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library. The men spend their time observing sea life through observation windows.
Aronnax studies and writes about everything he sees.
During their time on the Nautilus, the men experience many exciting adventures.
They hunt in underwater forests, visit an island with angry natives, visit the lost city of
Atlantis, and fish for giant pearls. However, there are also many distressing events
coupled with the erratic behavior of Captain Nemo. One night the men are asked to
return to their cell. They are given sleeping pills and awake the next morning very
confused. Nemo asks Aronnax to look at a crewman who has been severely injured.
The man later dies and they bury him in an underground cemetery, where many other
crewmen have been laid to rest.
On a voyage to the South Pole, the Nautilus becomes stuck in the ice. Everyone must
take turns trying to break a hole in the ice so the vessel can get through. The ship
almost runs out of its oxygen supply and the men grow tired and light headed.
However, they escape just in time.
Another time, the vessel sails through an area heavily populated by giant squid, when
a giant squid gets stuck in the propeller of the submarine. The men and the crew must
fight off the squid with axes because they cannot be killed with bullets. While fighting,
a crewmember is killed by a squid. Nemo is moved to tears.
The rising action of the story begins with Nemos attack on a warship. Aronnax does
not know to which nation the warship belongs, but he is horrified when Captain Nemo
sinks it. The men decide they must escape at all costs.
One night, while off the coast of Norway, Aronnax, Conseil and Land plan a rash
escape. To their dismay they realize they are heading toward a giant whirlpool--one
that no ship has ever survived. Amazingly, in only a small dinghy they emerge safely.
They awake in the hut of a fisherman. At the conclusion of the story, Aronnax is
awaiting his return to France and rewriting his memoirs of his journey under the sea.
THEMES
Major Theme
Man versus Nature
Minor Themes
Revenge
Liberty
MOOD
The mood, or atmosphere of a book, is the general feeling of the story. This is usually
portrayed through word choice, description, and characterization. This story is
primarily mysterious and dark. The mystery results from the authors preoccupation
with Captain Nemos identity. The entire plot is based on the voyages of the Nautilus of which we know neither its purpose, its destination, nor its intentions. We do not
know the language spoken by the crew. We do not know Nemos background. We do
not know where Nemo goes when he disappears. We do not know what drives Nemo.
The darkness of the story is present from the very beginning: before we know what
this mysterious object is, we know that it destroys ships and kills innocent people.
Although Nemo is often kind and engaging, he is subject to abrupt and sudden
outbursts of rage.
LITERARY / HISTORICAL INFORMATION
When reading Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas, particularly because it is a
work of science-fiction, it is very important to remember that it was written in 1870. At
this time people traveled by horse and carriage, ships, and increasingly, railroads.
Therefore, the idea of a submarine that could reach the bottom of the sea was
astounding. It might be comparable with an individual traveling through space today.
Jules Vernes idea of a submarine was not entirely original, neither was his name for
the vessel, Nautilus. In the latter part of the nineteenth century many people were
experimenting with diving bells, commonly called Nautile and Nautilus. In fact, the
first plans for a submarine were produced in 1580 and it is thought that the first
working submarine was created in 1623. Submarines that would have more greatly
influenced Verne are Fultons Nautilus, 1801 and the infamous
Confederate Hunley, used during the American Civil War. These vessels were much
more successful.
Another important historical trend to consider is the Industrial Revolution. The
Industrial Revolution was a period of dramatic change that began in England in about
1750 and lasted through 1830--continuing in other countries later. This period
dramatically changed the lives of ordinary individuals as well as national and
international economy. The American Civil War, which concluded in 1865-- one year
before this novel begins-- was the first war to really utilize the progress of the
Industrial Revolution. Ships were steam powered, weapons could be produced on
massive scales, and submarines were used as well. The American Civil War gain
national attention and was extremely gruesome. It was an excellent example of how
scientific technology could be used to destroy humanity. In 1870, when the novel was
published, the public would certainly have still had this fear.
GENRE
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a science-fiction novel. Jules Verne and H.G. Wells
are credited with founding the genre. Science fiction engages science and technology.
Works in this genre typically create situations that could not arise in the world as we
know it, but do through the use of advance science and technology.
In all of the cities people sing about and discuss the monster. Even the scientific
community debates over the existence and nature of the creature. By the beginning of
1867, the discussion of the monster settles a bit. However, on March 5 another ship
was struck. Three weeks later an identical accident occurs. The second accident,
which happens to a ship-- the Scotia-from a very prestigious line, incensed the public.
All shipwrecks come to be blamed on the monster. The people on both continents
demand that the waters be rid of the monster--whatever the cost.
CHAPTER 2: Pros and Cons
Summary
The narrator of the story, Pierre Aronnax, introduces himself as a scientist and lecturer
at the Museum of Natural History in Paris. For the six months prior to the attack of
the Scotia he has been doing work in the Badlands of Nebraska. Shortly after
the Scotia was hit, he travels to New York to organize his specimens and await return
to Paris.
Debate rages over what the cause of the accidents could be. The ideas of a floating
reef or an enormous ship wreck are quickly rejected. People are left with two possible
solutions: a gigantic monster or a submarine vessel.
Aronnax tells us that it is unlikely that the accidents were caused by a submarine
vessel. It is highly unlikely that an individual would have the vast resources to produce
such a mechanical wonder. It is also unlikely that a government would create the
vessel as an instrument of war because the governments - following the incident with
the Scotia--denied creating any secret submarine. The narrator says that in the
interest of the public and intercontinental communication, the governments have to
be believed.
As the monster theory gained more strength, the narrator was consulted for his
expertise. He previously published a two volume work, titled The Mysteries of the
Ocean Deeps. Forced to make some conclusion, Aronnax makes a statement about
the monster, saying either they do not know what it is because they have not
discovered all species of animals, or it is a Great Narwhal. This creature is an
exaggeration of a common narwhal, which is a sea unicorn. While the common
narwhal can reach sixty feet, the Great Narwhal is ten times, or more, larger. Its power
is proportional to its size. The horn of a narwhal is ivory and has the hardness of steel.
Narwhals frequently attack whales and ships. A Great Narwhal would be exponentially
more dangerous than a common narwhal.
The narrators article spawns considerable debate. The governments on each side of
the Atlantic decide to hunt the monster. The United States deploys its ship
the Abraham Lincoln. However, the monster halted its destruction. Finally, on July 3
the monster attacks in the Pacific Ocean. Aronnax receives a letter from the secretary
to the United States Navy that they would like him to join in the expedition aboard
the Abraham Lincoln, set to sail the Pacific Ocean.
