# The Building of the Sphere explained — The First Men in the Moon

> Chapter companion for The First Men in the Moon by H. G. Wells.

## What happens

Cavor reveals his plan to build a Cavorite sphere for space travel, initially proposing a trip to the Moon and beyond. Bedford, after initial skepticism, becomes enthusiastic and they work tirelessly to construct the sphere. As completion nears, Bedford experiences a crisis of fear and doubt, briefly deciding not to join the voyage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Scientific Hubris and Its Consequences

Cavor's ambitious plan to build a Cavorite sphere and travel to the Moon embodies the risks and overconfidence of unchecked scientific ambition.

### Colonialism and Exploitation

Bedford's vision of 'planetary rights of preemption' and mining the Moon for gold and minerals echoes colonial resource extraction.

### Human Nature and Irrationality

Bedford's sudden shift from enthusiasm to paralyzing fear highlights the irrational and emotional side of human decision-making.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Bedford

Bedford transitions from doubt to enthusiasm about the sphere project, but later experiences a night of terror and briefly decides not to go.

### Mr. Cavor

Cavor conceives the sphere design, explains its mechanics, and drives the construction with relentless energy.

### Gibbs

Gibbs, one of the workmen, becomes infected by the enthusiasm and moves about with a 'fussy run.'

## Key lines

> We’ll settle all that! We’ll start the drawings for mouldings this very night.

Cavor declares they will resolve all difficulties and begin designing the sphere immediately.

_Shows Cavor's impulsive determination once Bedford's opposition is removed._

> I’m not coming with you in the sphere.

Bedford tells Cavor he will not join the lunar voyage.

_Highlights Bedford's sudden fear and doubt after a sleepless night._

> A man who leaves the world when days of this sort are about is a fool!

Bedford remarks that abandoning Earth on such a beautiful day is foolish.

_Reflects his internal conflict and appreciation for earthly life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_first_men_in_the_moon_se/chapters/iii-the-building-of-the-sphere
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_first_men_in_the_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_first_men_in_the_moon_se/chapters