“The Trip of Le Horla” recounts Guy de Maupassant’s extraordinary night journey in a hot-air balloon from Paris to Heyst, Belgium. Invited by Captain Jovis, the narrator joins a small crew as the balloon Le Horla is inflated before a curious crowd and released into the evening sky.
As they rise, Paris shrinks beneath them into a map of lights and shadows. The travelers experience the world from above—hearing sounds from villages, smelling fields and flowers, and watching animals react in fear to the silent balloon. They control their altitude by throwing ballast, drifting freely yet always subject to the wind.
High above the earth, they witness rare marvels: lingering sunlight after night has fallen below, the moon rising beneath them through mist, and a profound sense of weightless peace that erases all worries. Later, warm air currents force the balloon higher, followed by a rapid and dangerous descent as storms approach.
Near dawn, they cross rivers, farmland, and finally the sea coast. After a dramatic landing in Belgian fields, assisted by astonished peasants, the journey ends safely. Thanks to Captain Jovis, the travelers experience sunset, moonrise, and sunrise in a single night—an unforgettable passage through the sky from Paris to the edge of Belgium.
Summary of "The Trip of Le Horla"
"The Trip of Le Horla" is Guy de Maupassant's thrilling account of his hot air balloon journey from Paris to Heyst, Belgium. The story chronicles a night-time adventure that allowed the travelers to witness the sunset, moonrise, and dawn from the sky.
The narrator receives a telegram from Captain Jovis announcing favorable weather conditions and asking him to meet at the gas works at five o'clock. When he arrives, he finds a large yellow cloth balloon lying flat on the ground with a basket bearing the name "Le Horla" in gold letters. Two to three hundred spectators gather to watch.
Gas begins entering the balloon through a long tube, making it swell like an enormous worm. The author notes this resembles how nature nourishes beings until birth. As the balloon grows, attendants spread a net over it to distribute pressure evenly. Some specialists in the crowd predict they won't reach the fortifications, criticizing this novel type of balloon.
Following established custom, the travelers dine in the canteen while preparations continue. When they return, the balloon appears as an enormous, transparent, prodigious golden fruit covered by the setting sun's rays. The basket is attached along with barometers, a siren, trumpets, food, and coats.
Lieutenant Mallet boards first, climbing to the aerial net between basket and balloon where he will watch Le Horla's movements like an officer on watch. M. Etienne Beer, M. Paul Bessand, M. Patrice Eyries, and the narrator follow. However, the basket is too heavy for a long trip, and M. Eyries reluctantly exits. Captain Jovis gallantly warns ladies to stand aside, then cuts the ropes with one stroke, giving Le Horla its liberty.
They instantly fly skyward, floating, rising, gliding. Their friends' shouts fade quickly as they climb higher. Paris spreads below as a dark bluish patch cut by streets, with domes, towers, and steeples rising. Around it stretches the plain with long white roads amid green fields and nearly black woods. The sun, invisible from ground level, reappears.
They determine their movement by throwing cigarette papers: if the paper falls like a stone, they're rising; if it shoots skyward, they're descending. At five hundred meters, Paris appears like a colored map. All noises rise distinctly—wheels rolling, whips snapping, drivers crying, trains whistling, children laughing. Passing over villages, children's voices are heard with greatest distinctness.
As darkness falls on earth, they remain in light past ten o'clock. They hear quails' double cry, cats mewing, and dogs barking. Dogs throughout the plain, having scented the balloon, give alarm as if baying at the moon. Cows low in barns, all beasts scared by the aerial monster passing overhead.
Delicious odors rise—hay, flowers, moist verdant earth perfuming the air. Lieutenant Mallet periodically tells the captain they're descending, and Jovis throws half a handful of sand to make them rise. The balloon is an enormous toy, free yet docile, but ultimately a slave of the wind. A pinch of sand, paper, water, or chicken bones makes it rise quickly.
As night deepens, they encounter warm air currents causing the balloon to expand and lose gas through the escape-valve. They rise almost two thousand feet. Rice paper falls like dead butterflies. A light mist separates them from earth while stars twinkle overhead.
The moon rises from unknown depths below the horizon. They look down upon it from great height, like an audience on a balcony. Earth disappears, buried in milky vapors resembling a sea. They're alone with the moon, their balloon appearing like another wandering world through infinity. They float in delicious inertia, becoming indescribable birds that don't flap wings. All memory, trouble, regrets, plans, and hopes disappear.
