If at first you don't succeed, you just need to build a bigger cannon. In From the Earth to the Moon, the infamous Gun Club has taken on its biggest mission yet—building a cannon that can reach the moon—and as you might imagine, this road is fraught with difficulties. Ouch. But here's the thing: Our ambitious inventors never falter for a second, thanks in no small part to the unflappable leadership of President Barbicane. Does the Gun Club achieve their seemingly impossible mission? You'll just have to keep reading to find out.
Questions About Perseverance
- How is Barbicane's perseverance linked to his identity as a Yankee? How is it not?
- Does Nicholl succeed in breaking Barbicane's resolve? How can you tell?
- In what ways are Barbicane and Ardan's drive to succeed similar? How are they different? Do you think the mission will end in success? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Barbicane's never-say-die attitude (not to mention his attention to detail) is the most important aspect of the Gun Club's success.
In the novel, Verne portrays the Gun Club's perseverance as a distinctly American phenomenon.