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Questions and Answers
What does Burroughs think of Edgar taking all the credit?
What does Burroughs think of Edgar taking all the credit?
What is the purpose of the time travel in the story?
What is the purpose of the time travel in the story?
How is the machine described in the text?
How is the machine described in the text?
What does Edgar do before pushing the 'Travel' button?
What does Edgar do before pushing the 'Travel' button?
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What atmosphere is created by the description of the outside lights?
What atmosphere is created by the description of the outside lights?
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What is Burroughs's primary role in the narrative?
What is Burroughs's primary role in the narrative?
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What solution does Burroughs propose for the wiring problem?
What solution does Burroughs propose for the wiring problem?
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How does Edgar feel about Burroughs's contributions?
How does Edgar feel about Burroughs's contributions?
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What consequence does Edgar mention if the machine does not work?
What consequence does Edgar mention if the machine does not work?
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What material shortage do Burroughs and Edgar face?
What material shortage do Burroughs and Edgar face?
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Study Notes
Characters
- Burroughs is a young inventor, responsible for making Edgar's ideas work effectively.
- Edgar is the master inventor, tall and somewhat clumsy, who relies on Burroughs for practical implementation of his ideas.
Setting
- The narrative is set in London during a time of scientific innovation, indicated by the presence of machines and experimentation.
- The machine is described as built of polished brass, glowing amidst the dark, soot-covered environment.
Plot Overview
- Edgar instructs Burroughs to connect wiring for a machine intended for Queen Victoria, who urgently requires it to find her misplaced bracelet.
- Burroughs suggests an alternative method using steel water pipes instead of copper wiring for more efficient resource usage.
- Burroughs' quick thinking and innovative idea impress Edgar, demonstrating their collaborative relationship.
Themes
- Teamwork: Burroughs and Edgar work together to solve a problem, highlighting collaboration between inventor and assistant.
- Ingenuity and resourcefulness: Burroughs uses his knowledge to propose a practical alternative, showcasing his creativity.
Key Details
- The machine's purpose is to travel back in time to locate Queen Victoria's lost bracelet.
- The narrative emphasizes the pressure of meeting royal expectations, as they risk dire consequences if the project fails.
- Edgar's excitement about the project reveals his passion for invention, while Burroughs' more realistic approach balances their dynamic.
Vocabulary
- "Gangling" describes Edgar’s awkward physicality.
- "Scurried" implies Burroughs’ urgency in communicating his idea.
- "Tinkering" refers to Edgar's casual, perhaps careless, manipulation of the machine, which Burroughs must prevent from damaging their work.
Literary Devices
- A simile describes the machine gleaming "like a fish in the depths of a murky river," enhancing its allure amidst the gloomy surroundings.
- The narrative creates a visual contrast between the machine's brightness and the dark, polluted setting, emphasizing innovation against adversity.
Questions for Reflection
- Consider how Burroughs’ position as an inventor's assistant shapes his character and contributes to the team’s success.
- Reflect on the importance of resource management in their project, as illustrated by the use of existing materials like water pipes.
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Description
Explore the intriguing world of science fiction in Chapter 1: The Machine. Delve into the challenges faced by inventors as they work to connect critical components for their innovations. This chapter sets the stage for a thrilling narrative filled with tension and creativity.
