Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

The book emphasizes the wonders of the natural world and the advanced technology Captain Nemo creates. Both are fascinating and dangerous, sometimes coexisting seamlessly, and other times set against one another, especially as Captain Nemo pushes the boundaries of exploration and turns toward revenge. Although the Nautilus is often successful in escaping harrowing situations, its fate is ultimately unknown as it gets sucked in toward the maelstrom.

The Nautilus is a technological marvel. It is capable of great speeds and depths, has many tools aboard that are perfected versions of previous inventions, and, as Captain Nemo brags to Professor Aronnax, has “No defects to be afraid of” (55). Professor Aronnax deems the ship “at least a century before its time, perhaps an era” (135). With its advanced capabilities, the ship seems perfectly designed for its intended surroundings. The Nautilus looks like a sea creature— initially mistaken for a narwhal, it blends into the marine environment. Fish and other marine life swim along with it and provide entertainment, and it enables scholars like Professor Aronnax to survey and explore the otherwise inaccessible ocean floor. The water also provides essential resources for the ship, including food and fuel.