The Book That Saved The Earth
“The Book That Saved the Earth” is a one-act play by Claire Boiko. It is a humorous science fiction story about how a simple nursery rhyme book saves Earth from an alien invasion. Here’s a summary:
The play is set in the 25th century, where historians at a “Museum of Ancient History” discuss how Earth was almost invaded by Martians in the 20th century. The Martians, led by their Commander-in-Chief, the Mighty Think-Tank, plan to conquer Earth, believing it to be an inferior planet.
Think-Tank, an arrogant leader, mistakenly believes that Earthlings are primitive and that the books in a library are “sandwiches.” His team, which includes Captain Omega, Lieutenant Iota, and Sergeant Oop, explores a library on Earth as part of their reconnaissance. However, when they find a book of nursery rhymes, they misunderstand its contents. They read “Humpty Dumpty”, thinking it is a historic Earthling leader, and the rhyme’s reference to his fall terrifies Think-Tank. He believes the Earthlings are capable of destroying Martians with advanced weaponry.
The Book That Saved The Earth Question and Answers
Question 1. What guesses are made by Think–Tank about the books found on earth?
Answer: The Think-Tank initially guesses that the books are sandwiches. Noodle corrects him and says that he thinks that books are some sort of communication devices. Then he thinks that the books are used for ear communication. Finally, he concludes that they are used for eye communication.
Think About It
Question 1. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
Answer: Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank, but at the same time, he corrects his mistakes. Each time he thinks that Think-Tank is wrong, he first adulates Think-Tank and then presents his own thoughts saying that they are just insignificant pieces of data in his head. In this way, he lets Think-Tank know what is correct and does not make him feel that he is being corrected.
Question 2. If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle Think-Tank’s mistakes?
Answer: If I were in Noodle’s place, I would try to politely correct Think-Tank’s mistakes and suggest corrections.
Question 3. Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?
Answer: Yes, books are being replaced by electronic media with the emergence of digitization. We now have e-books and online classes, which do not require paperback books.
No, I don’t think that we can do away with books altogether because although there is a tendency to move towards electronic media, books still have their own importance. There are millions of people who love to read books. The feel and satisfaction of reading a book while holding it in your hands and turning its pages is altogether a different experience that e-books will never be able to replace.
Question 4. Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why? Write a paragraph about that book.
Answer: Books are referred to as a man’s best companion because they guide us, teach us, make us laugh, make us cry, make us introspect and help us to become a better version of ourselves. Books are companions who will never leave us. They impart knowledge and wisdom. We can learn from them, enjoy them and get inspired.
(Students can write the name of their favourite book and explain what they like about the book.)