20000 Leagues Under the Sea Summary

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Here you will find a 20000 Leagues Under the Sea summary (Jules Verne's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

20000 Leagues Under the Sea Summary Overview

The tale commences in 1866 with the sighting of an enormous, unidentified sea creature, which is initially dismissed as a myth until it starts causing shipwrecks. The US Navy sends Admiral Farragut, along with ocean expert Professor Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and a renowned Canadian harpooner, Ned Land, to hunt the monster. They embark on their journey from New York City aboard the Abraham Lincoln, venturing through the Atlantic, around Cape Horn, and into the Pacific. Here, they discover that the "monster" is, in fact, an advanced submarine dubbed the Nautilus, which sprays large water spouts, damaging the ship and causing Aronnax, Conseil, and Land to fall into the ocean. The trio are taken captive aboard the Nautilus, captained by the enigmatic Nemo, who leads a crew that exists entirely in isolation from the rest of society, even speaking their own unique language. They discover the sophistication of their new surroundings, including an expansive library of books, art, and specimens, and are treated to elaborate meals prepared using sea produce. However, Nemo informs them that while they are free on the ship, they cannot leave. In addition to witnessing the sea life from within the Nautilus, they are taken on walks along the sea floor, and even partake in a deep-sea hunting expedition in a submarine forest. After running aground near Australia, the captives are temporarily stranded on land where they manage to hunt real meat before being chased away by native islanders. The subsequent events include a burial ceremony in an underwater cemetery for a deceased crew member. The second part of the adventure starts two years later in 1868, with travels through the Red Sea and an underground passage to the Mediterranean Sea, among other expeditions. One of the most intriguing moments is when Nemo shows the captives an enormous pearl off the coast of Ceylon that he chooses not to harvest. The journey continues southwards towards Antarctica, where the Nautilus becomes trapped under an iceberg, leading to a dangerous depletion of oxygen. Despite the odds, they manage to escape, with Nemo even claiming the South Pole for himself after they discover it is a landmass. After surviving an attack by giant squids in the Caribbean, the crew then navigate a hurricane, spot a sunken ship, and even fend off an attacking warship. As the journey comes to a close, the captives plan an escape near Norway's coast. During their attempt, a whirlwind storm engulfs the vessel, causing Aronnax to lose consciousness. He awakens on an island with Conseil and Land, with the fate of Nemo and the Nautilus unknown.

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The narrative commences during the summer of 1866 and continues into the spring of 1867, presenting a baffling occurrence that sparks debate amongst international scientists and the public. Both American and European seafarers claim to have observed an enormous entity in the sea, yet its nature - creature or object - remains uncertain. Notably, it boasts remarkable speed and can propel water jets up to 150 feet skywards. Initially, this unidentified entity sparks rumors, amusement, and conjecture. However, the mood shifts to severity following its alleged interference with two passenger vessels. The Moravian collides with a mysterious object, nearly capsizing, while the Scotia is punctured by a triangular entity, leading to severe water ingress. From this point, any maritime disaster is attributed to this elusive "monster."

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In this segment, we're introduced to Dr. Pierre Aronnax, the book's main narrator and an Assistant Professor at Paris' Museum of Natural History. He speculates that the enigma could either be an enormous monster or a huge submarine, an idea dismissed by most governments due to the perceived impossibility of such advanced technology. Aronnax publishes an article suggesting the presence of an undiscovered giant narwhal, given nature's unexplored ichthyological mysteries. This theory leads the U.S. Navy to dispatch the Abraham Lincoln to investigate. Just prior to the ship’s departure, Aronnax is invited to join the quest.

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Aronnax readily takes up the invitation even though he yearns to go back to France. He calls on his aide, Conseil, instructing him to get their possessions in order. They then meet Commander Farragut on the Abraham Lincoln, where they’re guided to their cabin. The ship's departure from New York elicits cheers and handkerchief waves from a massive crowd. A flotilla accompanies the ship out of the harbor. The Abraham Lincoln charges into the obscure Atlantic, on a mission to find the enigmatic entity terrorizing the oceans.

