Round the Moon · Chapter
A Struggle with the Impossible explained
Barbicane, Nicholl, and Michel Ardan realize their projectile is moving away from the moon on an elliptical orbit, heading back toward Earth.
What happens
Barbicane, Nicholl, and Michel Ardan realize their projectile is moving away from the moon on an elliptical orbit, heading back toward Earth. They debate whether they can modify their motion, ultimately deciding to use rockets at the neutral point of gravitational attraction to force a fall onto the lunar surface. After waiting, they ignite the rockets at the calculated moment, but the explosion fails to alter their trajectory sufficiently; they discover they are falling back toward Earth at a tremendous speed, facing certain destruction. Barbicane accepts their fate with religious resignation.
Themes in this chapter
Human Audacity and Ingenuity
The travelers attempt to command their projectile's motion using rockets, showing boldness in the face of impossible odds.
The Role of Chance and the Impossible
Despite careful calculations, the rocket explosion fails to alter their trajectory, underscoring the role of chance and the limits of human intervention.
Life, Death, and Extinction
The chapter culminates in the travelers' acceptance of their impending death as they fall toward Earth at catastrophic speed.
Characters to notice
- Impey Barbicane
Analyzes the projectile's trajectory, calculates the neutral point, and leads the plan to use rockets; ultimately accepts their fall toward Earth with resignation.
- Michel Ardan
Proposes breakfast as a solution to their difficulties, suggests commanding the projectile's motion, and remains philosophically humorous even when facing death.
- Captain Nicholl
Suggests sleeping to pass the time, participates in calculations, and coldly acknowledges their doom when the fall begins.
- J. T. Maston
Mentioned as the secretary of the Gun Club, imagined observing the projectile from the Rocky Mountains.
Key passages
“Do you pretend to struggle with the impossible?”
Michel Ardan challenges his companions to fight against their seemingly hopeless situation.
Highlights the theme of human audacity against overwhelming odds.
“We are falling! ... Upon the earth!”
Barbicane announces that the projectile is falling back to Earth instead of the moon.
Marks the critical turning point where their plan fails.
“God's will be done!”
Barbicane accepts their fate with religious resignation.
Emphasizes the theme of life, death, and extinction.