At 2,350 meters, the balloon stops. They blow the siren but no one answers from the stars. Then they descend rapidly, Mallet crying for more ballast. Sand and stones thrown overboard come back at their faces, so rapid is the descent.
Past midnight, they cross broad, well-cultivated country. Bright lights appear and disappear. They see something running in fields—the balloon's shadow, growing as they descend. The narrator hears wind roaring but Jovis suggests it's waterfalls, nudging him to avoid frightening passengers, knowing a storm pursues them.
A town's lights appear like fairyland where precious stones are manufactured for giants. Clouds gather behind while eastern sky grows lighter. Dawn arrives rapidly, showing trains, brooks, cows, goats. Cocks crow but ducks' voices drown everything. Peasants wave and cry for them to drop, but they continue steadily, watching the world flee beneath.
Ahead stretches a bright highway—actually an immense river full of islands. The captain orders descent preparations. Mallet returns to the basket, they pack barometers and fragile items. M. Bessand sees masts—they're at the sea, hidden by fog until then.
The escape-valve rope, religiously enclosed in a white bag, is unrolled. Mallet holds it while Jovis searches for landing spots. Thunder rumbles behind; no birds follow their mad flight. Passing over a canal, the basket trembles and tips. The guy-rope touches tall trees. They pass over a farm with frightful rapidity; chickens, pigeons, ducks fly away while cows, cats, dogs run terrified.
Jovis throws the last half-bag of ballast. The captain cries for the escape-valve. Mallet pulls the rope and they drop like an arrow. The anchor cord is cut and they drag the grapple through beet fields. Trees approach—"Take care! Hold fast!"
The anchor takes hold. The basket strikes earth, flies up, falls and bounds again, finally settling while the balloon struggles like a wounded beast. Peasants run toward them but dare not approach until the bag deflates.
Bewildered men show astonishment with wild gestures. Cows grazing along the coast surround them with a strange, comical circle of horns, eyes, and blowing nostrils. With help from accommodating Belgian peasants, they pack materials and reach Heyst station, taking the 8:20 train to Paris. The descent occurred at 3:15 a.m.
Thanks to Captain Jovis, they witnessed sunset, moonrise, and dawn in one night, traveling from Paris to the Scheldt's mouth through the skies.
"The Trip of Le Horla" എന്ന കഥയുടെ സംഗ്രഹം
"ദ ട്രിപ്പ് ഓഫ് ലെ ഹോർലാ" ഗയ് ഡി മൗപാസന്റെ പാരീസിൽ നിന്ന് ബെൽജിയത്തിലെ ഹെയ്സ്റ്റിലേക്കുള്ള ഹോട്ട് എയർ ബലൂൺ യാത്രയുടെ ആവേശകരമായ വിവരണമാണ്. ഒരു രാത്രിയിൽ ആകാശത്ത് നിന്ന് സൂര്യാസ്തമയം, ചന്ദ്രോദയം, പ്രഭാതം എന്നിവ കാണാൻ യാത്രക്കാരെ അനുവദിച്ച സാഹസികതയെ കഥ വിവരിക്കുന്നു.
കഥാകാരൻ ക്യാപ്റ്റൻ ജോവിസിൽ നിന്ന് അനുകൂല കാലാവസ്ഥാ സാഹചര്യങ്ങൾ അറിയിക്കുകയും അഞ്ച് മണിക്ക് ഗ്യാസ് വർക്കിൽ കാണാൻ ആവശ്യപ്പെടുകയും ചെയ്യുന്ന ഒരു ടെലിഗ്രാം സ്വീകരിക്കുന്നു. അവിടെ എത്തുമ്പോൾ, "ലെ ഹോർലാ" എന്ന പേരിൽ സ്വർണ്ണ അക്ഷരങ്ങളുള്ള കുട്ടയോടുകൂടിയ ഒരു വലിയ മഞ്ഞ തുണി ബലൂൺ നിലത്ത് പരന്നു കിടക്കുന്നത് അദ്ദേഹം കാണുന്നു.
ഗ്യാസ് ഒരു നീണ്ട ട്യൂബിലൂടെ ബലൂണിലേക്ക് പ്രവേശിക്കാൻ തുടങ്ങുന്നു, അത് ഒരു വലിയ പുഴുവിനെപ്പോലെ വീർക്കുന്നു. എഴുത്തുകാരൻ ഇത് ജനനം വരെ പ്രകൃതി എങ്ങനെ ജീവികളെ പോഷിപ്പിക്കുന്നുവെന്ന് പോലെയാണെന്ന് പറയുന്നു. ബലൂൺ വളരുമ്പോൾ, സമ്മർദ്ദം തുല്യമായി വിതരണം ചെയ്യാൻ പരിചാരകർ അതിന് മുകളിൽ വല വിരിക്കുന്നു.
