Pick a Quote
Maria Goulumian 29 Dec 2012 22:00
A quote that interests me states, "But unknown to Houdini, while his career as the world's greatest escape artist seemed to be ending, he was about to embark on a second career that would prove just as exciting: as an investigator of Spiritualism and fraudulent mediums" (Cox 149). This quote is important, because spiritualism became an important part of Houdini's life. Spiritualism is a religion based on the belief that the dead can communicate with the living. Through spiritualism, several families had an opportunity to connect with their loved lost ones. Houdini had lost his mother at a young age and was in need to communicate with her. When Houdini attended a reading from a psychic, he was able to see that all what the medium had expressed was false, because he, as a magician used trickery and illusion to attract an audience. This piece of literature adds suspense, curiosity, and fascination. Houdini's presence is already alluring, and by combining Clinton Cox's special way of presenting a life experience creates a better understanding of the artist's story. This quote stands out to me, because it makes me see another side of Houdini; the side of seeking justice as well as retribution from fraudulent spiritualists who not only deceived families who were in mourning for their lost ones, but stole their money, and played with their emotions. It is apparent that Houdini was not fond of spiritualists. Harry Houdini became friends with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Doyle had lost his son in World War I. Doyle, like many others, sought faith in a psychic and claimed to have successfully communicated with his son. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle became the world's most famous believer in Spiritualism. It was ironic, because Doyle had created a character that only trusted facts, and not false information. This significant information foreshadows the faith of Harry Houdini's and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's friendship. It allows for the reader to see if both are able to overcome the issue of Spiritualism and continue their friendship, or separate because of one's beliefs.