TABLES OF

CONTENT
20000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction of the author

Brief introduction of the story (Social

context, motivation of the author to write
the story)

ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL

READING
Characters' analysis

Rhetorical devices

Reviews from other sources

Group's review

Reflection on what we have learnt from

the story
 I.GENERAL

INFORMATION
The author of “Twenty thousand leagues under the introduction of the

sea” – the French novelist, poet, and playwright Jules author

Gabriel Verne (8/2/1828 – 24/3/1905) was born on an

artificial island on the Loire River where his lifelong
passion for literature, especially theatre was originally
aroused.
Even though his father initially intended to lead him to follow in his footsteps as an
attorney, his massive affection for novels eventually guided him to become an
extraordinarily successful novelist of the 19th century as he became the second-
most translated author in the world as well as had a far-reaching influence on
different areas in France and most of Europe. The first one (1862-1886) which is
regarded as the “Positivist period” observed the majority of his worldwide
reputation together with thriving success concerning science-adventure novels
such as Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1863); From the Earth to the Moon
(1865) and especially, Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea (1870).

Unfortunately, the following phase – the “Pessimist period” (1886-

1905) was not so optimistic as Verne changed his ideological tone of
pro-science tales of exploration and discoveries into extreme dangers
of technology while confronting with miserable personal issues
ranging from his rebellious son to steadily aggravating financial
difficulties which at last, resulted in his death at his home on
24/03/1905
The last phase – the “Fils period” (1905 – 1919)
began after his death when his son decided to
publish all of his posthumous works; however,
critics later pointed out that the son had entirely
rewrote them and made their style more
melodramatic
 As one of the rarest works to be astonishingly well acclaimed since its
publication, the classic science fiction adventure novel “Twenty
Thousand Leagues Under The Sea” was created from a pretty capturing
noitcudortni feirb a
context and background. In fact, it was not intended to be a novel at
I.GENERAL INTRODUCTION

first as Verne only wrote in serialized from as “Vingt Mille Lieues sous
les mers” for the “Magasin d’Education et de Recreation”; nevertheless,
the serial was so successful with the first edition sold out within a week
that Pierre-Jules Hetzel decided to publish it as a book with 2 parts and
47 chapters in total of which the 13th chapter of part 2 called “The Ice
bank” is our primary point. It has been pointed out that the story was
written at the height of Europe's colonial powers when the empires of
Britain, France, Portugal, Holland, and Spain still own colonies in the
Americas, Africa, and Asia; therefore, several symbols of this period
were featured in the novel.

For instance, “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” not only
captures Western explorers’ sense of excitement and triumph towards
“conquering” of different regions of the globe but also reflects the
injustice, exploitation, and violence that were central to colonial
exploration as well as numerous outstanding advances in scientific
technology in the 19th century. However, besides those features’
indisputably vital role in the novel, there is also one element that a
great number of people believe to be the true motivation behind the
story which is the author’s profound love for exploration and sea.
Studies have even suggested that Verne was probably sailing in his
Saint-Michel while composing “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The
Sea” in order to prompt new ideas and images. Without a doubt, every
element ranging from publisher, social context to the author’s core
motivation has made a major contribution to the most popular book of
Verne’s science-fiction series “Voyages extraordinaires”.
I.GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Summary

GNIDAER LACITIRC
DNA SISYLANA.II

AB = Abraham Lincoln ( a ship )

a. Professor Pierre Aronnax

sisylana

Professor Pierre Aronnax is the story’s protagonist and narrator, a

Frenchman who works as a professional naturalist in the Museum of
Natural History. While lecturing in the United States, he was
requested by the US Government to participate in the expedition
aboard AB, in search for the secretive sea monster that has been
attacking ships. Being a diligent man, Aronnax relishes probing
'sretcarahc