സ്ഥാപിത ആചാരമനുസരിച്ച്, തയ്യാറെടുപ്പുകൾ തുടരുമ്പോൾ യാത്രക്കാർ കാന്റീനിൽ ഭക്ഷണം കഴിക്കുന്നു. അവർ മടങ്ങുമ്പോൾ, സൂര്യാസ്തമയത്തിന്റെ കിരണങ്ങളാൽ പൊതിഞ്ഞ ഒരു ഭീമാകാരമായ, സുതാര്യമായ, അത്ഭുതകരമായ സ്വർണ്ണ ഫലമായി ബലൂൺ പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെടുന്നു. ബാരോമീറ്ററുകൾ, സൈറൺ, ട്രംപറ്റുകൾ, ഭക്ഷണം, കോട്ടുകൾ എന്നിവയോടൊപ്പം കൊട്ട ഘടിപ്പിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു.
ലെഫ്റ്റനന്റ് മാലറ്റ് ആദ്യം കയറുന്നു, കൊട്ടയും ബലൂണും തമ്മിലുള്ള ഏരിയൽ നെറ്റിലേക്ക് കയറുന്നു, അവിടെ നിന്ന് കപ്പലിലെ വാച്ച് ഓഫീസർ പോലെ ലെ ഹോർലയുടെ ചലനങ്ങൾ നിരീക്ഷിക്കും. എം. ബിയർ, എം. ബെസാൻഡ്, എം. ഐറീസ്, കഥാകാരൻ എന്നിവർ പിന്തുടരുന്നു. എന്നിരുന്നാലും, നീണ്ട യാത്രയ്ക്ക് കൊട്ട വളരെ ഭാരമുള്ളതിനാൽ, എം. ഐറീസ് മനസ്സില്ലാമനസ്സോടെ പുറത്തിറങ്ങുന്നു. ക്യാപ്റ്റൻ ജോവിസ് സ്ത്രീകളോട് മാന്യമായി മാറി നിൽക്കാൻ മുന്നറിയിപ്പ് നൽകുന്നു, തുടർന്ന് ഒറ്റ അടിയിൽ കയറുകൾ മുറിച്ച് ലെ ഹോർലയ്ക്ക് സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം നൽകുന്നു.
അവർ തൽക്ഷണം ആകാശത്തേക്ക് പറക്കുന്നു. പാരീസ് താഴെ തെരുവുകളാൽ മുറിച്ച ഇരുണ്ട നീലനിറത്തിലുള്ള പാച്ചായി വ്യാപിക്കുന്നു, താഴികക്ഷങ്ങൾ, ഗോപുരങ്ങൾ, സ്റ്റീപ്പിളുകൾ എന്നിവ ഉയരുന്നു. ചുറ്റും പച്ച വയലുകൾക്കിടയിൽ നീണ്ട വെളുത്ത റോഡുകളുള്ള സമതലവും ഏതാണ്ട് കറുത്ത കാടുകളും വ്യാപിക്കുന്നു.
സിഗരറ്റ് പേപ്പറുകൾ എറിഞ്ഞ് അവർ ചലനം നിർണ്ണയിക്കുന്നു: പേപ്പർ ഒരു കല്ല് പോലെ വീഴുകയാണെങ്കിൽ, അവർ ഉയരുന്നു; അത് ആകാശത്തേക്ക് വെടിവയ്ക്കുന്നുവെങ്കിൽ, അവർ ഇറങ്ങുകയാണ്. അഞ്ഞൂറ് മീറ്ററിൽ, പാരീസ് ഒരു നിറമുള്ള ഭൂപടം പോലെ പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെടുന്നു. എല്ലാ ശബ്ദങ്ങളും വ്യക്തമായി ഉയരുന്നു—ചക്രങ്ങൾ ഉരുളുന്നു, ചാട്ടവാറടി, ഡ്രൈവർമാർ നിലവിളിക്കുന്നു, ട്രെയിനുകൾ വിസിൽ മുഴക്കുന്നു, കുട്ടികൾ ചിരിക്കുന്നു.
