Transcribe
Translate
Reader and Collector, v. 3, issue 6, January 1946
Page 14
More information
digital collection
archival collection guide
transcription tips
14 a "jump" which relieves the writer from trying to develop a logical sequence of events up to the date of his story, or which serves as an explanation of what went before it. The "jump" may take the form of a visit of men from other planets bringing new knowledge with them, or of the addition of new elements found in a meteor. It is scientific in terminology and explains in part the new events cause by it. Changes in radio-activity rates, the heat given by the sun, the earth's orbit, or the humidity are "breaks" so drastic as to make unnecessary careful description of how the world developed to the extent shown in the story. The "jump" is one of the additions made to plot by futuristic writers. Since Wells is the "dean" of the futuristic school, it is interesting to note that he was acquainted with Madam Blavatsky and her linking of science and religion. In his famous short story, "The Man Who Could Work Miraces," he tells of Mr. Fotheringay, who, during a discussion at a tavern in which he is upholding the impossibility of miracles, suddenly discovers that he himself has the unlimited power of brining miracles about "by the power of Will." This brings about a change in his approach to the subject. During advisory talks on the possibilities of his powers, Mr. Fotheringay hears this speech from his religious friend, Mr. Maydig: "The power to work miracles is a gift - a peculiar quality like genius or second sight- hitherto it has come rarely and to exceptional people... I have always wondered at the miracles of Mahomet, and at Yogi's miracles, and the miracles of Madam Blavatsky... Here we plumb some profounder law- dapper than the ordinary laws of nature."1 Not only does Wells place Madam Blavatsky in "fast" company, but he comes out with her conclusion on the subject. In Isis Unveiled Madam Blavatsky fully explains that there are no miracles in the sense that they are contrary to the laws of nature, 2 but that what are often termed miracles are actions caused by 1. The Moonlit Traveler, p.77 2. H.P. Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled, 11:587
Saving...
prev
next
14 a "jump" which relieves the writer from trying to develop a logical sequence of events up to the date of his story, or which serves as an explanation of what went before it. The "jump" may take the form of a visit of men from other planets bringing new knowledge with them, or of the addition of new elements found in a meteor. It is scientific in terminology and explains in part the new events cause by it. Changes in radio-activity rates, the heat given by the sun, the earth's orbit, or the humidity are "breaks" so drastic as to make unnecessary careful description of how the world developed to the extent shown in the story. The "jump" is one of the additions made to plot by futuristic writers. Since Wells is the "dean" of the futuristic school, it is interesting to note that he was acquainted with Madam Blavatsky and her linking of science and religion. In his famous short story, "The Man Who Could Work Miraces," he tells of Mr. Fotheringay, who, during a discussion at a tavern in which he is upholding the impossibility of miracles, suddenly discovers that he himself has the unlimited power of brining miracles about "by the power of Will." This brings about a change in his approach to the subject. During advisory talks on the possibilities of his powers, Mr. Fotheringay hears this speech from his religious friend, Mr. Maydig: "The power to work miracles is a gift - a peculiar quality like genius or second sight- hitherto it has come rarely and to exceptional people... I have always wondered at the miracles of Mahomet, and at Yogi's miracles, and the miracles of Madam Blavatsky... Here we plumb some profounder law- dapper than the ordinary laws of nature."1 Not only does Wells place Madam Blavatsky in "fast" company, but he comes out with her conclusion on the subject. In Isis Unveiled Madam Blavatsky fully explains that there are no miracles in the sense that they are contrary to the laws of nature, 2 but that what are often termed miracles are actions caused by 1. The Moonlit Traveler, p.77 2. H.P. Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled, 11:587
Hevelin Fanzines
sidebar
