# Book II: The World War explained — Triplanetary

> Chapter companion for Triplanetary by E. E. Smith.

## What happens

The chapter covers the onset and progression of World War I, focusing on the experiences of Captain Ralph Kinnison and the early involvement of the Triplanetary Service. It details the strategic maneuvers, the use of new technologies like the 'negasphere' and atomic bombs, and the broader cosmic conflict between the Arisians and Eddorians, who manipulate human events from behind the scenes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cosmic Conflict Between Good and Evil

The war is portrayed as a proxy battle in the eternal struggle between the Arisians (good) and Eddorians (evil), with humans as pawns.

### Hidden Manipulation of History

Eddorians and Arisians secretly influence human leaders and events, steering the course of World War I.

### Sacrifice for the Greater Good

Characters like Ralph Kinnison risk their lives in battle, embodying personal sacrifice for the future of humanity.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Ralph Kinnison

Central human protagonist; a Triplanetary officer involved in World War I operations.

### Roger

Gray Roger, an Eddorian agent manipulating events on Earth during the war.

### Gharlane of Eddore

Eddorian entity overseeing the manipulation of human history, including World War I.

### Enphilistor

Arisian observer and mentor, guiding the development of humanity against the Eddorians.

### Virgil Samms

First Lensman; mentioned in the context of the broader cosmic plan.

### Clio Marsden

Ralph Kinnison's love interest; appears in personal moments amid the war.

## Key lines

> The World War was not a war of men, but of machines—and of the minds behind those machines.

The conflict was driven by technological and intellectual forces rather than just human soldiers.

_Highlights the theme of hidden manipulation and the role of advanced technology._

> Ralph Kinnison, a captain in the Triplanetary Service, found himself in the thick of the fighting, his every move watched by forces he could not imagine.

Ralph Kinnison, a Triplanetary captain, was deeply involved in combat, unaware of the cosmic entities observing him.

_Emphasizes the character's role and the hidden cosmic oversight._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters/book-ii-the-world-war
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/triplanetary_se/chapters