ഭൂമിയിൽ ഇരുട്ട് വീഴുമ്പോൾ, പത്തു മണി കഴിഞ്ഞിട്ടും അവർ വെളിച്ചത്തിൽ തുടരുന്നു. കാടപക്ഷികളുടെ ഇരട്ട നിലവിളി, പൂച്ചകളുടെ മ്യാവൂ, നായകളുടെ കുരയ്ക്കൽ എന്നിവ കേൾക്കുന്നു. ബലൂൺ മണത്തറിഞ്ഞ നായകൾ സമതലത്തിലുടനീളം മുന്നറിയിപ്പ് നൽകുന്നു, ചന്ദ്രനെ കാണുന്നത് പോലെ. തൊഴുത്തുകളിൽ പശുക്കൾ മുഴങ്ങുന്നു, എല്ലാ മൃഗങ്ങളും തലയ്ക്ക് മുകളിലൂടെ കടന്നുപോകുന്ന വായു രാക്ഷസനെ കണ്ട് ഭയപ്പെടുന്നു.
സുഗന്ധമുള്ള ഗന്ധങ്ങൾ ഉയരുന്നു—പുല്ല്, പൂക്കൾ, നനഞ്ഞ പച്ച ഭൂമി വായുവിൽ സുഗന്ധം പരത്തുന്നു. ബലൂൺ ചൂടുള്ള വായു പ്രവാഹങ്ങളെ നേരിടുമ്പോൾ, അത് വികസിക്കുകയും എസ്കേപ്പ്-വാൽവിലൂടെ ഗ്യാസ് നഷ്ടപ്പെടുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. അവർ ഏകദേശം രണ്ടായിരം അടി ഉയരുന്നു.
ചന്ദ്രൻ താഴെയുള്ള ചക്രവാളത്തിൽ നിന്ന് അജ്ഞാത ആഴങ്ങളിൽ നിന്ന് ഉയരുന്നു. വലിയ ഉയരത്തിൽ നിന്ന് അവർ അതിനെ നോക്കുന്നു, ബാൽക്കണിയിലെ പ്രേക്ഷകരെപ്പോലെ. ഭൂമി അപ്രത്യക്ഷമാകുന്നു, കടൽ പോലെയുള്ള പാൽ നിറമുള്ള നീരാവികളിൽ കുഴിച്ചുമൂടപ്പെടുന്നു. അവർ ചന്ദ്രനോടൊപ്പം മാത്രം, അനന്തതയിലൂടെ അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന ലോകമായി പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെടുന്നു. അവർ സുഖകരമായ നിഷ്ക്രിയത്വത്തിൽ പൊങ്ങിക്കിടക്കുന്നു.
2,350 മീറ്ററിൽ, ബലൂൺ നിലയ്ക്കുന്നു. പിന്നെ അവർ വേഗത്തിൽ ഇറങ്ങുന്നു, മാലറ്റ് കൂടുതൽ ബാലസ്റ്റിനായി നിലവിളിക്കുന്നു. പുറത്തേക്ക് എറിയുന്ന മണലും കല്ലുകളും അവരുടെ മുഖത്തേക്ക് തിരിച്ചുവരുന്നു, അത്ര വേഗത്തിലുള്ള ഇറക്കമാണ്.
അർദ്ധരാത്രിക്ക് ശേഷം, അവർ വിശാലമായ, നന്നായി കൃഷി ചെയ്ത രാജ്യം കടന്നുപോകുന്നു. തെളിച്ചമുള്ള വിളക്കുകൾ പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെടുകയും അപ്രത്യക്ഷമാകുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. വയലുകളിൽ എന്തോ ഓടുന്നത് അവർ കാണുന്നു—ബലൂണിന്റെ നിഴൽ, അവർ ഇറങ്ങുമ്പോൾ വളരുന്നു.
ഒരു പട്ടണത്തിന്റെ വിളക്കുകൾ രത്നങ്ങൾ നിർമ്മിക്കുന്ന ഫെയറിലാൻഡ് പോലെ പ്രത്യക്ഷപ്പെടുന്നു. മേഘങ്ങൾ പിന്നിൽ കൂടുന്നു, കിഴക്കൻ ആകാശം വെളിച്ചമാകുന്നു. പ്രഭാതം വേഗത്തിൽ എത്തുന്നു, ട്രെയിനുകൾ, അരുവികൾ, പശുക്കൾ, ആടുകൾ എന്നിവ കാണിക്കുന്നു. കോഴികൾ കുഴയുന്നു, പക്ഷേ താറാവുകളുടെ ശബ്ദം എല്ലാം മുക്കിയെടുക്കുന്നു.