CHAPTER 3: As Monsieur Pleases
Summary
Upon reading the letter from the Navy Secretary, Aronnax tells us that he realized his
main purpose in life was to rid the world of the monster. Despite his fatigue from
traveling for so long and longing for home, Aronnax accepts the American
governments invitation. He believes the monster will end up in the waters off the
French coast as a special favor to him, and because all roads lead to Europe.
Aronnax and his domestic servant, Conseil, make immediate preparations and board
the Abraham Lincoln, where they meet Captain Farragut--the ships captain.
Conseil called out for help, after hours of swimming. The men were greeted with the
reply of Ned Land.
Ned Land had also been thrown from the ship. He landed upon the creature, which he
found was made of steel. Land pulled Aronnax and Conseil aboard the creature. The
creature, it seemed, was a submarine. Land said that on the three hours he was on it,
the boat did not move at all.
The vessel began to move, slowly at first, then gaining speed. Through the night the
men clutched the top of the boat, attempting not to fall off. Ned Land stomped on the
top of the boat upon day break. Eight men appeared and pulled Land, Aronnax and
Conseil into the vessel.
CHAPTER 8: Mobilis in Mobile
Summary
The men found themselves, alone, in a dark space. After half an hour, the cabin was
illuminated by the electric white light, previously observed while on the Abraham
Lincoln. Two men entered the chamber, dressed in sea-otter-skin and seal skin. They
spoke a language that Aronnax could not understand. Aronnax, Land and Conseil
relayed their tale in French, English, German, and Latin. The men understood nothing
they said. They left the three alone again.
A steward returned with clothes and food. The food, much to their surprise, was
excellent. The plates and utensils were inscribed with the motto: Mobilis in Mobile N.
Still confused, the three men went to sleep.
CHAPTER 9 Ned Lands Fits of Anger
Summary
Upon waking, Aronnax began to examine his surroundings. He pondered how the air
was filtered and replaced to ensure that enough oxygen is present. He discovered an
opening over the door of the cell, through which he presumed fresh air entered. As the
men discussed their next meal and how long they slept, Aronnax tried to dispel Lands
fear that the men of the vessel were cannibals.
Land became angered by Conseils abiding calm. He wanted Conseil to become as
angry as himself and demand to be fed, as they were all hungry again. Land
continued in his fit of rage, saying that he thought it was best to try to take over the
vessel--much to the dismay of Aronnax and Conseil. Land promised he would do
nothing rash immediately.
As the time passed and the men grew hungrier, Land grew fiercer. He paced the cell
and screamed. When, at last, the steward appeared, Land attacked him and grabbed
his throat. Conseil was helping to save the steward from Land and as Aronnax began
to help, he was greeted with French, asking them to calm themselves and listen.
CHAPTER 10: The Man of the Sea
Summary
The man speaking French was the commander of the vessel. He had been one of the
men at the first meeting, and was capable of speaking all of the languages they had
tried to communicate in. He had not responded because he was interested in listening
to them and reflecting on what they said. The commander spoke calmly and with
great ease, though Aronnax suspected he was not French. The commander explained
how he was a man broken with humanity, and was unsure of how to deal with these
intruders. Aronnax tried to explain that the intrusion was unintentional, but the
commander pointed out that chasing his vessel, shooting his vessel, and hitting the
vessel with a harpoon were each intentional actions.
The captain explained to the men that he believed he had the right to treat them as
enemies. When Aronnax pleaded that the captain was a human not a savage, the
captain angrily rebuked him, yelling that he had broken with society and was no
longer subject to its rules. The captain decided that the men could stay on board with
freedom if they accepted one condition: the men must obey his command to stay in
their cabin when requested, so they did not see what the captain wished to keep
secret.
The freedom offered to Aronnax, Conseil and Land was the same as the other men on
the ship: they could walk around as they wished and observe all that happened; they
only had to return to their cell on rare occasions. However, they men would never be
allowed to return home. Outraged, Land said he would not give his word that he would
not try to escape. Aronnax argued that the captain was cruel. The captain stated he
was being merciful. The captain contended that the three men had attacked him; they
had boarded his ship. He was protecting himself by not letting them go--he did not
want anyone to know of his existence.
The captain promised Dr. Aronnax that he would enjoy his time in the vessel. The
captain had Aronnaxs book in his collection, but told him he was bound to earth
science--he did not know everything and would soon enter a wonderland. Aronnax was
compelled by the captains offer and accepted the terms of their stay. Aronnax was
displeased when the captain did not offer his hand to seal their agreement.
The captain said his name was Captain Nemo, and that he would simply call Land and
Conseil passengers of the Nautilus. Land and Conseil were given a meal in their cell
and Aronnax was instructed to eat in the dining hall with Captain Nemo. The dining
hall was well decorated with oak and ebony. While eating, Captain Nemo exuberantly
explained to Aronnax how the sea provided for all of his needs. He was much more
jubilant than he had first appeared.
NOTES AND ANALYSIS OF CHAPTERS 6 - 10
Verne calls the ship that tries to catch the creature, the Abraham Lincoln. Abraham
Lincoln, the president of the United States from 1861-1865, presided over the
American Civil War and is credited with preserving the Union. He was assassinated in
April, 1865--one year before the book begins. The captain of
the Abraham Lincoln, Farragut, is named for a Union admiral, David Farragut. Farrugut
was credited with saying Damn the torpedoes--full speed ahead!!! This statement
may be construed as brave or insane, and Farragut can be seen in the same light. The
actions of the AbrahamLincoln, which appear rash and arrogant may be yet another
classification of the United States (similar to Ned Land, the gruff American). In the
19th century the United States was an emerging nation, that was quickly gaining in
economic and military might; yet, it was not always a match for its European
neighbors across the Atlantic. Many Europeans scoffed at the young nation and its
belief in manifest destiny of the 1840s (the belief that God wanted the United States
to reach from the Atlantic to the Pacific).
This section strongly develops the air of mystery that pervades the novel. The men
are placed in a dark cell, no one seems to speak their language, and they have no
idea what is happening. While the men inhabit the Nautilus they are slowly stripped of
their national identity. They live among a foreign language that they do not
understand, in a vessel that inhabits no nation, and they are subject to a new set of
laws--Nemos laws.
Another important aspect of this section is Ned Lands reference to cannibalism. This
is a reoccurring fear he will have. Literally, he is afraid his fellow man will eat him
alive. The symbolism of Lands name should not be forgotten. Unlike Aronnax, he can
only survive on the tangible--he is not please to sit and consider theoretical ideas or
philosophy. He is, in every sense, a creature of the land. The land is what Nemo has
tried to escape, because he has a deep hatred for his fellow man. Perhaps Land and
Nemo are correct to fear their fellow man will eat them alive, both literally and
figuratively.
