Take a story's temperature by studying its tone. Is it hopeful? Cynical? Snarky? Playful?
Light-Hearted and Satirical
From the Earth to the Moon is a surprisingly funny book, so although Verne is invested in his characters, he seems to take great delight in making fun of them. Chief among these targets is Maston, whose "ecstasy knew no bounds" (16.25), no matter the situation. In fact, Michel Ardan almost feels like an authorial stand-in—his pithy opinions of American life seem to mirror Verne's (more on that over in the "Characters" section).
But there's a point to all of these jokes—like Stephen Colbert and George Carlin—Verne uses comedy to make broader points about society. Often, he takes aim at the Gun Club's bloodlust, calling them "nothing but amiable and learned murderers" (22.13). By submerging his social commentary in humor, he ensures that he'll at least make you laugh, even if you disagree.