TL;DR
A thrilling science-fiction adventure by Jules Verne, '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' follows Captain Nemo's secret submarine, the Nautilus, as it embarks on an extraordinary underwater journey.
What is 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea about
'20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' by Jules Verne is a classic science-fiction novel that forms part of his renowned 'Voyages extraordinaires' series. The story, narrated by Professor Pierre Aronnax, begins with a mission to investigate mysterious sea monster attacks on international shipping. The journey leads to the discovery of the Nautilus, a submarine commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. The narrative unfolds as the crew embarks on an awe-inspiring underwater adventure, exploring the world's oceans and discovering the mysteries of the deep.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea 5 Key Takeaways
Introduction of the Sea Monster
The novel begins with a series of shipwrecks blamed on a monstrous sea creature. An expedition is organized to hunt the beast.
Discovery of the Nautilus
Professor Aronnax and his companions are captured by Captain Nemo after their ship is attacked. They discover that the 'monster' is actually the advanced submarine Nautilus.
Underwater Exploration
The crew of the Nautilus embarks on a journey across the world's oceans, exploring shipwrecks, underwater forests, and the lost city of Atlantis.
Conflicts and Tensions
Tensions rise between Captain Nemo and the crew, particularly with harpooner Ned Land, who is determined to escape the submarine.
Climax and Resolution
A climactic battle with a giant squid tests the crew's survival. The novel ends ambiguously with the fate of the Nautilus and its crew left uncertain.
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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Best Reviews
- The New York Times: 'A timeless adventure that captures the imagination with its vivid descriptions and innovative concepts. Jules Verne's storytelling is unparalleled.'
- The Guardian: 'Verne's novel is a masterful blend of science fiction and adventure, exploring the depths of human curiosity and the mysteries of the ocean.'
Top 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Quotes
- 'The sea is everything. It covers seven tenths of the terrestrial globe. Its breath is pure and healthy. It is an immense desert, where man is never lonely, for he feels life stirring on all sides.'
- 'The human mind enjoys grand conceptions of supernatural beings.'
- 'I am not what you call a civilized man! I have done with society for reasons that seem good to me.'
Who should read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea?
Science fiction enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and fans of classic literature will find '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' captivating. This novel offers rich descriptions, imaginative concepts, and thought-provoking themes that appeal to a wide range of readers.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea FAQs
What is the book '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' about?
The novel follows Professor Aronnax and his companions as they embark on an underwater adventure aboard Captain Nemo's submarine, the Nautilus, exploring the mysteries of the ocean.
What does the book '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' symbolize?
The novel and its characters symbolize events and trends of the 19th-century colonial period. It delves into themes of exploration, freedom, and defiance against oppression.
Is '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' based on a true story?
No, it is a work of science fiction. Written in 1870, it imagines underwater exploration that was not possible at the time, blending scientific knowledge with imaginative storytelling.