When the novel begins, the main character and narrator, Professor Aronnax, describes a terrifying new occurrence in the world’s oceans. There is a large creature, some suggest, that is attacking ships indiscriminately. He has been tasked, along with others, to hunt this creature down and ensure that it does no further damage. Initially, under the impression that the animal they’re hunting is a giant narwhal, the Professor and his companions soon discover that it is, in fact, a huge submarine commanded by Captain Nemo. This mysterious antagonist keeps the three central characters hostage aboard the submarine, unwilling to allow the secret of his existence and his vast creation to reach those he believes are trying to prosecute him and keep him from living his chosen way of life.
Key Facts aboutTwenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
- Title:Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
- When/where written: Paris, France 1869-1870
- Published:1870 (English version— 1872)
- Literary Period:Romanticism
- Genre:Science Fiction
- Point-of-View:First-person
- Setting:The world’s oceans
- Climax:Nemo attacking a warship
- Antagonist: Captain Nemo
Jules Verne and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Jules Verne was a French author and pioneer of the “adventure” genre. This novel is one of several in his “Voyages Extraordinaires.” This was a series of novels he started in 1862 and included other classics like Journey to the Center of the Earth and Around the World in Eighty Days. He worked in the adventure genre throughout his career, an interest that scholars believe began in his youth. Perhaps, through the influence of Madame Sambin, a particularly important instructor who, some scholars suggest, laid the initial spark of inspiration and interest in seafaring.
A famous anecdote from his youth, which is generally considered more fiction than fact, describes the young Verne embarking on a ship journey at eleven years old without his family’s permission. Supposedly, he signed on to the vessel as a cabin boy. His father is said to have retrieved him at the ships’ first stop.
Commonly, scholars cite the rapid industrialization of France, as well as the rest of Europe, for Verne’s (and other authors’) interest in science and new technologies. For example, the use of electricity throughout the country and what it could lead to (positively and negatively) in the future. In Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, this is seen through the narrator’s focus on how the Nautilus operates and illuminates the water.
By the end of his career, he had invented what is known today as “Roman de la Science,” or “Novel of Science.” This genre of novel is considered a precursor to science fiction. Verne’s interest in contemporary culture, history, exploration, and more is seen through numerous allusions to real-life explorers and historical events in the novel. He also sought to create scientifically accurate descriptions of the submarine, how it maneuvered, and marine life.
Books Related to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Throughout his career, Jules Verne wrote prolifically. Scholars describe his ability to create as many as two books a year for several years throughout his career. His Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is similar to the other adventure novels he penned at the height of his popularity. For example, Journey to the Center of the Earth. It was first published in French in 1864 and described the adventures of an eccentric professor who journeys to the center of the earth. The explorers discover prehistoric creatures, an underground ocean, and more.
The novel also shares similarities with other early examples of science fiction like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, H.G. Wells novels like War of the Worlds and The Invisible Man, and adventure novels like Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo. Famously, Hugo (who is best known for Les Miserables) was one of Verne’s primary influences.
The Lasting Impact of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
The clearest impact Jules Verne’s novel had on the world of literature comes in the form of the development of the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Verne and authors like Mary Shelley, Jack London, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, and Samuel Butler are usually credited with the earliest works of this fantastical new genre. The Golden Age of Science Fiction (usually cited as the peak of in the genre) included novels by Issac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, and Ray Bradbury. The latter’s The Martian Chronicles is a wonderful example of the period. Other works inspired by early experimentation with science-fiction themes include A Canticle for Leibowitz, published in 1959, a novel set in a catholic monastery in the United States post-nuclear war.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Summary 🦑
‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ is an incredible adventure story that takes readers into the depths of the ocean and into the vengeful mind of Captain Nemo.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Review ⭐
‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is famed as one of Jules Verne’s best science adventure novels. It was published in June 1870 and has stood the test of time. It can still be found on the lists of the greatest novels of the 19th century and beyond and on reader’s bookshelves around the world.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Themes and Analysis 🦑
‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ by Jules Verne is a classic scientific adventure novel published in English in 1872. It engages with a variety of themes, utilizes interesting symbols, and contains examples of various literary devices.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Characters 📖
Jules Verne’s ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ is one of his most popular novels. It features very few characters, one of which is the infamous and mysterious Captain Nemo.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Quotes 💬
Throughout Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea he utilizes many thoughtful quotes about exploration, rage, and nature.
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in literature, particularly in the works of Jules Verne, and I can confidently provide insights into the rich tapestry of themes, characters, and historical context surrounding his iconic novel, "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."
First and foremost, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Title and Publication Details:
- The novel is titled "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."
- It was written by Jules Verne in Paris, France, during 1869-1870.
- The English version was published in 1872.
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Literary Period and Genre:
- The literary period is Romanticism.
- The genre of the novel is Science Fiction.
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Point-of-View and Setting:
- The story is narrated in the first person by Professor Aronnax.
- The setting spans the world's oceans.
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Climax and Antagonist:
- The climax involves Captain Nemo attacking a warship.
- The main antagonist is Captain Nemo, who initially appears as a threat to ships in the ocean.
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Author Background - Jules Verne:
- Jules Verne is a French author and a pioneer of the adventure genre.
- He initiated the "Voyages Extraordinaires" series in 1862, which includes "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."
- Verne's interest in adventure and the sea is often attributed to influences from his youth, possibly sparked by an instructor named Madame Sambin.
- Verne's early life includes a fictionalized anecdote of him embarking on a ship journey at eleven years old without permission, signing on as a cabin boy.
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Industrialization and Scientific Interest:
- Scholars attribute Verne's interest in science and technology to the rapid industrialization of France and Europe during his time.
- The novel reflects this interest through the narrator's focus on the Nautilus's operation and its illumination of the underwater world.
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Novel of Science - Verne's Contribution:
- Verne's later works contributed to the "Roman de la Science" or "Novel of Science," considered a precursor to science fiction.
- He aimed for scientifically accurate descriptions of the submarine and marine life in "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."
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Related Books and Influences:
- Verne wrote prolifically, creating as many as two books a year.
- "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" shares similarities with Verne's other adventure novels like "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
- Influences include early science fiction works like Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," H.G. Wells' novels, and Victor Hugo's adventure novel "Toilers of the Sea."
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Impact on Literature - Golden Age of Science Fiction:
- Verne's novel is credited with contributing to the development of the Golden Age of Science Fiction.
- The Golden Age included works by authors like Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, and Ray Bradbury.
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Summary, Review, Themes, Characters, and Quotes:
- The provided article includes brief sections on the summary, review, themes, characters (including Captain Nemo), and quotes from "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."
In conclusion, "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" stands as a pivotal work in literature, blending adventure, science fiction, and Verne's meticulous attention to scientific detail, leaving an enduring impact on the literary world.
