Topsy-Turvy · Chapter
In Which the Population of Wamasai Assemble to Hear President Barbicane Say ‘Fire’ to Capt. Nicholl explained
On the evening of September 22, at midnight local time, President Barbicane and Capt.
What happens
On the evening of September 22, at midnight local time, President Barbicane and Capt. Nicholl prepare to fire the massive cannon at Kilimanjaro. Sultan Bali-Bali, his court, and thousands of natives gather at a safe distance. After a feast, Barbicane counts down the final minutes, and at the precise moment, Nicholl presses the button, triggering a deafening explosion of 2,000 tons of melimelonite.
Themes in this chapter
Scientific Hubris
The grand, precise firing of the cannon to alter the Earth's geography exemplifies the overconfidence of the N.P.P.A. in their ability to control nature.
Humanity vs. Nature
The immense explosion, described as combining all cannons and thunderbolts, underscores humanity's attempt to dominate natural forces.
Characters to notice
- President Barbicane
Oversees the countdown and gives the order to fire.
- Capt. Nicholl
Impassively presses the button to ignite the cannon at the exact moment.
- Sultan Bali
Hosts the feast and observes the firing with his court and the Black Brigade.
Key passages
“It was in the evening of the 22nd of September, that memorable date which public opinion credited with an influence as unlucky as that of the 1st of January of the year 1000.”
The date of September 22 was considered by many to be as ominous as the turn of the first millennium.
Highlights superstitious fears surrounding the timing of the cannon shot.
“The effect could not have been more terrible if all the cannons of the whole globe had been joined together with all the thunderbolts of heaven and all had united in one grand report.”
The explosion was as powerful as if every cannon on Earth and every lightning bolt had combined into a single blast.
Emphasizes the overwhelming force of the melimelonite detonation.