"Ascension in the Moonlight" Response

The theme in Simon Winchester’s, “Ascension in the Moonlight” is that unanticipated detours can bring about memorable experiences. Stopping at Ascension Island was a last-minute decision, a mere stop on the way back to London, since “for reasons long forgotten [Winchester] was in a desperate hurry to get home.” The fact that Winchester doesn’t remember his reason for rushing home but remembers every detail of Ascension Island proves that his experience was memorable long into the future, even though short-term he was focused on getting home. Winchester met a kind couple, the Wilsons, who were able to provide him with this experience. When they brought him to see the turtles, he reflects on their kindness in welcoming him into their home and showing him all wonders of the island, and says, “and of course their kindness wasrewarded… for neither they, nor I, will ever be able to forget it.”