The Spaceship And Earthly Weather

 

"The Chapter Ends."

Terrans move in a line towards the ship that will take them away from Earth forever:

"The spaceship was a steely pillar against a low gray sky. Now and then a fine rain would drizzle down, blurring it from sight; then that would end, and the ship's flanks would glisten as if they were polished. Clouds scudded overhead like flying smoke, and the wind was loud in the trees." (p. 276)

We notice "space ships" on p. 260 and "spaceship" on p. 276. At least, I notice this difference because I am quoting so many passages from a single text.

Why is the spaceship a pillar? I am sure that the means of propulsion no longer require the rocket shape. However, the "steely pillar" seems appropriate and might be favoured for purely cultural and historical reasons. The last Terrans should depart in vehicles of the same shape as those that had been used by the earliest astronauts.

Earth reminds the voyagers of its environment and its weather:

gray sky

fine rain

scudding clouds

loud wind

trees

The rain is "fine." It does not pound or batter but does remind. Some Galactics fly above the line generating:

"...a shield against the rain." (ibid.)

However, one couple leaves the line because they want a last tactile experience of Earthly rain.

And, of course, the wind is loud...