The Moon Maid · Chapter
The Flight of 'The Barsoom' explained
Julian 5th recounts his lineage and the history of his family's military service, leading to the construction of the spaceship Barsoom under the supervision of Captain Julian and Lieutenant Commander Orthis.
What happens
Julian 5th recounts his lineage and the history of his family's military service, leading to the construction of the spaceship Barsoom under the supervision of Captain Julian and Lieutenant Commander Orthis. The chapter details the discovery of the Eighth Solar Ray, the launch of an experimental ship, and the subsequent construction of a larger vessel. As the Barsoom approaches the Moon, the crew observes rapid-growth vegetation and debates the existence of animal life on the lunar surface. Tensions between Julian and Orthis are established, and the first signs of trouble emerge among the crew's stores.
Themes in this chapter
Reincarnation and the Illusion of Time
Julian 5th explains his theory of reincarnation across multiple generations, emphasizing the concept that time is an illusion.
Technology as a Tool of Destruction
The Eighth Solar Ray and the spaceship Barsoom represent technological breakthroughs that enable both exploration and potential conflict.
War, Peace, and Human Nature
The narrative contrasts a world without war with the lingering tensions and personal antagonisms among the crew, particularly between Julian and Orthis.
Characters to notice
- Julian 5th
Narrator and captain of the Barsoom; reflects on his family history and his antagonistic relationship with Orthis.
- Orthis
Brilliant but unscrupulous lieutenant commander; discoverer of the Eighth Solar Ray; co-supervisor of the Barsoom's construction.
- Norton
Young crew member under Orthis's influence; noted by Julian as a fine boy.
- West
Crew member; part of the group expected to counterbalance Orthis's influence on Norton.
- Jay
Crew member; observes possible animal life on the Moon alongside Orthis.
- Barsoom
The spaceship named after the Martian vessel; central to the chapter's events.
Key passages
“I had intended telling you my story of the days of the twenty-second century, but it seems best, if you are to understand it, to tell first the story of my great-great-grandfather who was born in the year 2000.”
Julian 5th decides to begin his narrative with his great-great-grandfather's story to provide context for the later events of the 22nd century.
Sets up the multi-generational narrative structure and the theme of reincarnation.
“My theory of the matter is that I differ only from my fellows in that I can recall the events of many incarnations, while they can recall none of theirs other than a few important episodes of that particular one they are experiencing; but perhaps I am wrong.”
Julian believes his ability to remember past lives is unique, though he acknowledges he might be mistaken.
Explains the central conceit of the narrator's memory across lifetimes.
“We had looked with awe upon Mare Crisium and Lacus Somniorum, Sinius Roris, Oceanus Procellarum and the four great mountain ranges... but all these paled into insignificance as there unrolled before us the panorama of the vast unknown.”
The crew's awe at familiar lunar features was surpassed by the sight of the Moon's far side, previously unseen by humans.
Highlights the thrill of exploration and discovery.