This section also develops the characters of the men. Ned Land continues to be easily
angered and demanding (the gruff American); Aronnax continues to be refined and
concerned with protocol (note the French word for arrogance is the same as the
English-strikingly similar to Aronnax); Conseil continues to serve (note the French
word for counsel is conseil-- although Conseil is said to never counsel, he almost
always does, with permission of course).
CHAPTER 11: The Nautilus
Summary
In Chapter 11 Captain Nemo gives Dr. Aronnax a tour of the peculiar vessel,
the Nautilus. The first place they visit is the library. The library is rich and vast.
Aronnax is shocked at how well equipped it is. Nemo tells him it holds twelve
thousand volumes. The captain offers Aronnax a cigar that has been harvested from
sea weed rich in nicotine; Aronnax is impressed.
The next room Aronnax visits is the salon, which is filled with master paintings, a
piano, and scores of music. In addition to these wonders, were natural rarities such as
plants, shells, and other rare specimens.
Nemo shows Aronnax his cabin, which is an elegant room adjoined to the captains
bedroom. The captains room is bare, illuminated by indirect light, and furnished by
iron.
CHAPTER 12: All by Electricity
Summary
In his bedroom, Captain Nemo explained the scientific instruments seen throughout
the Nautilus. Nemo explained the basic instruments which measured things such as
pressure and temperature. However, the most important element to his ship, he
explained, was electricity. All the captain would say about the electricity was that it
was not the common sort. The captain extracted sodium from the water to mix with
mercury and use as batteries. Furthermore, the ship had the capacity to store air so
that it could remain at the depths of the sea for as long as the captain wished.
Captain Nemo then showed Aronnax his amazing dinghy, which he could use
underwater and form which he could telegraph the Nautilus when he wanted to be
picked up. In the kitchen Aronnax learned that that all of the cooking was done by
electricity as well. The engine room was brightly lit and Aronnax curiously examined
it. Still, he was fraught with the question of how electricity could be so powerful.
CHAPTER 13: A Few Figures
Summary
Back in the drawing room, Captain Nemo offers Aronnax a blueprint of the ship in an
effort to answer his questions. In this section, Captain Nemo explains the specific
dimensions of the ship. The men continue in a scientific discussion of measurements
and elements that affect the travel of the ship. Captain Nemo explains how he
constructed the Nautiluswith great enthusiasm.
Aronnax discovers that Nemo was an engineer who studied throughout the world. He
was able to keep the construction of the vessel a secret by receiving each of the parts
from different places across the globe and ordering them under different names. His
workshop was a small desert island. Upon Aronnaxs questioning, Nemo tells him that
he is very, very rich-- richer than Aronnaxs beloved France.
CHAPTER 14:The Black River
Summary
This chapter begins with a discussion of the vastness of the sea and how every period
of geological history has been a period of fire followed by a period of water. At first
there was nothing but the ocean.
Captain Nemo takes Aronnax to the surface to determine their location; they are off
the coast of Japan. Aronnax observes that with nothing in sight, the sea is like a vast
desert. When Captain Nemo retires, leaving Aronnax to his studies, Aronnax is
troubled by the identity of the captain and his hatred for humanity.
While Aronnax was observing how the Nautilus was about to cross the Black River,
Ned Land and Conseil appeared. Aronnax tried to convince Land that it was best not
to try to escape and Land argued that they were in a metal prison. Just then the
ceiling went dark and panels began moving to reveal the sea through two oval shaped
windows. The men were amazed by what they saw.
When Land expressed confusion about where the fish were, Conseil asked why he
cared, since he did not know about fish. Land claimed he did know about them since
he was a fisherman. Conseil said Land was a killer of fish, and did not know how to
classify them. The men continued the debate--each knowing about different aspects of
fish.
CHAPTER 15: A Written Invitation
Summary
This chapter opens with the morning after the viewing session. Conseil comes to
Aronnaxs chamber to attend to his needs, still acting the role of the domestic servant.
Aronnax spent the day in the salon, studying. Captain Nemo never appeared. The
following day continued the same, and Aronnax began to keep a diary of his
adventures.
The following five days, Aronnax began his day at the platform of the vessel. Each
morning he heard the officers of the vessel say and repeated the phrase: Nautron
respoc lorni virch. Although Aronnax did not understand the phrase he recognized it
each time. On the sixth day, Aronnax received a letter from Captain Nemo requesting
his presence, along with Land and Conseil, for a hunting trip the following day in the
forests of the Crespo Island.
Aronnax was shocked to learn the next day that Captain Nemo was referring to
underwater forests, where he intended to hunt using guns without getting wet. At
breakfast, Nemo explained that they would use an improved version of the
Rouquayrol-Denayrouze apparatus. This consisted of tanks worn on ones back
attached to a mouth piece. The guns they would use were air guns equipped with
glass bullets.
NOTES AND ANALYSIS OF CHAPTERS 11 - 15
This section allows for a closer look at Captain Nemo; yet, the reader still knows very
little about him. While he decorates the vessel lavishly, his own room is bare and
austere. It is possible that he is punishing himself for something. His room may be
interpreted as a symbol of the Captain himself: his exterior (the extravagantly
decorated ship) is commanding and intimidating--his interior (his room) is hollow, and
lonely.
This section also illuminates how the Nautilus functions. Captain Nemo has harnessed
scientific discovery and breakthroughs to create this incredible vessel. The reader
must recall the horror this ship has already caused, and the many lives that have been
lost because of it. As the book continues it becomes apparent that the ship also has
done many good things and is of immense value to humanity when properly used.
This is another reoccurring theme in the novel: sciences potential for disaster. This
novel was written in 1870 in the midst of widespread scientific discovery and
advancement. This advancement was accompanied with the underlying fear of the
unknown.
The mysterious mood of the novel is seen in the marvels the men encounter that were
previously unknown. They are truly in uncharted waters.
CHAPTER 16: An Excursion Over the Plains
Summary
Ned Land did not want to wear one of the frog suits, and was discouraged by the idea
of hunting underwater. Conseil said he would follow wherever his master went. Once
the men suited up they were released onto the ocean floor. Upon entering the water,
the heavy equipment became weightless and the men moved freely. Sunlight
penetrated the water and reflected off of the perfect sand. Aronnax marveled at the
variety of sea life. Aronnax observed how sound was felt more strongly because water
is a greater conductor of sound than air.