ക്യാപ്റ്റൻ ഇറക്കം തയ്യാറാക്കാൻ ഉത്തരവിടുന്നു. എസ്കേപ്പ്-വാൽവ് കയർ, വെളുത്ത ബാഗിൽ മതപരമായി ഇട്ടിരിക്കുന്നത്, വിരിക്കുന്നു. ഇടിമുഴക്കം പിന്നിൽ മുഴങ്ങുന്നു; ഒരു പക്ഷികളും അവരുടെ ഭ്രാന്തമായ പറക്കലിനെ പിന്തുടരുന്നില്ല.
ആങ്കർ പിടിക്കുന്നു. കൊട്ട ഭൂമിയിൽ ഇടിക്കുന്നു, മുകളിലേക്ക് പറക്കുന്നു, വീഴുകയും വീണ്ടും കുതിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു, ഒടുവിൽ സ്ഥിരതാമസമാക്കുന്നു, ബലൂൺ മുറിവേറ്റ മൃഗം പോലെ പോരാടുന്നു. ആശയക്കുഴപ്പത്തിലായ കർഷകർ കാട്ടുമൃഗങ്ങളുടെ ആംഗ്യങ്ങളോടെ അതിശയം കാണിക്കുന്നു. തീരത്ത് മേയുന്ന പശുക്കൾ കൊമ്പുകൾ, വലിയ കണ്ണുകൾ, മൂക്ക് ഊതുന്ന വൃത്തം കൊണ്ട് അവരെ ചുറ്റുന്നു.
സഹകരിക്കുന്ന ബെൽജിയൻ കർഷകരുടെ സഹായത്തോടെ, അവർ സാമഗ്രികൾ പാക്ക് ചെയ്ത് ഹെയ്സ്റ്റ് സ്റ്റേഷനിൽ എത്തുന്നു, 8:20 ന് പാരീസിലേക്ക് ട്രെയിൻ എടുക്കുന്നു. ഇറക്കം 3:15 ന് സംഭവിച്ചു.
ക്യാപ്റ്റൻ ജോവിസിന് നന്ദി, ഒരു രാത്രിയിൽ സൂര്യാസ്തമയം, ചന്ദ്രോദയം, പ്രഭാതം എന്നിവ അവർ കണ്ടു, ആകാശത്തിലൂടെ പാരീസിൽ നിന്ന് ഷെൽഡ്റ്റ് വായയിലേക്ക് യാത്ര ചെയ്തു.
About the Author
Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a popular 19th-century French writer, considered one of the masters of the modern short story and one of its finest exponents. He wrote over 300 short stories and six novels. "The Trip of Le Horla" appeared in the Figaro in 1887 under the title "From Paris to Heyst." This story is about the author's actual ride in a hot air balloon, showcasing his ability to transform personal experience into vivid literature. Maupassant was known for his keen observation, realistic detail, and ability to capture both the physical and emotional aspects of human experience.
Questions and Answers
What is special about the sentences in the telegram?
The sentences in the telegram are short, fragmented, and lack complete grammatical structure. They convey only essential information in the most economical way possible, which was typical of telegrams where each word cost money. Words like "Fine day," "Belgian frontier," and "Beginning of manoeuvres at three" are brief and direct, eliminating unnecessary articles and verbs.
What does the author compare the balloon to?
Initially, the author compares the balloon lying flat to "a cake made of yellow cloth, flat on the ground." As gas enters, it resembles "an enormous worm" swelling and undulating. Later, when inflated and lit by the setting sun, it appears as "a prodigious golden fruit, a fantastic pear which is still ripening."
What is the other thought that occurs to every mind?
The other thought that occurs to every mind is how the balloon's inflation resembles how nature nourishes beings until their birth. The gas flowing through the tube into the balloon mirrors the way a mother's body nourishes an unborn child through the umbilical cord.
Express the attitude of the spectators and passengers towards the sport of ballooning.
The spectators show mixed attitudes. Some are fascinated and watch closely, while others are skeptical, with specialists predicting failure and criticizing this novel type of balloon. The passengers, however, are enthusiastic and excited, showing pleasure in the experiment despite the criticisms. They maintain their cheerfulness throughout the journey.
What is the established custom mentioned here?
The established custom is that travelers dine in the canteen of the gas-works while final preparations for the balloon flight are being completed. This appears to be a traditional practice before balloon ascents.
When the travellers come out, what do they see?
