Question

"Schiaparelli and the Martian Canals" gives a history of astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli and his map of Mars.



How is the reference to Schiaparelli in paragraph 2 of the fictional ,begin italics,War of the Worlds ,end italics,,begin emphasis,most,end emphasis, clearly used?

Answer 1

In paragraph 2 of H.G. Wells' *War of the Worlds*, the reference to Giovanni Schiaparelli is used to establish a context of scientific exploration and the fascination with Mars that characterized the late 19th century. Schiaparelli's observations and his mapping of the Martian canals sparked public interest and imagination about the possibility of life on Mars. By mentioning Schiaparelli, Wells taps into the contemporary discussions and ideas about Mars, setting the stage for the novel's exploration of extraterrestrial life. This reference serves to underscore the themes of curiosity and the unknown, highlighting how humanity's understanding—or misunderstanding—of Mars influences the narrative. It connects the audience's existing knowledge to the fictional events, enhancing the story's credibility and engaging readers by invoking a real figure from astronomy.