CHAPTER 17: An Underwater Forest
Summary
Approximately and hour and a half after having entered the water, the men reached
the forest that Captain Nemo considered his own. The forest was comprised of huge
plantlike trees that Aronnax had never seen before. Aronnax was amazed at how
everything stood perfectly straight. All that Aronnax missed was conversation. He was
surprised not to be hungry after their four hour excursion; he was only very tired.
The men encountered a monstrous sea spider, which Nemos companion killed. The
monster made Aronnax weary of what else he might meet. The men continued to
venture into the forest, when it got too dark they simply switched on their lights.
When they reached land, Captain Nemo stopped them suddenly. He refused to go any
farther. On the way back Nemo killed a sea otter; an animal that would have sold for a
good price on land. It had become very rare. The companion later killed a large bird,
an albatross.
Suddenly, Nemo and his companion pushed Aronnax and Conseil down into a brush of
seaweed, and laid down with them. A couple of sharks swam dangerously close to the
men. Fortunately, the sharks could not see well and they were safe.
CHAPTER 18: Four Thousand Leagues Under the Pacific
Summary
The next morning Aronnax returned to the platform of the vessel; once again, the sea
men uttered their daily phrase. It occurred to Aronnax that this foreign phrase might
mean, There is nothing in sight. When he looked out at the ocean, he saw nothing.
Aronnax observed the presence of some twenty sailors, all from various European
nations. They spoke to each other in the same strange language that Aronnax could
not understand.
Aronnax was startled by Captain Nemos sudden discussion of the personality of the
sea. Aronnax could not believe the captain did not preface his statements with good
day or good morning. The captain continued his discourse on the ocean and began
discussing tropical and polar waters. Aronnax was outraged by the thought that Nemo
might actually try to venture to the poles. Captain Nemo then quizzed Aronnax on the
depth of the seas, which Nemo said he would prove were much deeper.
In the weeks that followed, Aronnax rarely saw Nemo and spent much of his time with
Land and Conseil. The men spent their days talking, reading, and observing the
marvelous sea life that swam before the viewing stations in the salon. One day
Conseil interrupted Aronnaxs reading to show him something astonishing. There was
a sunken ship outside the Nautilus. There were bodies on board the ship--sailors, a
woman and her child. The men watched as sharks headed toward the bodies and
the Nautilus circled the ship.
CHAPTER 19: Vanikoro
Summary
As the Nautilus entered more populated seas, the men saw more and more
underwater destruction: sunken ships, cannon balls, anchors. They continued to
journey south east and encountered various islands and underwater life.
At the end of December, they arrived at the island Vanikoro. Upon arrival, Aronnax
recounted the apparently well known tale of La Prouses ship wreck. In 1785 Louis
XVI sent this explorer to circumnavigate the globe. In 1791 the French government
became concerned that La Prouse had not returned and sent two warships after him.
The warships did not find them, despite reports of shipwrecks. Another man, Dillon,
found the shipwreck at Vanikoro. He brought remains of the shipwreck back to Charles
X. The man who was originally sent to search for La Prouse went to Vanikoro when he
heard rumors of the shipwreck being discovered. He persuaded the natives of the
island to tell him about the shipwreck. He learned that La Prouse had built smaller
vessels but they had also wrecked. He did not know where.
Upon hearing Aronnaxs version of this tale, Captain Nemo finished the unknown
ending. The men created the second group of smaller vessels and made it to the
Solomon Islands, but perished between the Capes of Deception and Satisfaction.
Captain Nemo had discovered papers in the ship wreck that explained the tale.
CHAPTER 20: Torres Strait
Summary
On January 1, Conseil approached Aronnax on the platform and wished him a Happy
New Year. Aronnax asked whether Conseil thought they would be released from their
imprisonment that year. Conseil did not know what to say only that he did not know
how it all would end. Conseil remarked that Ned Land, a positive spirit and AngloSaxon, needed meat and brandy to be happy.
One day, on the platform, the men observed Captain Nemo steering the vessel toward
the Torres Strait. They thought he had gone mad, as he was headed full speed to the
vast expanse of sharp coral. The Nautilus hit a reef and was stuck. They would be
stuck for four days until the tides were in their favor to carry them away. Conseil and
Land wanted to go on land, and asked Aronnax if he might ask Nemo. Captain Nemo
very calm. Aronnax was afraid that the next day, when they had to open the hatches
for air, the natives would invade. Nemo still was unshaken. Nemo becomes upset with
Aronnax when he mentions that the Nautilus is run aground. Nemo sharply replies
that it is not and that it will be prepared to leave tomorrow at 2:40 p.m.
The next day, before departing, Nemo ordered the hatches open. When the Papuans
tried to enter, they were thrown back by some invisible force. Apparently, Nemo used
the metal staircases leading to the hatches as a metal conductor of electricity-shocking anyone who dare enter. The Papuans retreated and the Nautilus sailed away
as planned.
CHAPTER 23: grie Somnia
Summary
Captain Nemo tells Aronnax of his various experiments with water density and
temperature. Aronnax, Land and Conseil are amazed when they enter, far below the
surface of the sea, an area of phosphorescence.
One morning, just when life on the Nautilus began to feel normal, a strange thing
happened. On the platform, Aronnax did not hear the typical phrase from the crew to
which he had grown accustomed. Instead, when he looked up he saw land. When
Aronnax tried to look through his telescope, Captain Nemo grew angry. He was a much
different Nemo. Nemo was not angry with Aronnax, but was consumed by a hatred
produced by something on the shore. Captain Nemo told Aronnax that he and his
companions had to be locked up until further notice.
The men occupied their original cell and ate lunch. When the meal was finished, the
lights of the vessel suddenly went out. Then, they fell asleep--sleeping tablets had
been put in their food.
CHAPTER 24: The Coral Kingdom
Summary
The next morning the men awoke to find they had been placed into their beds. They
were once again free to move about the cabin. When Aronnax finally sees Nemo, he
seems distracted and depressed. Nemo asks Aronnax if he is a doctor, since he knows
many of his colleagues were. Aronnax says that he was for a while before he joined
the museum. Nemo asks him to look at a wounded crewman.
The mans injuries are terrible. His brain is exposed and he is approaching death.
Aronnax is surprised to see Nemo cry when Aronnax tells him the man will die.
The next day Nemo asks the men to go on another underwater excursion. This time
they go to the coral kingdom, where among the coral Nemos men bury the dead
man--in an underwater cemetery.
NOTES AND ANALYSIS OF CHAPTERS 21 - 24
In this section Aronnax, Conseil and Land encounter savages. In the 19th century,
savages were people who did not live in what many Europeans (and many people of
European descent) believed was a civilized manner. This meant that the people did
not wear Western clothes, or live in the same types of houses as westerners, or follow
the same social protocol.