When the travelers come out after dining, they see the balloon swaying, enormous and transparent, described as "a prodigious golden fruit, a fantastic pear which is still ripening, covered by the last rays of the setting sun." The basket is attached and all equipment including barometers, siren, trumpets, food, and coats are being loaded.
Name the passengers in the balloon.
The passengers are Lieutenant Mallet, M. Etienne Beer, M. Paul Bessand, the narrator (Guy de Maupassant), and Captain Jovis who pilots the balloon. M. Patrice Eyries initially boards but has to exit because the basket is too heavy.
Who is posted as the officer on watch?
Lieutenant Mallet is posted as the officer on watch. He climbs to the aerial net between the basket and the balloon, where he watches the movements of Le Horla across the skies during the night, similar to how an officer on watch stands on starboard watching a ship's course.
Why does M. Eyries get out of the balloon? Is he regretful? Why?
M. Eyries gets out because the basket is too heavy for the balloon considering the long trip ahead. Yes, he is regretful, as the text explicitly states he exits "not without great regret." He wanted to experience this adventure but had to sacrifice his place to ensure the balloon could complete its journey safely.
What does M. Joliet's deeds and words tell us about him?
M. Joliet (Captain Jovis) is gallant, considerate, and professional. He politely asks ladies to stand aside so sand won't fall on their hats during ascent, showing courtesy and thoughtfulness. His decisive command "Let it loose" and swift cutting of the ropes with one stroke demonstrate confidence and competence as a captain.
Comment on the use of the word 'liberty'.
The word "liberty" is used metaphorically when Captain Jovis cuts the ropes holding the balloon, "giving Le Horla its liberty." This personifies the balloon as if it were a living creature being freed from captivity. The word suggests freedom from earthly constraints, the release from bondage to the ground, and the beginning of an independent journey through the sky. It captures the exhilarating moment of departure and the balloon's newfound ability to soar freely.
Describe the aerial view of Paris
From above, Paris spreads out "a dark bluish patch, cut by its streets, from which rise, here and there, domes, towers, steeples." Around the city stretches the plain and country, "traversed by long roads, thin and white, amidst green fields of a tender or dark green, and woods almost black." The sun, no longer visible from ground level, reappears. Paris looks like "a coloured map, an immense plan of the country," with all its features laid out geometrically below.
How do the travellers know whether they are rising or sinking?
The travelers determine their movement by throwing cigarette papers out of the basket. If the paper appears to fall down like a stone, it means the balloon is rising. If the paper appears to shoot skyward, the balloon is descending. This happens because the motion is relative—when rising, the paper falls slower than they're ascending, making it seem to drop; when descending, the paper stays in place while they fall faster, making it seem to rise.
How do the animals receive the balloon? How does the balloon appear before them?
The animals are frightened and alarmed by the balloon. Dogs have scented it and bark throughout the plain, making the identical noise they make when baying at the moon. Cows low in their barns, awakened and scared. All beasts are moved and frightened before "the aerial monster that is passing." The balloon appears to them as a strange, threatening creature in the sky that disturbs their normal nighttime routine.
What do you think would be the fate of the balloon?
Based on the narrative progression, the balloon will eventually descend and land safely, though perhaps not entirely smoothly. The text foreshadows challenges with mentions of wind, storms, and the need for careful maneuvering. The experienced captain and proper equipment suggest a controlled landing, though the rapid descent and dramatic landing sequence indicate it will be an exciting conclusion.
Why does Mallet ask the Captain to throw down half a handful of sand?
Mallet asks the captain to throw sand (ballast) because he observes they are descending. Throwing ballast overboard makes the balloon lighter, causing it to rise again. This delicate adjustment is necessary to maintain proper altitude and control the balloon's flight path. Even small amounts like "half a handful" can make a significant difference.
All the noises are easily recognisable. Mention the diverse sounds that reach the travellers' ears
The diverse sounds include wheels rolling in streets, the snap of whips, cries of drivers, rolling and whistling of trains, laughter of small boys running, children's voices in villages, the double cry of quail, mewing of cats, barking of dogs, lowing of cows in barns, distant waters dashing, current whirling and flashing, the music of village bells with gentle swell, wild horns ringing, merry shouts from glens, cocks crowing, and ducks' voices drowning everything.
