Topsy-Turvy · Chapter
In Which a Little Uneasiness Begins to Show Itself explained
Public opinion turns against the N.P.P.A.
What happens
Public opinion turns against the N.P.P.A. as fears grow over the planned axis shift. European delegates foment unease, and the U.S. government appoints a commission of inquiry. President Barbicane and Capt. Nicholl have disappeared, and J.T. Maston refuses to reveal their location or his calculations, leading to his home being raided by police.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Public Anxiety
The N.P.P.A.'s refusal to disclose details fuels public fear and leads to government intervention.
Progress and Its Consequences
The potential benefits of altering the Earth's axis are overshadowed by fears of catastrophic side effects.
Imperialism and National Rivalry
European delegates suspect the American engineers are prioritizing U.S. safety and gain, stoking international distrust.
Characters to notice
- J. T. Maston
Refuses to disclose Barbicane's location or his own calculations to the Committee of Inquiry; later has his home raided by police.
- President Barbicane
Has left Baltimore six weeks ago with Capt. Nicholl; whereabouts unknown.
- Mrs. Evangelina Scorbitt
Spends money to publish articles supporting the N.P.P.A.; congratulates Maston for his courage; warns him via telephone before the police raid.
- Capt. Nicholl
Departed with President Barbicane; location unknown.
- Major Donellan
Predicts a terrible accident; comments that London might end up atop Mont Blanc.
- Dean Toodrink
Publishes articles against the N.P.P.A. in the Standard.
Key passages
“In vain did Mrs. Evangelina Scorbitt pay as high as $10 a line for articles showing the advantages of this invention.”
Despite paying a premium for pro-N.P.P.A. articles, Mrs. Scorbitt could not sway public opinion.
Highlights the ineffectiveness of money against widespread fear.
“If you shake a tree do not all its branches suffer while you are shaking it?”
A metaphor suggesting that any shock to the Earth will affect all regions, not just the target area.
Used by European delegates to argue against the operation.
“Never, never, would he say one word of it, and it was hardly possible to believe that such a strong will was concealed under that cover of 'gutta-percha.'”
Maston's stubborn refusal to reveal the secret amazed the committee, given his artificial gutta-percha skull.
Emphasizes Maston's determination and the irony of his fragile appearance.