In these chapters we experience a new and evil side of Nemo. He drugs the men into
sleep. It is apparent from the dead crew member that something horrible has
happened. However, we also see Nemo cry at the mans death. Nemo is an excellent
example of a round character. He is multifaceted. His many sides include capacity for
compassion, malice, sorrow, and joy. At the conclusion of Part II, the reader should be
aware that the Nautilus and Nemo are involved in something very sinister. At the
conclusion of this section there is a definite break in the relationship between Nemo
and Aronnax. Aronnax previously believed in the possibility that Nemo was a
misunderstood scientist. He revered Nemos genius. After the incident in which he was
drugged and a man died, Aronnax is convinced that Nemo has an evil underlying
purpose of revenge. The next section begins with an air of fear and uncertainty. The
captain of this mysterious vessel cannot be trusted.
Part 2
When Aronnax asked for his gun--to defend himself against sharks--Nemo gave him a
knife and told him he was better off.
The men saw new and exciting life below the surface. Nemo led them to a submarine
crypt in which resided an oyster weighing six hundred pounds. The was a giant pearl,
the size of a coconut, inside the oyster. Nemo would not let Aronnax touch the pearl.
By leaving the pearl in the oyster, Nemo was allowing it to grow even larger.
Later the men stopped to watch a diver collecting oysters. While the diver was
working, a shark came upon him and knocked him out with its tail. Before the shark
could eat the diver, Captain Nemo attacked it with his knife. Nemo and the shark
battled, until the shark knocked Nemo to the ground. Ned Land sprung to action and
killed the shark with his harpoon. Once freed, Nemo went to the Indian diver and
brought him to the surface, saving his life. When the man came to, Captain Nemo
gave him a string of pearls.
Back on the Nautilus, Aronnax reflected on the captains actions, noting that he was
not devoid of human emotion. When he mentioned this to the captain, Nemo said that
the Indian was his compatriot, a member of that oppressed country.
CHAPTER 4: The Red Sea
Summary
Chapter four opens with a discussion between Land and Aronnax of where the vessel
is headed. Aronnax does not know, nor does he seem to care. He is enjoying his
adventure aboard the Nautilus, and notes that like Nemo, he has become a fanatic.
Land grumbles that they have been imprisoned for three months.
Aronnax describes the scientific aspects of the Red Sea to the reader, and wonders
why Nemo would head there, which is where it seems they are going--although he is
not critical of the captains decision at all. Aronnax continues to enjoy the sights of the
sea through the viewing windows in the salon.
Captain Nemo joins Aronnax in the salon and the men engage in a discussion of the
dangers of the Red Sea, to which theNautilus is immune. Aronnax is surprised to hear
they will be venturing into the Mediterranean the next day, because he knows how far
the Cape of Good Hope is from their present location. The captain tells Aronnax that
there is tunnel at the bottom of the sea that will allow them to pass out of the Red Sea
without having to go to Africa at all. When Aronnax inquires how Nemo found this
passage, Nemo tells him there can be no secrets between people who are never to
part. Aronnax decides not to react to Nemos statement. Nemo explains how he
reason there must be a tunnel by observing fish species.
CHAPTER 5: Arabian Tunnel
Summary
Ned Land is suspicious of the tunnel, because he has never heard of it. On the way to
the tunnel the men observe a dugong, a curious and almost extinct creature. Land
first instinct was to kill the creature, because he had never killed one like it before.
Land is interested in eating the creature. Conseil suggests that because it is so rare it
should be left alone, for the purposes of science. Land believes it is more valuable for
the purpose of eating. Land, Conseil and Aronnax set out in the small boat to hunt the
creature.
Upon first try, Land barely injures the animal and it swims away--the boat chases. The
dugong returns to the boat, attacking it. The boat nearly capsizes, but Land manages
to kill the creature.
The next day the Nautilus makes it through the Arabian Tunnel.
NOTES AND ANALYSIS OF CHAPTERS 1 - 5
In this section the men hunt for pearls. It is important to note Nemos cultivation of
the giant pearl. He wants to leave it undisturbed so that it will become greater. This is
juxtaposition with the Nautilus. The longer the vessel remains undiscovered the more
powerful it becomes. Like the Nautilus, pearls have different kinds of power. Like Land,
many men are interested in the financial gain they promise; like the divers, many risk
and lose their lives in pursuit of the pearls. However, the peals also have an aesthetic
value. For this value, Aronnax prizes them. Similarly, the Nautilus is used for good and
evil. Through their experiences on the ship, Captain Nemo and Aronnax will be able to
significantly contribute to the scientific community and benefit mankind. However, the
ship is also used to destroy humanity.
When Nemo saves the life of the diver, the reader experiences yet another side of this
complex character. He seems intent on killing innocent people, but he saves this one
life. He remarks that this man is oppressed. It seems there is a political agenda to
Nemos madness. He must be killing certain people.
Ned Land continues to require tangible proof in order to believe something exists. He
cannot be convinced of the Arabian Tunnel until he experiences it. He, like Aronnax,
has a certain arrogance about him. He does not think something can exist unless he
knows about it. When Land encounters the dugong he must kill it because he has
never killed one before. Aronnax wonders if they should leave it for the benefit of
science. Land continues be a man of action, while Aronnax is much more cerebral.
CHAPTER 6 : The Greek Islands
Summary
Upon some urging, Land finally believed they had crossed through the tunnel and
were in the Mediterranean Sea, He asked if the three men could talk quietly about
their business,- escaping. Pierre Aronnax did not wish to leave the vessel. He
believed he would never again have such an opportunity to further his underwater
studies, and wanted to continue the entire voyage; yet, he did not want to preclude
his friends freedom. While Ned Land had enjoyed his time in the Nautilus, he believed
he could not fully appreciate it until it was through. Conseil believed that when they
had seen all there was to see, the captain would free them. Aronnax disagreed. He
thought that since the three men were privy to the secrets of the vessel, Captain
Nemo could not risk freeing them. Land began to convince Aronnax that they must
seize the present opportunity to escape. Conseil refused to state an opinion about
whether they should leave--he said he was always in the service of Aronnax. Aronnax
finally agreed with Land, because he realized that Land was correct--they could not
depend on Nemo to ever free them. But he warned Land that their first opportunity to
escape must be a real one and it must succeed because if they failed Captain Nemo
would never forgive them.
A curious incident occurred in the salon. Aronnax thought he saw a ship wrecked man,
but when the man swan toward the Nautilus the captain spoke to him through hand
signals. Then, Nemo walked over to a safe filled with gold and sent it somewhere
above them. That night, the small boat took the safe somewhere.