The balloon is both a free toy and a slave of the wind. Express your views on this statement
This statement captures the paradoxical nature of balloon flight. The balloon is "free" in that it's liberated from earth, docile and responsive to adjustments with surprising sensitivity—a pinch of sand or a few drops of water can make it rise. It's a "toy" that can be maneuvered playfully. However, it's simultaneously a "slave of the wind" because it cannot control its horizontal direction—it must go wherever the wind takes it. This duality represents both the freedom and limitation of this mode of travel, making it an adventure of surrendering to natural forces while maintaining vertical control.
Can you 'observe' odour? Why does the author say so?
Technically, one cannot "observe" an odour in the visual sense—one smells or detects it. However, the author uses "observed" deliberately to emphasize how distinct and noticeable the gas odour is. It's so strong that it becomes as apparent as something visually observed. This unusual verb choice heightens the reader's awareness of the smell's intensity and presence, making it feel almost tangible.
Comment on the expression: 'losing its invisible blood by the escape-valve'
This is a powerful metaphor that personifies the balloon as a living creature. The gas escaping through the valve is compared to blood flowing from a wound. "Invisible blood" emphasizes that gas, like the life force in blood, cannot be seen but is essential to the balloon's vitality. The escape-valve becomes like an injury, and the balloon's gradual deflation mirrors bleeding. This metaphor makes the mechanical process emotional and dramatic.
What do the mist-covered earth and star-studded sky indicate?
The mist-covered earth and star-studded sky indicate the balloon's extraordinary height and position between two worlds. The earth disappears below, "buried in milky vapours that resemble a sea," while above, stars twinkle in the clear sky. This creates a sense of isolation and otherworldliness—they've left the earthly realm behind and entered a celestial space. It emphasizes their separation from ordinary human experience and their proximity to the heavens.
Look at the expression 'delicious inertia.' Can you identify the figure of speech used here?
This is an oxymoron—a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. "Delicious" suggests pleasure and active enjoyment, while "inertia" means inactivity and lack of motion. The contradiction creates a unique meaning: the blissful state of passive floating where they experience joy without effort, movement without exertion. It perfectly captures the dreamy, effortless sensation of balloon flight.
Why is space travel considered as 'delicious inertia' by the narrator?
The narrator calls it "delicious inertia" because they float effortlessly through space without any physical effort. Unlike birds that must flap wings, they glide in a state of passive motion. All memory, trouble, regrets, plans, and hopes disappear. They exist in a suspended state of pure being, experiencing movement and freedom without action or will. It's a blissful surrender to forces beyond their control—enjoying the journey without effort or responsibility.
How is the rising of the moon described?
The moon's rising is described dramatically and mysteriously. "A silvery light appears before us and makes the sky turn pale, and suddenly, as if it is rising from unknown depths, behind the horizon below us, rises the moon on the edge of a cloud." They look down upon it from great height "like an audience on a balcony." The moon "emerges from the clouds and slowly rises in the sky," appearing "clear and round." The description emphasizes their unusual perspective of watching the moon rise from above rather than below.
The author calls the balloon 'a world wandering in the sky' and 'a wandering, travelling world.' Can you coin similar descriptions of the balloon?
Similar descriptions could include: a floating island in the heavens, a celestial vessel adrift in infinity, a nomadic sphere traversing the stars, an airborne planet charting its own course, a drifting realm between earth and cosmos, a sky-bound sanctuary detached from terrestrial bonds, or a vagrant sphere sailing through atmospheric seas.
When does the balloon stop? Why?
The balloon stops at 2,350 meters altitude. It stops because it has reached an equilibrium point where the air pressure inside the balloon equals the atmospheric pressure outside, or because they've reached a layer of air with different temperature or density that temporarily halts their ascent. They blow the siren at this peak moment, as if announcing their achievement to the stars.
How does the author describe the rapid descent of the balloon?
The rapid descent is described dramatically: Mallet keeps crying "Throw out more ballast! throw out more ballast!" The sand and stones they throw overboard "come back into our faces as if they are going up, thrown from below toward the stars, so rapid is our descent." Later, when the escape-valve is opened, they "drop like an arrow," emphasizing the speed and danger of the fall.
How does the shadow of the balloon appear to the travellers?
The shadow initially appears as something mysterious running in the fields that they can't identify—"Isn't it a dog?" someone asks. The captain explains it's the shadow of their balloon. As they descend, "the growing shadow of Le Horla, as large as a child's ball, is fleeing before us over the fields, roads and woods," steadily preceding them by about a quarter mile. It appears to race along the ground with great speed.
How far does the polar star guide the travellers? Do you think it is a scientific way to travel?
