The Moon Maid · Chapter
The Heart of the Moon explained
Norton discovers that the Barsoom is falling toward the Moon due to Orthis's sabotage of the Lunar Eighth Ray tank and the radio.
What happens
Norton discovers that the Barsoom is falling toward the Moon due to Orthis's sabotage of the Lunar Eighth Ray tank and the radio. The crew descends into a lunar crater, where they observe the unique internal environment of the Moon, including perpetual light from radium and sunlight, a thin atmosphere, and strange vegetation. The ship is caught in a circular descent within the crater, unable to alter course.
Themes in this chapter
Technology as a Tool of Destruction
Orthis uses his technical knowledge to sabotage the ship's engines, buoyancy tank, and radio, demonstrating how technology can be turned against its creators.
Survival and Resilience
The crew faces imminent death with calm and resourcefulness, as seen in Norton's investigation and Julian's composed orders.
Characters to notice
- Norton
On watch, discovers the ship's fall, investigates the sabotaged Lunar Eighth Ray tank, and theorizes about the ship's circular descent.
- Julian 5th
The narrator and commander, orders Orthis's arrest, examines the gauge, and broadcasts a final message after the radio is destroyed.
- Orthis
Lieutenant Commander who sabotaged the auxiliary engine, Lunar Eighth Ray tank, and radio while under the influence of liquor.
- West
Mr. West is ordered to place Orthis in irons and later attempts to alter the ship's course during the descent.
- Jay
Mr. Jay is ordered alongside West to place Orthis in irons and later speculates about the crater's luminosity.
Key passages
“We are falling toward the Moon, sir, and she does not respond to her control.”
Norton reports that the ship is descending uncontrollably toward the Moon.
Highlights the immediate crisis of the ship's trajectory.
“The exterior intake valve has been opened, sir, the rays were escaping into space. I have closed it, sir.”
Norton discovers and closes the valve that was allowing the Lunar Eighth Ray to escape.
Reveals the specific sabotage that caused the loss of buoyancy.
“We are not only dead, Norton, but we are buried, as well.”
Julian acknowledges that with the radio destroyed, they are completely isolated and doomed.
Emphasizes the hopelessness of their situation.