From the Earth to the Moon · Chapter
Fire! explained
On December 1st, the day of the launch finally arrives.
What happens
On December 1st, the day of the launch finally arrives. A massive crowd of five million spectators gathers around Stony Hill, representing a global audience. The three travelers—Barbicane, Nicholl, and Michel Ardan—appear, and after a touching farewell, they enter the projectile. At precisely 10:46:40 p.m., the electric spark ignites the Columbiad, and the projectile is launched into the sky with a tremendous explosion.
Themes in this chapter
Public Enthusiasm and Media Hype
The immense crowd of five million, the global representation, and the singing of 'Yankee Doodle' highlight the widespread public excitement and media-driven frenzy.
Risk and Sacrifice for Knowledge
The travelers knowingly wall themselves into the projectile, facing unknown dangers for the sake of lunar exploration.
Human Ambition and Exploration
The launch represents the culmination of human ambition to reach the moon, driven by scientific curiosity and the desire to conquer new frontiers.
Characters to notice
- Impey Barbicane
Calmly gives last orders before entering the projectile.
- Michel Ardan
Remains cheerful and joking, even at the moment of departure.
- J. T. Maston
Sheds a tear on Barbicane's forehead and asks to join the travelers.
- Captain Nicholl
Walks with a firm and measured step, lips compressed.
- Murchison
Engineer entrusted with setting off the electric spark; watches the chronometer.
Key passages
“Fire! The 1st of December came, the fatal day, for if the projectile did not start that very evening at 10:46:40 p.m., more than eighteen years would elapse before the moon would present the same simultaneous conditions of zenith and perigee.”
December 1st was the critical day; if the projectile didn't launch at exactly 10:46:40 p.m., it would be over eighteen years before the moon was again at the perfect position.
Sets the precise timing and stakes for the launch.
“How many people slept badly during the night that preceded the ardently-longed-for day! How many breasts were oppressed with the heavy burden of waiting! All hearts beat with anxiety except only the heart of Michel Ardan.”
Many people had a restless night before the eagerly awaited day, their hearts pounding with anxiety—all except Michel Ardan, who remained calm.
Contrasts the general anxiety with Ardan's composure.
“Every nation upon earth was represented; every language was spoken at the same time. It was like the confusion of tongues at the Tower of Babel.”
People from every country were present, speaking all languages simultaneously, creating a chaotic mix reminiscent of the Tower of Babel.
Emphasizes the global diversity of the crowd.
“The moment for saying farewell had come. The scene was touching; in spite of his gaiety Michel Ardan felt touched. J. T. Maston had found under his dry eyelids an ancient tear that he had, doubtless, kept for the occasion.”
The farewell was emotional; even the cheerful Michel Ardan was moved, and J. T. Maston shed a rare tear he seemed to have saved for this moment.
Highlights the emotional weight of the departure.
“A fearful, unheard-of, superhuman report, of which nothing could give an idea, not even thunder or the eruption of volcanoes, was immediately produced.”
An incredibly loud, unprecedented noise erupted, beyond any thunder or volcanic eruption.
Describes the immense sound of the launch.
