hagrid goes on about it, you'd think it was a fluffy little bunny rabbit.
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Imagine losing fingernails, Harry! That really puts our sufferings into perspective, doesn't it?
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The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.
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