The best parents
One of the common motifs in the book is the idea that the Wright brothers always claimed to have been lucky because they had the support of their family. For example, when one of their friends claimed they were the perfect example of the American dream because the rose from nothing, the brothers disagreed, telling the person how they had the advantage of being encouraged by their parents.
The possibility of flight
One of the common motifs in the book is the idea that flying is possible. The Wright brothers read many books about birds and the question on whether a human could fly or not appeared frequently. A common motif in all those books is the belief that humans can fly indeed as well and many based their belief on examples from the past showing how even though many believed certain things to be impossible, they proved to be doable an achievable through hard work and determination.
Symbol for the problems they would have to face
During their second expedition to Kitten Hawk, the brothers had to deal with a number of problems among which were swarms of mosquitos that would not let them rest or even work during the day. The situation got so bad that Orville even suggested at one point they return home and abandon everything. They did not however return home and decided to remain at Kitty Hawk. The mosquitoes can be seen here as a symbol for the problems the brothers had to face. While sometimes those problems made them what to give up, the brothers continued to persevere and to want to move forward.
Everything working out
A common motif in the book is the general attitude manifested by the boys regarding Kitty Hawk. No matter how horrible things were there, they would always claim that everything was just wonderful. Every time they sent a letter home, they made sure to describe the place as the best place to be. This attitude shows just how confident the brothers were that everything will work out eventually.
Needing no help
Another common motif in the book is how the brothers refused to receive any help from outside. When Octave suggested they try and get a financer so they could stop working in their shop, the brother refused even when Octave promised he could get someone to give them 10.000 dollars per year. Also, when the head of the Smithsonian institute expressed his desire to watch the glider built by the boys and maybe help them, they declined once more. While their reasons are sometimes unknown, it is clear that they did not wanted to be helped and that they wanted to figure things out on their own.
