# From 10:20 p.m. to 10:47 p.m. explained — Round the Moon

> Chapter companion for Round the Moon by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The three travelers—Michel Ardan, Impey Barbicane, and Captain Nicholl—enter the projectile and make final preparations for their launch to the Moon. They discuss the remaining minutes before the Columbiad is fired, adjust their positions to withstand the shock, and share a solemn moment before the countdown ends. The chapter concludes with the projectile being launched into space.

## Themes in this chapter

### Human Audacity and Ingenuity

The travelers calmly prepare for a perilous journey into space, demonstrating boldness and meticulous planning.

### The Sublime and the Unknown

The countdown and the final moments before launch evoke the awe and terror of venturing into the unknown cosmos.

## Character check-ins

### Michel Ardan

Cheerfully makes himself at home in the projectile, jokes about the journey, and bets with Nicholl about finding animals on the Moon.

### Impey Barbicane

Leads the final preparations, advises on positioning to withstand the shock, and calls for a moment of prayer before launch.

### Captain Nicholl

Methodically counts down the remaining time, accepts bets with Ardan, and lies down with the others for the launch.

## Key lines

> And now, my dear companions, let us make ourselves at home. I am a domestic man myself, and know how to make the best of any lodgings.

Michel Ardan cheerfully suggests they settle into the projectile as if it were a home.

_Shows Ardan's lighthearted and adaptable nature._

> It is a prison, but a travelling prison, and if I had the right to put my nose to the window I would take it on a hundred years’ lease!

Ardan jokes that the projectile is a prison, but one he would gladly inhabit for a century if he could look outside.

_Highlights Ardan's enthusiasm for the adventure despite the confinement._

> God help us!

Barbicane prays for divine assistance just before the launch.

_Reflects the gravity and danger of the moment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/round_the_moon_se/chapters/i-from-10-20-p-m-to-10-47-p-m
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/round_the_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/round_the_moon_se/chapters