Guest Trace Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Excerpt from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne. Part One, Chapter 22 Obviously, these Papuans had already had encounters with Europeans and were acquainted with their vessels. But this long iron cylinder lying in the bay, without masts or funnels, was evidently perplexing to them. Clearly, they were somewhat afraid, for up to now they had kept at a respectable distance. However, seeing it motionless, they began to gain confidence, and were now trying to find out more about it. This was exactly what we had to prevent them from doing. Our weapons, which were noiseless, were not likely to have any great effect on these natives, who only respect noisy firearms. If there were no thunder, men would have little fear of lightning--although the danger is in the lightning, not in the thunder. This raises several questions about what we believe is danger. Pretend you are a child, say four years old, and you are trying to get to sleep during a thunderstorm. The thunder is rolling and you start to cry. Now ask yourself, what if there was no thunder? Would you still be afraid of the lightning? Or would you quietly fall asleep, believing the danger is gone. Though you may believe that is so, doesn't make it true... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lutarist Jake Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Huh? Yes? So whats your point? I don't understand it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Trace Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 We are afraid of the thunder, even though the lightning is the danger... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meeptroid Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Hmm... that's a good question. Without thunder, there would be a lot less people afraid of it. I believe that thunder is good because it keeps everyone aware of lightning, signaling people to stay inside quicker. It sorta prevents the danger. (Kind of...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Trace Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Now to the Excerpt, in this part of the book the Nautilus is stuck in a bay new the Papua New Guinea islands. The ship is being surrounded by savages. And the only weapons they have are air guns that fire electrified projectiles. But their firearms don't make a thunderous boom like a gun does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lutarist Jake Posted November 30, 2006 Share Posted November 30, 2006 We are afraid of the thunder, even though the lightning is the danger... Oh. OK... I see now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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