From the Earth to the Moon · Chapter
Effect of President Barbicane's Communication explained
President Barbicane's proposal to send a projectile to the Moon sparks unprecedented public enthusiasm across America.
What happens
President Barbicane's proposal to send a projectile to the Moon sparks unprecedented public enthusiasm across America. The crowd erupts in cheers, Barbicane is carried in triumph, and the entire nation unites in support. Newspapers and scientific societies debate the project, and Barbicane is hailed as a 'Washington of science.' The chapter captures the fervor, national pride, and media frenzy that follow the announcement.
Themes in this chapter
Public Enthusiasm and Media Hype
The chapter vividly describes the nationwide frenzy, with crowds cheering, newspapers debating, and scientific societies offering support.
Nationalism and American Exceptionalism
The project is portrayed as a national enterprise, with Americans acting as 'proprietors' of the Moon and Barbicane becoming a 'Washington of science.'
Human Ambition and Exploration
The proposal to send a projectile to the Moon is seen as the start of a series of experiments to uncover the Moon's secrets.
Characters to notice
- Impey Barbicane
President of the Gun Club; delivers the historic communication and is carried in triumph by the crowd.
- J. T. Maston
Faithful comrade of Barbicane; participates in the triumphant procession.
- General Morgan
Member of the Gun Club; mentioned among the faithful comrades who carry Barbicane.
- Major Elphinstone
Member of the Gun Club; part of the group that carries Barbicane in triumph.
- Tom Hunter
Member of the Gun Club; among the faithful comrades involved in the celebration.
- Bilsby
Member of the Gun Club; part of the group that carries Barbicane in triumph.
Key passages
“It is impossible to depict the effect produced by the last words of the honourable president. What cries! what vociferations! What a succession of groans, hurrahs, cheers, and all the onomatopoeia of which the American language is so full.”
The president's final words sparked an indescribable uproar of shouts, groans, and cheers, showcasing the full range of American exclamations.
Highlights the immediate and overwhelming reaction of the audience to Barbicane's announcement.
“Nothing can astonish an American. It has often been repeated that the word 'impossible' is not French; the wrong dictionary must have been taken by mistake. In America everything is easy, everything is simple, and as to mechanical difficulties, they are dead before they are born.”
Americans are never astonished; the word 'impossible' is not part of their vocabulary, and they believe all mechanical challenges are easily overcome.
Reflects the American attitude of boundless optimism and confidence in technological progress.
“Impey Barbicane became from that day one of the greatest citizens of the United States, something like a Washington of science.”
Barbicane was instantly elevated to the status of a national hero, comparable to George Washington in the realm of science.
Shows the immense respect and adulation Barbicane received after his proposal.