How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Application to the academy was kept secret; my father had threatened me with a whipping if I told anyone, even Aben. But there had been whispers at school among those of us who were second and third sons, not heirs, and who weren't needed at home. (4.16)
Like Hogwarts, this wizard academy is kept a secret… but unlike Hogwarts, every kid who's sent here is expendable. We're on board with the idea that learning magic is hard and that you might have to make some sacrifices to do so, but this seems a little excessive.
Quote #2
Sadima hesitated, looking into his dark eyes. She had never been able to tell anyone. Her father had punished her for lying when she had tried, years before. (11.32)
When Franklin asks Sadima about her ability to communicate with animals, of course she has to think about what she's gonna tell him. In a world where magic isn't common, talking about getting inside an animal's head would sound like crazy-talk. All the more reason for people with supernatural abilities to band together.
Quote #3
"We spoke with a man who remembered a fireside tale with what he called silent speaking in it. In the tale, the wizards could talk without speaking. Imagine it. If people could actually understand each other, cruelty would end, war would be impossible… "
"I have thought that," Sadima said. "About animals." (11.46-47)
Franklin wants to make the world a better place by reintroducing magic—and it's a noble goal, we think. If people could understand each other's thoughts, maybe they'd be more empathetic, and not kill or oppress each other all the time. Sadima's on board because she wants to see animals treated better. So it seems like there are some potentially very good reasons to pursue magic.