The First Men in the Moon

Abstract

In The First Men in the Moon, by H. G. Wells, Bedford, a London businessman, retreats to the countryside to write a play. There he meets a reclusive physicist named Mr. Cavor, who is developing a revolutionary material called cavorite, capable of negating gravity. Recognizing its potential for space travel, Cavor suggests building a spaceship to travel to the Moon, and though reluctant, Bedford joins him on the journey. On the Moon, they encounter a barren landscape that transforms as the Sun rises, with strange plants and creatures emerging, revealing a strange ecosystem. The two men encounter the Selenites, intelligent insect-like beings living underground in a highly organized society. After eating some lunar plants that have an intoxicating effect, Bedford and Cavor are captured but manage to escape, becoming separated in the process. Bedford returns to Earth alone, bringing back some of the Moon’s gold, while Cavor is recaptured. Upon his return, Bedford discovers radio transmissions from Cavor, who has learned about the advanced and specialized Selenite society. However, after Cavor reveals humanity’s violent tendencies, his communications abruptly stop. Bedford concludes that they will be no further contact from the Moon, leavinf Cavor’s ultimate fate a mystery.