The First Men in the Moon

The core voyage unfolds in 1909 when Cavor and Bedford travel to the Moon using Cavorite. A framing sequence is set in July 1969, with an elderly Bedford recounting the tale to a boy, bridging early 20th-century science fiction with late-60s memory. This places the story across two eras, highlighting early optimism about science alongside enduring questions of memory and consequence.

Main action centers on the Moon, a desolate world where the Selenite civilization lives underground and an atmosphere frozen in the surface is released by sunlight. Earthbound scenes occur around Apuldram, where Cavor and Bedford first cross paths, and near West Wittering, where Bedford returns after the lunar voyage. The Moon’s barren landscape is ultimately revealed as a consequence of interplanetary contact and the use of Cavorite.

🌕 Exploration

The voyage to the Moon embodies human curiosity and the desire to explore unknown frontiers. It showcases first contact with an alien culture and the wonders—and dangers—that accompany stepping beyond our world. The discovery challenges characters to reassess their assumptions about other worlds and their inhabitants.

🧪 Science & Invention

Cavor’s invention of Cavorite demonstrates the power and peril of groundbreaking technology. The story probes how scientific breakthroughs can propel humanity forward while also inviting unforeseen risks and moral questions. It emphasizes the responsibility that accompanies powerful discoveries.

⚔️ Conflict & Consequences

The encounter with the Moon’s inhabitants triggers a careful reconsideration of interplanetary contact and potential warfare. The Moon’s leaders contemplate pre-emptive action, and the narrative shows how innovation can escalate into existential threat if misused. The plot explores the delicate balance between exploration and aggression.