The next day they found themselves traveling in boiling water. It occurred to Aronnax
that if they had tried to escape they would have been killed.
CHAPTER 7:The Mediterranean in Forty-Eight Hours
Summary
It was impossible to escape the Nautilus while in the Mediterranean, as it went entirely
too fast the entire time. Conseil and Aronnax spent the entire time observing and
classifying species. After two days, the ship emerged in the Atlantic Ocean.
CHAPTER 8 Vigo Bay
Summary
Upon reaching the Atlantic, Land decided to execute their plan of escape. He came to
Aronnax and told him they would have to leave that night at 9pm., while they were
only a few miles off the Spanish coast. Land made the preparations.
For the rest of the day Aronnax was overcome with emotion. He did not want to leave
his underwater studies unfinished, especially not the Atlantic, which he considered his
ocean. However, he knew he must go. He wandered around the museum that he loved
so dearly. Aronnax found Captain Nemos austere room empty and went in. He
observed pictures on the wall of great men devoted to humanity, such as Washington
and Lincoln. Aronnax wondered what Nemo might have in common with these men.
At 9 p.m. Aronnax waited in the library for Lands signal, as planned. However, he
noticed a sudden slowing of the ship, and felt it sit at the oceans bottom. The Nemo
entered the library. Nemo asked Aronnax if he knew his Spanish history. When
Aronnax responded that he was not that familiar with it, Nemo relayed a story that
ended with a ship wreck in the Vigo Bay, the bay in which they were sitting. When
Aronnax looked out into the water he saw divers collecting the wealth that was left by
the wreck. Nemo told Aronnax that it was this shipwreck and the many others in the
seas that made him a multi millionaire. Aronnax remarked that these riches could be
better used if they were properly distributed. This statement incensed Nemo who said
why Aronnax would think that he kept them for himself. Aronnax realized then that
Nemo was still human, and that he was using his riches to help some poor and
oppressed people.
CHAPTER 9 A Vanished Continent
Summary
Aronnax recounted the events of the previous night to an angry, but still hopeful Ned
Land. At noon they checked to see the position of the vessel--it was sailing away from
Europe; no land was in sight.
Aronnax was not very disappointed and began his regular studies. That evening Nemo
asked Aronnax if he might like to go on an excursion at night time, since he never
had. He warned Aronnax that the journey would be long and tiring. Aronnax accepted.
Land and Conseil were not asked to come. The crew did not go either.
After a long walk , during which Aronnax saw many new and interesting things, the
men arrived at a strange place. There was a volcano and fire. It was the lost city of
Atlantis. Aronnax was thrilled.
CHAPTER 10:Underwater Coalmines
Summary
Much to their surprise, the men encounter an underwater coalmine in an extinct
volcano. Nemo tells them that the volcano is his safe haven, where no one will find
them and where he does not have to fear hurricanes--such as in other ports. In this
volcano, Nemos crew mine coal to aid in the production of electricity for the ship.
The men are able to spend the day walking around, as if on dry land (although as
Land points out, they are really under dry land not on it). The ocean tide beings to
rise, as does the lake inside the caverns they are exploring. The men are able to
escape safely. When the ship is restocked, they remain docked. Aronnax wonders why
they do not leave right away.
NOTES AND ANALYSIS OF CHAPTERS 6 - 10
Ned Land becomes increasingly urgent for escape. Meanwhile, Aronnax is torn
between escaping to help his friends and continuing his journey under the sea. Land,
who requires the experience of life first hand, cannot be contented like Aronnax
through observation and study. It seems Lands only real pleasures occur when he is
actually participating in something, such as hunting or exploring. Land and Aronnax
are both interested in marine life. However, Land is interested in the challenge they
present in being killed; Aronnax is interested in the challenge they present in being
understood.
Once again, the reader is surprised by the revelation that Nemo collects and donates
gold to the underprivileged.
CHAPTER 11: The Sargasso Sea
Summary
This chapter opens with a detailed explanation of the Sargasso Sea, which is a sea in
the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that is created by the split in the Gulf Stream. The
sea covers Atlantis, and is a veritable prairie land consisting of various grasses.
The ships sails for eighteen days with little incident. Aronnax thinks about how he
might persuade Nemo to free them at the end of the journey. He wonders if Nemo
might accept their oath to never speak of him. One day they are chased by some
boats who think they are a whale, but they dive below the surface so as to not waster
the whalers time. Another day, Nemo decides to go to the deepest part of the ocean
to make observations. Special precautions must be makes, since this is a difficult
journey for even the Nautilus. Nemo and Aronnax observe the sea life together as the
vessel descends. Nemo photographs the scene for Aronnax. The ship quickly returns
to the surface to avoid too much exposure to the pressure of the sea.
CHAPTER 12 : Sperm Whales and Baleen Whales
Summary
Aronnax is surprised to see that the ship is not heading back to its original location, as
he had suspected--- instead it is headed toward the South Pole. Ned grows wearier
from imprisonment. Land, Conseil and Aronnax try to figure out how many men there
are on board. They calculate that the Nautilus has enough of an air supply to sustain
625 men for 24 hours. However, they know there are not that many on board.
On the platform, the men observe and discuss whales. It is difficult for Ned Land to
watch and not be able to strike them with his harpoon. Dr. Aronnax and Land engage
in yet another one of their debates, in which Land must see it to believe it and
Aronnax cites information he has studied.
A battle begins between a school of sperm whales and a school of baleen whales.
The Nautilus submerges itself and joins the battle. At the end of the battle many
whales are dead, and theNautilus returns to the surface. It is sailing on what appears
to be a sea of blood. Even Ned Land is appalled at the sight. He tells Nemo that he is a
hunter, not a butcher, and this massacre was the work of butchers. Nemo remarks
that he killed evil animals.
Aronnax observes that after this incident Lands attitude toward Nemo deteriorated
significantly.
CHAPTER 13: The Ice-Cap
Summary
There is now increasing ice in the sea as the head toward the polar ice cap. Travel
became more and more difficult as the Nautilus became trapped in the ice. Once they
reached the polar ice cap, Ned Land is certain they can go no farther. Aronnax, always
the scientist, wants to know what is beyond the wall. When Captain Nemo asks
Aronnax what he thinks of the present situation, Aronnax responds that he thinks they
are caught. Nemo says Aronnax only sees snags and obstacles. He proclaims that
the Nautilus will free itself and go farther. Nemo tells Aronnax he plans to pass under
the ice cap.
Throughout the night the vessel descends below the ice. Conseil and Aronnax can
barely sleep. The next day the Nautilus is free.
