Hannah

**"AirMan"** //by Eoin Colfer//

__Pages read:__ 1 to 99

__Title for my reading:__ "Learning to fight, fly, and love another"

__Date:__ 4.28.2010

__Significant quote:__ "The Frenchman introduced Connor to escapology. ‘Scientists are the enemy of tradition,' he said, dumping a box of assorted handcuffs on the table. 'And tradition owns all the prisons'" (55).

__Explanation:__ The Frenchman in this quote is Victor, Connor and Isabella's royal tutor. Isabella is a princess that Connor grew up with and saved once when they were kids. Connor’s mom and dad work for the king and are good friends with him which is why Connor is tutored by Victor. Connor and Victor both share a dream that was common among scientists in the 1890s: to fly. Therefore, while being tutored in subjects such as mathematics and literature Victor also teaches Connor everything he knows about flying machines, fighting, how to escape, sword play, and life lessons like how to win a woman’s heart. Connor and Victor have built several concept flying machines, but none have worked so far. In this quote we see that Victor is teaching Connor an unusual skill, but explains why it is necessary one to know. __ HOT Q: __ Why do you think that Scientists like Victor and Connor were considered the enemy of tradition?

__My answer:__ They were most likely considered the enemy because tradition didn’t want to be told how it was via this new process of logic and rational thought. They were used to gods, goddesses, and the supernatural dictating their ideas and opinions on life. They didn't like the "crazy ideas" that would "never happen" like flying machines. I think that the root of this hate was that tradition was afraid of science and the change it could bring, that it could prove them and their ideas and philosophies wrong.

__Connection:__ When Victor and Connor are called crazy because of their beliefs and dreams based in science, it is very similar to they way I feel when getting to know some of my more unaccepting peers. Becasue I like a different type of music and enjoy doing a sport that most don't do or don't girls can do and be good at, I feel somewhat rejected and it makes it harder to just be myself. I feel much like Connor does, with his only friend being Isabella because she is the only one who is willing to look past that he's different. Victor told Connor he should be proud of his dreams, and one day they would come true "One day, man will fly".