The Skylark of Space · Chapter
IX: Lost in Space explained
DuQuesne, Dorothy, Margaret, and Perkins are trapped in a powerless space-car falling toward a dead star.
What happens
DuQuesne, Dorothy, Margaret, and Perkins are trapped in a powerless space-car falling toward a dead star. DuQuesne sacrifices all copper-containing objects to generate a repulsive force, but it is insufficient. Perkins goes insane and attacks DuQuesne, who kills him. Margaret faints, but Dorothy maintains her composure, trusting that Seaton will rescue them. DuQuesne, despite his villainy, shows a pragmatic desire for Seaton to continue his work if he himself dies. Dorothy secretly retrieves two pistols from Perkins' discarded suit. Margaret Spencer reveals her backstory of seeking revenge against Brookings for swindling her father.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resilience
The characters face imminent death from falling into a dead star, yet DuQuesne, Dorothy, and Margaret each demonstrate resilience and determination to survive.
Good Versus Evil
DuQuesne, the antagonist, shows a complex morality by hoping Seaton's work continues, while Dorothy's faith and Margaret's quest for justice represent the good side.
Characters to notice
- Marc DuQuesne
Remains calm and resourceful, sacrificing copper items to try to avoid the dead star, kills Perkins in self-defense, and expresses hope that Seaton will continue his work if he dies.
- Dorothy Vaneman
Maintains faith in Seaton and God, secretly retrieves two pistols from Perkins' suit, and admires DuQuesne's composure despite her fear.
- Margaret Spencer
Faints from strain but later revives; reveals her past as a secretary to Brookings and her quest for justice after her father was swindled.
- Perkins
Goes insane from the stress, attacks DuQuesne, and is killed by a blow from DuQuesne's pistol.
Key passages
“We will starve to death finally, won't we?”
Margaret asks if they will eventually starve.
Margaret expresses despair about their situation.
“If we miss that moon, Dick and Martin will find us before very long.”
Dorothy insists that Seaton and Crane will rescue them if they avoid the moon.
Dorothy's faith in Seaton's abilities.
“Not in this life. If they tried to follow us, they're both dead before now.”
DuQuesne dismisses the possibility of rescue, claiming Seaton and Crane are likely dead.
DuQuesne's pessimistic view of their chances.
“They knew you were wrecking our machine, so they built another one, a good one.”
Dorothy reveals that Seaton and Crane constructed a new vessel after DuQuesne sabotaged theirs.
Dorothy counters DuQuesne's claim with information about the new Skylark.
“I hope they don't find us, but locate this star in time to keep away from it.”
DuQuesne hopes Seaton and Crane avoid the deadly star rather than attempt a rescue.
DuQuesne's unexpected concern for Seaton's survival.
“It is the greatest discovery the world has ever known, and if both Seaton and I, the only two men in the world who know how to handle it, drop out, it will be lost for perhaps hundreds of years.”
DuQuesne values the scientific discovery of the new metal above his rivalry with Seaton.
DuQuesne's priority on scientific progress.