Round the Moon · Chapter
A Moment of Intoxication explained
As the projectile approaches the moon, the three travelers experience a strange intoxication, marked by heightened emotions and rapid conversation.
What happens
As the projectile approaches the moon, the three travelers experience a strange intoxication, marked by heightened emotions and rapid conversation. They debate the possibility of returning to Earth, discuss communication via lunar meteors, and imagine future visits from Gun Club members. Their excitement grows as they observe the moon's surface, though Barbicane privately worries about a slight trajectory deviation. The chapter captures their euphoric yet anxious state as they near their destination.
Themes in this chapter
Human Audacity and Ingenuity
The travelers boldly discuss returning from the moon, building new guns, and establishing projectile trains, showcasing their audacious confidence in human invention.
The Sublime and the Unknown
The travelers' intoxication and heightened senses as they near the moon evoke the sublime awe and mystery of approaching an unknown world.
Imagination vs. Reality
Michel's fanciful ideas (telegraph wire, meteors as postmen) contrast with Nicholl's practical objections and Barbicane's hidden worry about the trajectory deviation.
Characters to notice
- Impey Barbicane
Gravely responds to Nicholl's question about returning; privately concerned about trajectory deviation but keeps it from his companions.
- Michel Ardan
Enthusiastically proposes ideas for return and communication, including using meteors as postmen and a telegraph wire; prepares the morning meal and jokes about lunar wines.
- Captain Nicholl
Raises the practical question of how to return to Earth; methodically points out flaws in Michel's ideas, such as the weight of a telegraph wire.
- J. T. Maston
Mentioned as a worthy comrade who might come to the moon in a future projectile; imagined to be at Long's Peak observing the bullet.
- Diana
Howls lamentably upon seeing the remains of Satellite, the dog that was thrown out of the projectile.
Key passages
“I have not the least idea," answered Barbicane. "And as for me," said Michel, "if I had known how to come back I should not have gone."”
Barbicane admits he has no plan for returning to Earth, while Michel jokes that he wouldn't have embarked if he knew how to return.
Highlights the travelers' recklessness and focus on the journey rather than the return.
“By means of meteors hurled by the lunar volcanoes." "A good idea, Michel," answered Barbicane. "Laplace has calculated that a force five times superior to that of our cannons would suffice to send a meteor from the moon to the earth.”
Michel suggests using meteors thrown by lunar volcanoes as a communication method, and Barbicane confirms Laplace's calculations support the idea.
Shows the blend of scientific theory and imaginative thinking in the chapter.
“Their faces became as red as if exposed to the reverberation of a furnace; their respiration became more active, and their lungs played like forge-bellows; their eyes shone with extraordinary flame, and their voices became formidably loud.”
The travelers exhibit physical signs of intoxication, with flushed faces, rapid breathing, shining eyes, and loud voices.
Describes the mysterious euphoria affecting the travelers as they near the moon.