The polar star guides them in determining their direction—the narrator observes they're heading straight for Belgium based on the polar star. While using the polar star for navigation shows some scientific approach (similar to maritime navigation), overall balloon travel at this time was not very scientific. They couldn't control horizontal direction, had limited instruments, and relied heavily on the captain's experience and instinct. It was more adventurous than scientifically precise.
Who is the bewildered man? Why is he bewildered?
The "bewildered man" refers to any person on the ground whom they try to call to for information. He is bewildered because the balloon is moving so rapidly that he barely has time to see or hear them before they've passed, leaving him confused and unable to respond to their calls of "Where are we?"
Identify the sights and sounds that welcome the dawn
Sights: Dawn shows trains, brooks, cows, goats, all passing beneath with surprising speed. The sky grows lighter, becoming clear blue tinged with red. Details of earth become visible. Peasants wave their arms.
Sounds: Cocks crowing, ducks' voices drowning everything, peasants crying "Let yourselves drop!"
'The world fleeing under our feet' - What experience does the author try to convey?
This expression conveys the dramatic sensation of rapid movement from the balloon's perspective. Rather than feeling like they're moving over the earth, it seems as though the earth itself is racing away beneath them. This reversal of perspective emphasizes their detachment from the ground and the dizzying speed of their passage. It captures the surreal feeling of being stationary while the world rushes by—a complete inversion of normal travel experience.
Comment on the reaction of the Captain to the roaring of the wind. Can you justify the Captain's behaviour?
When the narrator says he hears wind roaring, the Captain responds "No, those are probably waterfalls," then nudges him, knowing full well it's a storm pursuing them but wanting to avoid frightening the happy, quiet passengers. The Captain's behavior is justified as responsible leadership—he maintains calm to prevent panic while taking appropriate action behind the scenes. His deception is protective rather than reckless, showing his concern for passengers' wellbeing and his confidence in handling the situation professionally.
If you were in such a situation, how would you react?
Student responses will vary. Possible answers: I would feel a mix of excitement and fear, trusting the captain's expertise while remaining alert. I might feel anxious about the rapid descent but try to stay calm. The adventure would be thrilling but the danger would make me appreciate solid ground. I would probably grip the basket tightly and follow all instructions carefully.
"Religiously enclosed" - What is your opinion about the adverb used here? How is it connected with the verb 'enclosed?'
"Religiously" is used metaphorically to mean "with great care, reverence, and strict adherence to rules"—not in a spiritual sense. The escape-valve rope is treated with ritual-like caution because touching it prematurely could be disastrous. It's "religiously enclosed" in a white bag and placed in sight to ensure no one accidentally touches it. The adverb emphasizes the sacred importance of not interfering with this critical safety mechanism until the proper moment.
List out the words and expressions that indicate the mad flight of the balloon
Words and expressions include: "frightful rapidity," "rapid descent," "bewildered," "fleeing," "passes as quickly as the wind," "so rapidly that the bewildered man has not even time to answer," "mad flight," "drop like an arrow," "strong shock," "basket trembles and tips," "strikes the earth," "flies up again," "bounds upward," "struggles madly like a wounded beast."
What action does Mallet perform?
Mallet pulls the rope to open the escape-valve, causing the balloon to drop rapidly like an arrow. This releases gas from the balloon, initiating their descent and allowing them to land.
Why do you think the birds are hesitant to follow the balloon?
Birds are hesitant to follow because the balloon is moving at unnatural speed and behaving in ways unlike any creature they know. The approaching storm with thunder rumbling behind makes flight dangerous. The balloon's erratic movements, rapid changes in altitude, and the threat of bad weather all make it unsafe and unnatural for birds to follow this "mad flight."
Describe the reception of the balloon by the peasants
The peasants run toward the balloon but dare not approach until the bag is almost completely deflated, showing both curiosity and caution. When they finally approach, they show astonishment by jumping with "wild gestures of savages." Meanwhile, cows grazing along the coast surround the balloon with "a strange and comical circle of horns, big eyes and blowing nostrils." The peasants prove accommodating and hospitable, helping pack materials and transport them to the station.
Comment on the visual effect of 'the balloon landing'
The balloon landing creates dramatic visual effects: the basket striking earth, flying up, falling and bounding repeatedly, finally settling while "the balloon struggles madly like a wounded beast." This creates imagery of violent, uncontrolled motion followed by the balloon's struggle as it deflates—like a living thing fighting for survival. The comparison to a wounded beast is particularly powerful, emphasizing the violent end to their graceful flight and the balloon's transformation from majestic to defeated.