The quote that interests me the most states, “Harry Houdini was the most famous escape artist and magician the world has ever known. Performing during what has been called the Golden Age of Magic, he escaped from chains wrapped around his body and fastened by several locks. He walked out of locked jail cells built to hold the most violent men, and freed himself from dreaded “transport cell” wagon used to carry Russian convicts to Siberia”(Cox ix). This quote captures my attention and intrigues me, because Harry Houdini is truly the best magician the world has ever known. He was loved by everyone, especially queens and princes who wanted to be extraordinary and magnificent like him. Harry Houdini was the first modern entertainer who invented the idea of being an escape artist. He came up with the name “Houdini” from the French magician, Jean Robert Houdin, who he was greatly fascinated by. This quote is important, because Harry Houdini was and still is a unique and influential magician who has inspired other magicians such as David Copperfield and Lance Burton. No one has ever achieved self-greatness nor reached Houdini’s level of fame and popularity. Harry Houdini is a famous, world renowned magician. Also, it shows how Houdini was appreciated and looked up to as a figure who was cherished by the public, even royalty. This quote portrays Houdini being a risk-taker and a person who challenges himself to achieve greatness. The quote adds mystery, fascination with illusion and magic to the piece of literature. It gives an insight to the mysterious, yet adventurous life of Houdini. This quote stands out to me because I, from childhood have been fascinated with illusion and magic. What Houdini has performed is riveting, unthinkable, life threatening, and adventurous. When I was young, I would visit The Los Feliz Public Library. I would participate in every event such as reading contests, drawing. When I was seven years old, the library had brought a magician. I had the opportunity to be part of a magic act. The magician told me to close my eyes. He then told me to open my eyes, and the second I did, I realized that I was levitating in the air. I was astonished, and from then on I had a great attraction to magic. This quote foreshadows of what other significant events will occur in Houdini’s life and how those might show the reader that Harry Houdini was never afraid of a challenge and took every opportunity that was given to him. Harry Houdini is truly a master of illusion.
