From the Earth to the Moon · Chapter
A Telegram explained
As the Gun Club's great project nears completion, public excitement begins to wane until a startling telegram from Michel Ardan arrives for President Barbicane, proposing to ride inside a modified projectile to the Moon.
What happens
As the Gun Club's great project nears completion, public excitement begins to wane until a startling telegram from Michel Ardan arrives for President Barbicane, proposing to ride inside a modified projectile to the Moon.
Themes in this chapter
Public Enthusiasm and Media Hype
The chapter describes how daily newspaper coverage had sustained public interest, and the telegram arrives just as excitement was feared to diminish, reigniting fervor.
Human Ambition and Exploration
Michel Ardan's bold proposal to personally ride the projectile embodies the daring human spirit of exploration and risk-taking.
Characters to notice
- Impey Barbicane
Receives the unexpected telegram from Michel Ardan, reacting with visible shock.
- Michel Ardan
Sends a telegram from Paris proposing to travel inside the projectile.
Key passages
“The great work undertaken by the Gun Club was now virtually ended, and yet two months would still elapse before the day the projectile would start for the moon.”
The Gun Club's massive project was almost complete, but there were still two months left until the launch.
Sets the stage of near-completion and the long wait ahead.
“On September 30th, at 3:47 p.m., a telegram, transmitted through the Atlantic Cable, arrived at Tampa Town for President Barbicane.”
At 3:47 p.m. on September 30th, a telegram sent via the Atlantic Cable reached President Barbicane in Tampa Town.
Highlights the precise timing and modern communication technology used.
“Substitute a cylindro-conical projectile for your spherical shell. Shall go inside. Shall arrive by steamer Atlanta.”
Replace your round shell with a cylindro-conical projectile. I will ride inside it. I will arrive on the steamer Atlanta.
Michel Ardan's dramatic and concise proposal to personally join the lunar mission.