First Men in the Moon Essay

The Chronic Argonauts

            With technology advancing at exceedingly high speeds, and the uses of technology so vast, one might be tempted to use science irresponsibly and disregard morals for personal gain. The struggle between science’s best intentions and human failings only becomes larger as time passes. Author of the novel The First Men in the Moon, H.G. Wells was well aware of the problem facing scientists of all eras. Corruption of pure knowledge has troubled the lonely scientist, the budding town, the industrialized city, and the mighty state for centuries and consequently retarded further scientific gain. The First Men in the Moon describes hermit scientist Dr.Cavor and failed businessman Julius Bedford as they embark on the greatest scientific journey of their time: a voyage into Earth’s mysterious moon. The First Men in the Moon is an exciting allegorical tale of how science’s best intentions are thwarted by the depressingly human failings of violence and greed.
            Throughout the plot, especially before the journey to the moon, the reader is reminded of the naivety Dr. Cavor. Working on “Cavorite” for close to a decade, Dr. Cavor was oblivious to the practical applications of his amazing new liquid that defied the law of gravity. Dr. Cavor symbolizes science’s best intentions perfectly. Living in a run-down cottage in England, the scientist was unaffected by greed or violence and worked solely on scientific gains associated with his new gravity-repelling invention. Unlike the fair hearted Dr. Cavor, Mr. Bedford supplied numerous ideas for “Cavorite” applications in hopes of becoming wealthy. Julius Bedford, also living in a cheap cottage neighboring Dr. Cavor’s, supplies the contrasting force of corruption, violence, and greed to the allegorical tale. Although Cavor and Bedford are both in the same situation, their underlying intentions could not be more different.  Bedford immediately sees more practical, potentially lucrative applications for “Cavorite”, but its inventor has a bigger idea, specifically, a trip to the moon.
            After constructing a sphere and coating it with “Cavorite”, Cavor and Bedford began their perilous journey to the moon. Upon arrival, the two pioneers search the surface of the moon. Finding gold nuggets and other valuable metals, Mr. Bedford is unsurprisingly ecstatic while Dr. Cavor seems apprehensive and disappointed. Not soon after did the mysterious “Selenites” immerge from the depths of the moon. Although Bedford was scared, Dr. Cavor was intrigued with the new species and utterly excited to learn more about them. This is yet another example of the allegory described by H.G. Wells. While limitless amounts of gold would make any weak-minded man content, a scientist, Dr. Cavor, is never satisfied with material possessions; only the pursuit of knowledge satisfies the deep cravings. Panicked, the Selenites knock-out and capture Dr. Cavor and Mr. Bedford and take them both deep into the mystifying moon.
            Upon waking up, the two human intruders are escorted through the tunnels underneath the surface of the moon. H.G. Wells’ allegory becomes fully realized when the Selenites gesture for Dr. Cavor and Julius Bedford to cross a “bridge” that is about the width of a tight-wire and appears to be a giant nerve fiber. Dr. Cavor tries to peacefully explain through emotions and hand gestures that they are unable to cross the “bridge”. Acting upon impulse, like most humans, Mr. Bedford swings a powerful and violent blow at a nearby Selenite, completely obliterating its fragile exoskeleton. This is a perfect example of how science's best intentions are thwarted by the depressingly human failings of violence and greed. Despite Cavor’s efforts, because of one small incident, the Selenites categorize all humans as violent and destructive. The Selenites act as a foil to Dr. Cavor by displaying qualities of thinking close-minded and making assumptions based on uneducated conclusions.  These further advances H.G. Wells’ allegory by showing that not only can humans display ignorance, but also advanced moon aliens.
            By combining science fiction with adventure H.G. Wells constructed a scenario that tells an allegorical tale of how science's best intentions are thwarted by the depressingly human failings of violence and greed. Throughout the plot, Dr. Cavor was thwarted on many occasions by Julius Bedford’s greed, natural human violence, and simple misunderstandings. The First Men in the Moon not only describes the difficulties scientists’ face when forming new ideas or theories, but also gives the reader an understanding of the consequences associated with violence and greed. By creating an almost impossible and unbelievable scenario, H.G. Wells was able to show the reader the possibilities science, with or without corruption, and the believable rewards that follow.