CHAPTER 14: The South Pole
Summary
The men find a landmass among the ice caps, which they expected because ice caps
can only form along a coast. They presume they are the first men ever to see this mad
because of how impossible it is to get there. Captain Nemo is the first to step on the
land. In his typical fashion, Aronnax catalogues all the vegetation and animal life of
this desolate continent. Captain Nemo becomes impatient when the sun will not rise.
The men return to the ship when snow begins to fall.
Conseil and Aronnax return to the land another day without Land or Nemo, and
explore the territory. The next day the men (including Nemo but excluding Land)
return to the land. The date is March 21, the equinox. This is the last day the sun will
be available for the next six months. They must make all of their observations now. If
the sun lined up with the summit of the land at noon, they could be certain they had
reached the South Pole. At noon, they realized they had. After a long description of
many other such discoveries, Nemo placed a black flag with a golden N on the land,
naming it for himself.
CHAPTER 15: Accident or Incident
Summary
One night, while leaving the South Pole, Aronnax is awakened by confusion on board.
The ship was turned on its side and motionless. He observed confusion all around.
When they finally found Captain Nemo he told them that by accident the ship had run
aground. An iceberg slid under the ship. They were emptying the pumps of the vessel
to try to free it.
They spent a fitful night trying to free the Nautilus from its entrapment. When it
seemed they were free, there was another collision. It seemed they were trapped.
NOTES AND ANALYSIS OF CHAPTERS 11 - 15
Ned Land distinguishes himself from Captain Nemo during the incident in which
the Nautilus slays numerous whales. Land calls Nemo a butcher. This shows that while
Land enjoys the sport on hunting animals, he does not believe in torturing them, and
he always does it with a purpose: to eat or to make a living. Nemo seems to enjoy
killing innocent creatures for the pleasure of it.
Nemos excursion to the South Pole seems to be another example of his propensity
toward madness. He apparently goes with the intention of being the first to claim the
territory, yet he seems to disregard the obvious and grave risk of human life.
CHAPTER 16: Not Enough Air
Summary
Captain Nemo tells the men that there are two ways of dying in their present
situation: being crushed; being asphyxiated. Food is not an issue because they have
generous provisions. Nemos strategy is to send his divers to cut through the iceberg
at its least thick point. The men take turns helping cut through the ice. As they dug
through, Aronnax notices the added danger of the once collapsing on them once the
hole is dug through.
The captain decides to emit boiling water from the jets of the Nautilus to slow the
freezing. The men begin to grow tired, suffering from oxygen deprivation. Suddenly,
the Nautilus becomes free. The plan worked.
CHAPTER 17: From Cape Horn to the Amazon
Summary
The men rushed to the platform as soon as the Nautilus surfaced, breathing in deep
gulps of air. Aronnax thanked the other tow men for saving him. When Land said he
was simple arithmetic, that Aronnaxs life was worth more than theirs, Aronnax said
this was not true. The men returned to their talk of leaving, thinking of how they
might escape.
The next few pages are filled with Aronnaxs observations of fish and sea as the ship
sails north. He spends his days studying and reading. One day Conseil, unknowingly,
lifted a dangerous torpedo fish and became paralyzed for a few moments. That
evening they ate the fish out of revenge.
CHAPTER 18: Squid
Summary
As the men sail far off the American coast they consider how they might leave the
vessel. They are not sure that it is possible. Land suggests that Aronnax ask Nemo
outright if he plans on freeing them. Aronnax thinks this is a bad idea. He has noticed
a change in Nemo, who seems to be avoiding him. Nemo no longer visits Aronnax in
the salon, nor does he explain the underwater adventure any longer. Aronnax does
not think it is a good idea to ask Nemo about their freedom, because he is certain
Nemo has no intentions of restoring it. Furthermore, he does not want to arouse any
suspicion about their impending escape. Aronnax is also ready to return to the
surface; he now feels he has enough information for a complete book and does not
want this information to be buried with him.
One night the discussion turns to squid, as the men watch them through the
observation windows. Land, in his typical fashion, does not believe in the existence of
the giant squid because he has not ever dissected one. Suddenly, the vessel stops.
Captain Nemo enters the salon and looks out the windows. He tells the men that a
squid has gotten caught in the ships propeller. They will surface and fight off the
squid with axes since electric bullets can not kill them (they do not offer enough
resistance to the bullet to allow an explosion to occur).
The men open the hatches of the ship and are attacked by the squid. As a sailor is
carried away and suffocated by a squid, he calls out in French. Aronnax is shocked,
since all he had ever heard them speak is the strange language that he does not
understand. The men think they have almost freed the poor sailor when the squid
releases a black liquid, temporarily blinding everyone. The squid carries the sailor
away. Captain Nemo saves Ned Land from a similar fate. When the battle is over,
Nemo looks at the sea in which the sailor is lost and cries.
CHAPTER 19: The Gulf Stream
Summary
For ten days the Nautilus sails at random, reflecting the sad mood of Nemo. As the
ship travels north in the Gulf Stream, the men look for an opportunity for escape. They
are only thirty miles off the American coast and consistently encounter steamers,
which they are sure will pick them up upon escape. Unfortunately, the weather turns
very bad--too bad to sail in a small boat. Ned Land tells Aronnax now that they were in
his shores he would talk with the captain. He fears they will head to the North Pole
and repeat the incident at the South Pole. Fearing Land would act rashly and ruin their
chances, Aronnax offers to talk with the captain himself.
Aronnax goes to the captains room, obviously disturbing him. The captain asks for the
same freedom he grants to Aronnax; the freedom to remain alone. Captain Nemo
shows Aronnax the manuscript he is writing. He tells him it contains the secrets of his
life and his discoveries in the sea. The plan is for the last man living on the ship to
toss it into the waves, so the secrets will not die. Aronnax tells Nemo that he thinks
his plan is crude, because he does not know that the manuscript will be found. He tells
the captain that he and his companions will take the manuscript and keep it a secret
in exchange for their freedom. Aronnax asks the captain if he ever plans on freeing
them. The captain says that he who enters the Nautilus must remain there. When
Aronnax complains that this is slavery, Nemo says he has never sworn them to an
oath. Nemo then says he will not speak of this a second time. Upon hearing of Nemos
reaction, Ned Land says they must try to escape when they get to Long Island-whatever the weather.
A storm breaks the day they reach Long Island. The Nautilus remains above the water.
Nemo stands on the platform defying the storm. As the terrifying hurricane continues
at the surface, the Nautilus returns below the sea, where no sign of the hurricane is
present.