further into the intriguing aspects of science - which is not solely his
occupational task- but his whole reason for being. The man possesses
a boundless curiosity about the mysteries of the world - which
characterizes him as the most adaptable individual in the story. This
pliancy substantially helps him in treating his life with captain Nemo
on the Nautilus with enthusiasm instead of being horrified. Howbeit,
this open-mindedness of Professor Aronnax complicates his
relationship with Ned Land - who is desperately trying to abscond the
submarine. Despite this, he is ambivalent - owing to his inexplicable
connection to captain Nemo
b. Captain Nemo
Captain Nemo is a highly mystifying person, the commander of Nautilus - a
submarine that is misunderstood to be a sea monster. Much of captain Nemo’s
background is unrevealed in the story, such as his real name, his indigenous
origins and the reasons for his self-inflicted underwater exile. Nevertheless, it
is conjectured that he might originate from an oppressed group of people from
India. Captain Nemo is highly intelligent - he has previously studied
engineering in well-esteemed cities such as Paris, London, and New York, which
accounts for his self-built submarine. The story doesn’t answer whether Nemo
is a hero or a villain. Actions including holding Aronnax, Conseil and Ned Land
captive, implementing tyrannical behavior over his ship and seeking revenge
against the powers that have murdered his family could be commonly
interpreted as atrocious. Nevertheless, he is considerate and thoughtful to his
companions. As the story develops, captain Nemo gradually becomes dispirited,
owing to his mental instability.

c. Ned Land
Ned Land is a highly skillful Canadian harpooner who joins aboard the
AB in pursuit of the enthralling sea monster. Although there is a
connection between him and Aronnax, it could be inferred from the
story that they are unalike. While Aronnax is eager to investigate
scientific mysteries, Ned is somewhat less intelligent. What he
possesses are valuable warrior-like qualities, such as his boldness and
fearlessness.Among the co-captors on Nautilus, Ned is the most
skeptical about captain Nemo and is constantly trying to escape from
his submarine .
d. Conseil
Conseil is a Flemish man who is Professor Aronnax’s servant and
concomitantly takes part in the exploration aboard the AB. Being an
unswervingly loyal servant, Conseil is always willing to sacrifice his own
life to protect his “master”. Additionally, he is synchronously quick-
witted and is a great help to Professor Aronnax’s scientific research
process.
 a. Similes:
“The explosions, cave–ins, and great iceberg somersaults would occur all
around us, altering the scenery like the changing landscape in a diorama.”
“The Nautilus went into these brittle masses like a wedge, splitting them with
dreadful cracklings.”
By utilizing these similes, the author makes the images much more
conversant and dazzling, which can captivate the reader’s attention and
arouse their mind's eye actively. He has efficaciously labeled the momentous
force of nature (icebergs, explosions and those cave-ins) that can effortlessly
alter the landscapes around along with the straight-forward push of the
Nautilus which does not scare of hurdles cropping up on the trip.

b. Visual Imagery:
“Indeed, larger blocks of ice soon appeared, their brilliance
varying at the whim of the mists. Some of these masses
displayed green veins, as if scrawled with undulating lines
of copper sulfate. Others looked like enormous amethysts,
letting the light penetrate their insides. The latter reflected
the sun's rays from the thousand facets of their crystals.
The former, tinted with a bright limestone sheen, would
c. Narration through Aronnax’s have supplied enough building material to make a whole
viewpoint: marble town.”
Beyond the shadow of any doubt,
On the grounds of brilliant visual imagery skill, booklovers
following the protagonist’s
can clearly envisage the mind-boggling backcloth of those
footsteps into the new venture to
mountains assembled from gargantuan icebergs. Through
the enchanted deep sea, sharing
the power of vivid words, readers have the eligibility to
the exactly same feelings,
convert into the characters, observing the crystal diamonds
readers are aroused their
glittering under the sunshine with their naked eyes. It’s
inquisitiveness together with
just like having the golden chance to enter the fairy tale’s
exhilaration, wanting to read
world that everyone would dream of back to their
more to find out the missing
puzzles. If the story is narrated childhood.
by Captain Nemo, this will beget
discontent on account of a too

II. Analysis and

soon revelation of the minutiae
and his enigmatic characteristics
into the bargain. Consequently, it
will irrefutably generate a lack of
hugger-mugger pieces of stories
critical reading
or mysteries that can captivate RHETORICAL DEVICES
their attention.
 "Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea" is a very interesting science fiction
adventure story published in 1870. The story is authored by iconic science fiction
writer, Jules Verne. The style is consistent with norms of that time. There is no
vulgarity and can be read by youth. At times there are fairly lengthy discourses
about sea life, geography, historical, and literary figures, that might be made more
fun and valuable with the aid of a mentor. As a parent I would not hesitate to
participate with my children in reading this novel.”

