When the Moon Hits Your Eye

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness, death, and suicidal ideation.

In When the Moon Hits Your Eye, the United States government operates as a character in its own right—complex, reactive, and deeply concerned with perception. Rather than functioning solely as a decision-making body, it emerges as a political organism shaped by anxiety, optics, and institutional inertia. Through its representatives, the novel explores The Role of Politics and Power During a Crisis, revealing its cynical calculations and moments of reluctant integrity.

White House Chief of Staff Pat Heffernan epitomizes the manipulative machinery of governance. When scientists first present evidence that the moon has turned to cheese, Heffernan’s initial concern is not scientific validation but public reaction: “People will absolutely lose their minds about [the moon] […] But if we do this right, they will lose their minds in the direction of our choosing” (26). His role is centered on managing the fallout. Heffernan represents the pragmatic and often amoral side of power, one that prioritizes control over transparency. His character underscores the theme of political narrative shaping public consciousness, particularly during a crisis.

President Brett Boone mirrors Heffernan’s concern with public perception yet offers a more optimistic and nuanced leadership