CHAPTER 20: 47 24N, 17 28W
Summary
The ship continued heading north east. Then , after some time, and much to the
surprise of the men, the ship began heading south--toward Europe. Aronnax and Land
wondered if theNautilus would dare to enter the English Channel. Captain Nemo
appeared again, somber and distracted. One evening, the Nautilus sink to the seas
bottom yet again, next to a ship wreck. Captain Nemo told Aronnax the story of how
the ship sunk bravely in battle. The ship was called the Vengeur.
NOTES AND ANALYSIS OF CHAPTERS 16 - 20
At the South Pole, when it seems that death is imminent, Captain Nemo treats the
idea nonchalantly. He seems more concerned that his project will fail--that
the Nautilus is not as powerful as he believed-than the idea that he and the men
might die.
Following this event, the need to escape becomes more pronounced. Even Aronnax,
who until this point has thought how he might reason with the captain, is beginning to
think action is necessary. Aronnax is changing and allowing himself to rely more on his
experience with real life than with his ability to rationalize.
Once again, Nemo shows compassion when he is moved by the death of an innocent
crewmember by the squid. It seems that Nemo does value human life to an extent
and that his revenge is politically motivated.
Throughout this tale Nemo tells many stories. This technique is known as a frame
story--telling a tale within a tale. Often, in this novel, the tale within the tale is used to
preface an excursion (e.g. the story of Atlantis). However, in this section Nemos tale
of the sinking of the Vengeur is foreshadowing. Foreshadowing is when the author
writes something that warns the reader of something similar to come later. In French
vengeur means avenger--someone seeking revenge. The premise of Nemos life on
the Nautilus seems to be revenge. When he discusses how theVengeur sunk heroically
in battle, he is foreshadowing his own demise.
CHAPTER 21: A Massacre
Summary
Aronnax observes the captain as he tells the story of the shipwreck and decides that it
is a deep and unusual hatred that confines him to the Nautilus. At the end of his story
there is a small explosion. Aronnax races to the platform and finds a cannon has been
fired. The cannon has been fired from a warship, though they cannot tell what the
ships nationality is. Ned Land suggests that if the ship comes within one mile, they
should throw themselves into the sea. The warship continues to fire at the vessel and
Aronnax becomes convinces that Nemo has been using the Nautilus for revenge. Land
waves a handkerchief in hopes the men on the warship will know he is an honest man.
Captain Nemo sees him and throws him to the ground. Nemos physical appearance
has become terrifying. He is pale and angry. The captain then raises his flag. He yells
at the men to go down to their cell because he will sink the war ship.
Aronnax later returns to Nemo who tells him that they - the country to which the
warship belongs--are the oppressors and the reason he has lost everything he once
had. When Aronnax sees Land, he tells him they must escape. They wait for night fall.
Nemo remains on the platform all night. When the chance finally comes for the men to
escape, the Nautilus begins to descend below the sea again. They lose their chance.
The Nautilus sinks the warship. Aronnax watches as it sinks to the bottom.
Aronnax watches Nemo walk into his room. He notices a portrait of a woman and two
small children. Nemo reaches for it and breaks into sobs.
CHAPTER 22: Captain Nemos Last Words
Summary
As Chapter 22 opens, everything on the ship is dark. Aronnax is in a state of horror
after having witnessed such a gruesome scene. Although he understands now that
Nemo has obviously endured some sort of terrible tragedy at the hands of his fellow
man, Aronnax does not think there is any way to justify his actions.
Aronnax finds Conseil and Land. The lights come back on and the men realize they are
heading, at an incredible speed, north to the Artic Sea. The Nautilus travels in this
manner for three weeks. Neither Nemo nor his crew are ever seen. One day while
Aronnax is dozing, Land wakes him, saying they will escape that night. Land believes
all surveillance is gone on board. They are twenty miles off the coast of a land he does
not recognize. They decided that regardless of the weather (the sea appears stormy)
they will escape; they will even risk death.
That evening, Aronnax grows restless. He tries to remember all the treasures in
Nemos museum because he is certain they will disappear with Nemo one day on the
bottom of the sea. Then, Aronnax hears Nemo playing sad music on the organ--in the
salon, which Aronnax must cross to escape.
When it is time to leave, Aronnax tries to cross the salon as quietly as possible. Before
Aronnax has escaped the room, Nemo gets up from the organ releasing a deep sigh;
he sobs and says God almighty! Enough is Enough! Aronnax runs from the room still
undetected.
When the men get into the boat they hear the crew talking urgently, and at first think
their escape has been detected. However, they soon realize it is not the men the crew
is upset with but maelstrom, which they repeat over and over again. A maelstrom is
a large and violent whirlpool. Aronnax then realizes they are off the Norwegian coast.
Here there is a notorious and goat whirlpool, from which no ship has ever been able to
escape. Besides ships, polar bears and whales are also often lost in this monstrous
whirlpool. As the men realize what is happening, they try tightening the bolts that
hold the dinghy to the Nautilus. As the vessel gets sucked into the whirlpool, the bolts
crack and the dinghy is tossed into the maelstrom. Aronnax hits his head and loses
consciousness.
CHAPTER 23: Conclusion
Summary
Aronnax does not know how, but the men escaped safely. They woke up in the hut of a
fisherman on the Lofoten Islands. The entire journey lasted ten months and covered
20,000 leagues. Aronnax is now waiting in Norway for a ship to take him home to
France. While he waits, he is revising his manuscript of his adventures under the sea.
He does not know if Captain Nemo survived. He hopes the captain did survive and
that the hatred in his heart will subside. Aronnax ends his narrative by saying that he
and Captain Nemo may now affirmatively answer the verse in Ecclesiastes which asks
hast thou walked in the search of the depth?
NOTES AND ANALYSIS OF CHAPTERS 21 - 23
This final section of the novel includes the climax and outcome of the tale. Nemo
engages in one last and bloody battle with an unknown ship. In Vernes original
version of the story, Nemo was revealed as Polish and the ship was Russian. However,
his publisher was afraid he would offend the Russians (although this rivalry would
have been appreciated among French readers). In the final version, the nationality of
the warship remains unknown; however, it is apparent that the nationality is
important to Nemo.
When the battle is concluded and the men are trying to escape, Aronnax hears
Nemos lonesome cry that enough has been enough. Aronnax discovers, among the
portraits of various respected figures, a portrait of a woman and children in Nemos
room. This indicates that Nemo is acting to avenge the deaths of his wife and children.
It remains unclear what caused their deaths. Nemos last words indicate that the
whirlpool in which the Nautilus becomes trapped was not found accidentally. It is
possible that he has launched the vessel into the whirlpool with the intention of
destroying it. Perhaps Nemo realizes the extent of his science--he decided that its evil
powers outweighed its good.