# In Which a Little Uneasiness Begins to Show Itself explained — Topsy-Turvy

> Chapter companion for Topsy-Turvy by Jules Verne.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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