The Book That Saved the Earth - Q&A

Read and Find Out (Page 63)

1. Why was the twentieth century called the 'Era of the Book'?

The twentieth century was called the 'Era of the Book' because in those days, there were books about everything, from ant-eaters to Zulus. Books taught people how to, and when to, and where to, and why to. They illustrated, educated, punctuated, and even decorated.

2. Who tried to invade the earth?

The Martians, led by their ruler Great and Mighty Think-Tank, tried to invade the Earth in the year 2040.

Read and Find Out (Page 65)

1. What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the books found on earth?

Think-Tank initially guesses that the books are sandwiches, the staple diet of the Earth diet. Later, after Noodle's suggestion, he suggests they are communication devices for the ear (listening). Finally, he concludes they are for eye communication (watching/reading).

Think about it (Page 74)

1. Compare and contrast the characters Think-Tank and Noodle.

Think-Tank is the Commander-in-Chief and the ruler of Mars. He is arrogant, pompous, and obsessed with being praised. He considers himself the most intelligent creature but lacks common sense and makes ridiculous guesses (like calling books 'sandwiches'). He is easily frightened and cowardly.
Noodle is Think-Tank's apprentice. He is humble, polite, and truly intelligent. He handles Think-Tank tactfully, correcting his mistakes by presenting them as "insignificant bits of data" so as not to offend the ruler's ego. Noodle practically solves the problems while letting Think-Tank take the credit.

2. Why are books referred to as a man's best friend in the play?

Books are referred to as a man's best friend because they served as a repository of knowledge and culture in the twentieth century. In the context of the play, a simple book of nursery rhymes ('Mother Goose') literally saves the Earth from a Martian invasion, proving to be a true friend and protector of humanity.

3. What does Noodle suggest Think-Tank about the books?

When Think-Tank mistakes books for sandwiches, Noodle politely suggests that they might be communication devices. First, he suggests they are for the ear (to be listened to). When that fails, he suggests they are for the eye (to be read/watched). Finally, he suggests that Earthlings eat vitamins to increase their intelligence to understand the "code" (text) in the books, prompting Think-Tank to order his crew to take vitamins.

4. Why does Think-Tank decide to evacuate Mars?

Think-Tank decides to evacuate Mars because he misinterprets the nursery rhymes in the book 'Mother Goose' as serious threats from Earthlings.
- The rhyme about "Mistress Mary" makes him think humans cultivate high explosives.
- "Hey Diddle Diddle" makes him believe animals are being trained for space warfare.
- Finally, the picture of "Humpty Dumpty" (who resembles Think-Tank's large head) makes him terrified that Earthlings have identified him and are planning to capture him ("great fall"). Fearing for his life, he orders immediate evacuation to Alpha Centauri.

Talk about it (Page 75)

1. In what ways does Think-Tank's misinterpretation of innocent nursery rhymes lead to the confusion? This is a farcical situation. Can you imagine problems in real life resulting from misinterpretation?

Think-Tank interprets literal, nonsensical nursery rhymes as encoded military intelligence. He takes phrases like "shells" (explosives) and "cow jumped over the moon" (interplanetary attack) literally. This leads to the comical situation where a powerful alien invasion is stopped by a children's book.
Real life application: Yes, misinterpretation causes many problems in real life. Misunderstanding a text message or email tone can lead to arguments. Misinterpreting cultural gestures in a foreign country can cause offense. In history, misinterpreted treaties or intelligence have even led to wars.

2. The play suggests that the twentieth century was the 'Era of the Book'. What would you call the twenty-first century? Era of the Computer? Era of the Internet? Era of the Mobile?

The twenty-first century could be best described as the Era of Information Technology or the Era of the Internet. While books still exist, the primary mode of storing, retrieving, and sharing information has shifted to digital platforms. Computers, smartphones, and the internet connect the entire world instantly, making information accessible at a click, which defines this era more than any single device.