How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Nicholl appeared to Barbicane in his dreams in the form of an impenetrable armour-plate […] and Barbicane in the visions of Nicholl became a projectile which pierced him through and through. (10.9)
Each man is massively insecure about his abilities when compared to the other, but that's just silly. Aren't these two of the most prestigious inventors in the country? Then why are they wasting their time on this nonsense? As we can see, their competition has gotten so fierce that they're not even able to escape each other in their dreams.
Quote #5
When […] victory seemed to remain with the shot, the war ceased on the very same day that Nicholl had completed a new armour-plate of wrought-steel. (10.12)
Now that's a buzz kill. With the war over (and the victory firmly in Barbicane's corner), Nicholl has no chance to win their little competition. No wonder he goes to such great lengths to discredit the moon mission—it's his last hope of defeating Nicholl and rebuilding his thoroughly shattered ego.
Quote #6
In a great state of fury Nicholl offered to expose his armour-plate to any imaginable kind of shot […] but the president refused, not caring to endanger his last success. (10.13)
Clever move, Barbicane—he knows that Nicholl is a worthy competitor and will surely figure out a way to stop his new cannon, so he wants to get out while he's still ahead. In fact, Barbicane seems less frustrated about this competition than Nicholl in general, often choosing the higher ground despite Nicholl's public insults. Why is that?