Round the Moon · Chapter
The Consequences of Deviation explained
Barbicane, Nicholl, and Michel Ardan realize their projectile has deviated from its course toward the moon.
What happens
Barbicane, Nicholl, and Michel Ardan realize their projectile has deviated from its course toward the moon. Barbicane becomes obsessed with discovering the cause, eventually attributing it to the gravitational influence of a passing asteroid. Despite the deviation, the projectile continues to draw nearer to the moon, though it is clear they will not land. The trio prepares for a potential lunar fall by installing spring buffers and fusees to retard the shock, while Barbicane grows increasingly anxious about the unknown trajectory.
Themes in this chapter
Scientific Exploration and Discovery
Barbicane's relentless pursuit of the cause of deviation exemplifies the scientific method and the drive to understand celestial mechanics.
The Role of Chance and the Impossible
The unexpected deviation due to an asteroid's attraction introduces an element of chance that disrupts the carefully planned trajectory.
Human Audacity and Ingenuity
The travellers' preparations to retard the fall using spring buffers and fusees demonstrate human resourcefulness in the face of danger.
Characters to notice
- Impey Barbicane
Obsessed with discovering why the projectile deviated; hypothesizes an asteroid's attraction caused the deviation; oversees preparations for a lunar fall.
- Captain Nicholl
Suggests the cannon may have been aimed incorrectly or the velocity was too high; participates in preparations for the fall.
- Michel Ardan
Dismisses the need to know the cause of deviation; remains optimistic and confident they will reach the moon; recalls his earlier proposal to use fusees to retard the fall.
Key passages
“I mean that our deviation is solely due to the influence of that wandering body.”
Barbicane concludes that the asteroid's gravitational pull caused their course to change.
Barbicane's key insight explaining the deviation.
“We have deviated, that is a fact. It does not matter much where we are going. We shall soon find out.”
Michel Ardan accepts the deviation without concern, trusting they will discover their destination in time.
Michel's carefree attitude contrasts with Barbicane's anxiety.
“Shall we get there? We must act as though we should.”
Barbicane responds to Nicholl's doubt by insisting they prepare for a landing as if it will happen.
Barbicane's pragmatic approach to uncertainty.