The First Men in the Moon
What is The First Men in the Moon about?
Mr. Bedford, an aspiring playwright, moves to the British countryside in hope of writing a successful play that will cure his financial troubles. There, he becomes acquainted with Mr. Cavor, an eccentric and reclusive scientist, who hopes to create an anti-gravitational material. After the two men accidentally create the material, they decide to use it to land on the Moon—Cavor motivated by expanding the realms of knowledge, and Bedford by the prospective mining of lunar minerals. There they meet an intelligent civilization of arthropoids whom they name the “Selenites.” First serialized between November 1900 and June 1901, the novel was published in a single volume the same year. By contrasting Selenite society with the society of Victorian England, Wells criticizes Victorian mores and professes eugenic and socialist ideas.
Main themes in The First Men in the Moon
Lunar exploration
The First Men in the Moon thoughtfully explores lunar exploration through its central conflicts.
Alien civilization
The presence of alien civilization in The First Men in the Moon connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Social satire
The theme of social satire weaves through The First Men in the Moon, adding depth to its narrative.
Scientific invention
The theme of scientific invention weaves through The First Men in the Moon, adding depth to its narrative.
Why The First Men in the Moon is still relevant today
The First Men in the Moon imagines lunar travel and an alien society of insect-like Selenites. Wells combines adventure with satirical examination of Earth's social organization through alien eyes. The anti-gravity substance "Cavorite" inspired later science fiction, and the ending achieves poignant isolation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The First Men in the Moon about?
Inventor Cavor creates an anti-gravity substance and travels to the moon with businessman Bedford. They discover the Selenites, an insect-like civilization living underground. Bedford escapes; Cavor remains to study and communicate.
How does Wells describe the Selenites?
The Selenites are specialized like insects—each bred for specific functions. Wells uses them to satirize human society: are we so different? The Grand Lunar's questions about Earth reveal human absurdities.
How did Wells imagine getting to the moon?
Cavorite, a substance that blocks gravity, lifts the sphere to the moon. This is fantasy rather than prediction—Wells knew propulsion would be needed. The device enables his imaginative exploration.
What happens to Cavor at the end?
Cavor's final radio transmissions describe the Selenite civilization before falling silent, presumably killed when the Grand Lunar learns of human warfare. The ending combines wonder with tragedy.