-Frank Donnelly-
“20.000 Leagues Under the Sea is, of course a Verne classic. I feel
it wears well with time. The adventures are interesting, the
descriptions of flora and fauna extensive, and the tale moves well.
We are left with some curiosity as to the origin of Captain Nemo's
hate for civilization, and the conclusion of the story with the Norsk
whirlpool I feel is a bit weak. It is a good read, nonetheless.”

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II .A n a l y s i s a n -
critical reading
W
P'S REVIE
ES AND GROU
ER SOURC
FROM OTH
REVIEWS

“Twenty Thousand leagues under the Sea”

can be considered as one of the most
thrilling and interesting science-fiction
masterpiece in the huge collection of
literature- a Verne classic. The novel
includes lengthy and picturesque
descriptions of the sea life, its geography,
its landscapes with flora and fauna, as well
as provision of the literary figure – Captain
Nemo, one who is not only responsible for
his sailors’ survival but also full of
consideration for others, which was fully
expressed in the chapter that we chose to
discuss. As a student, I find this book a
source of interest as well as knowledge and
is worth taking a glance of in one’s spare
time.
Group 4's review
“This masterpiece, illustrated through exquisite
wording, is written in a journal standpoint. The
adventures that are recorded in this book seem to
rely on that writing style. Jules Verne skillfully
knits together times, places, and dates that center
around the mysterious Captain Nemo and his self-
proclaimed nation of the subterranean level of the
earth. He keeps this character a mystery for most
of the book, but does not disguise his genius. The
main character is probably a well spun subplot to
why Nemo is the way he is, but is also a good
example of making the best of every situation. This
book may be boring to some, but to those looking
for an intelligent and deep (pin intended) read, I
highly recommend it.”
-Puzzler22-
“Twenty thousand leagues under the sea” is an enthralling book which brings the
readers aboard the Nautilus on a thrilling journey under the sea along with Captain
Nemo, Professor Pierre Aronnax, Conseil and Ned Land. One of the most impressive
parts of the book was the Ice Bank, which doesn’t only open our eyes to breathtaking
sceneries in the midst of ice, but also teaches us valuable life lessons and inspires
dreams of exploration.
During its adventure, the Nautilus faced an unexpected obstacle that might seem
impossible to overcome “the Nautilus was reduced to immobility … it was just as
impossible to turn back as to go forward”. Dire as the situation was, there wasn’t a
shred of anxiety in the expression and attitude of Captain Nemo; on quite the contrary,
he showed absolute confidence and optimism that they will surpass the hurdle:
“You see only impediments and obstacles! I promise you, not only will the Nautilus float
clear, it will go farther still … Where others have failed, I'll succeed”
Coming up against an obstruction, don’t let the negativities cloud your vision. At the
beginning, the professor held a not-so-positive point of view toward the circumstances
and was baffled at the self-assurance of the captain. However, “a sudden insight into
Captain Nemo's plans” led him to believe in the success of the attempt, so he became
much more eager and shared a myriad of ideas regarding the issue.
Another lesson learnt from the chapter is that, you won’t succeed unless you try.
Holding the belief that nobody can defeat nature, Ned Land was skeptical and
unenthusiastic toward the possibility of clearing the ice bank. Professor Pierre thought
the idea was far – fetched as well but did become more convinced later on. After several
unsuccessful experiments, the Nautilus was able to rise to the ocean, much to the joy of
the characters.
The chapter in particular, and the novel in general, has been a wonderful source of
inspiration to our group. During our process of engaging in the chapter, it seemed as if
we had wandered into a frozen abyss full of ice with no ways out. The farther we went,
the more these blocks of ice grew in numbers and brilliance. However, as though we
were encouraged by the adventurous spirits of the characters, we allowed ourselves to
be guided by our fearlessness and determination to escape the ice fields. Some of us
also expressed that the book had sparked our growing interest in the field of science
through the knowledge scattered in different parts of it.
 (p)&(c) : Eng 2
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A GROUP 4 'S PRODUCTION

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