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This segment introduces the heavily fortified ship, its enthusiastic team, and world-renowned harpooner, Canadian Ned Land. Farragut promises a bounty to whoever first spots the beast. A camaraderie forms between Land and Aronnax, owing to their common French roots. Interestingly, Land is the sole crew member skeptical of the creature's existence, specifically due to the damage inflicted on the Scotia's metal plating. Aronnax counters Land's skepticism by positing that a creature residing in the deepest parts of the ocean would necessitate a massive, robust structure to resist the pressure. His argument appears to influence Land's perspective.

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Farragut gives Land permission to join the nearby Monroe, where he exhibits his exceptional skills by killing two whales. The Abraham Lincoln then navigates Cape Horn, progressing towards the China Seas and eventually the Northern Pacific, with the crew maintaining constant alertness on deck for several months. On November 2, the captain placates a restless crew by pledging to return to Europe if the creature is not sighted within three days. On the final day, Conseil and Aronnax converse about their predicament, with Conseil expressing skepticism about the mission, believing they should be categorizing fossils at the museum. Their discussion is abruptly halted when Land claims to have spotted the creature afar.

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As the frigate steadily advances towards a radiant spectacle, Aronnax hypothesizes it to be an electric narwhal. The ship and the creature engage in a winding pursuit through the ocean's depths for the entire day and night. Amidst the morning mist, the creature surfaces, ejecting towering plumes of steam into the atmosphere. Despite Farragut's command for full steam ahead and Land's readiness to strike with his harpoon, they struggle to catch up with the creature. Attempts to shoot the creature prove futile as the bullets merely ricochet off it. Just as the crew begins to lose hope, they spot the creature again, seemingly dormant. Capitalising on this opportunity, Land hurls his harpoon, striking the creature. However, the impact seems to hit a solid surface instead. The creature's luminescence abruptly dies out and retaliates by spewing gigantic water jets at the frigate, causing a terrifying jolt that sends Aronnax plunging into the sea.

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In this section, Aronnax is in the water and soon joined by Conseil, who leaps in following his master's lead. Conseil reveals to Aronnax that the monster has severely damaged the Abraham Lincoln’s steering mechanism, making rescue by the ship impossible. To preserve their strength, they alternately swim and support each other. Despite their fatigue and desolation, they manage to spot the distant ship under the rising moon. Their cries for assistance are eventually answered, and Aronnax faints, only to wake up on a hard surface with Land observing him. It turns out they are on the monster's exterior. Upon noticing that the beast is encrusted with metal, Aronnax deduces it's not a creature but a man-made vehicle. The next day, as the vehicle starts to submerge, Land forcefully stomps on its exterior, prompting a hatch to open. Shortly after, eight masked figures escort Aronnax, Conseil, and Land into the submarine.

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Aronnax, Conseil and Land find themselves immersed in darkness and chaos. Land is prepared to battle, while Aronnax and Conseil vouch for tact and patience. A powerful light soon illuminates the room, exposing a table with five stools. Two men enter, with the taller one seemingly leading. Their language is unfamiliar to the captives. Attempts to converse in French, English, German, and even Latin yield no response. Eventually, the captors depart. Later, a steward provides fresh clothes and prepares the table for dinner. The meal is of outstanding quality, with each utensil and plate marked with the slogan "Mobilis in Mobili" and an "N". Aronnax, Conseil, and Land partake in the meal and then succumb to sleep.

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The captured trio awaken, with Aronnax deducing from his impaired respiration that the submarine must ascend to renew its internal air, similar to a whale, because he perceives new air as the craft resurfaces. Upon awakening, the starving Land becomes irate due to the considerable delay in food service. Aronnax and Conseil attempt to placate him, but when the meal finally comes, Land pounces on the steward, trying to throttle him. A command in French instructs Land to calm down and requests Aronnax's attention.

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The second appearance of Nemo sees him conversing in French, a language he had previously feigned ignorance of. He has deliberated over how to manage his captives, viewing them as adversaries now turned war prisoners. He proposes an agreement - complete freedom within the Nautilus, barring moments of his choosing where they may be restricted to their rooms. The catch is, they can never depart. Should they reject this proposition, they'll be abandoned on the ship's hull during submersion, effectively leading to their demise. With life and death as their options, Aronnax, Conseil, and Land grudgingly decide to stay as prisoners. Nemo summons a steward to guide Land and Conseil to their compartments, while he personally escorts Aronnax for a Nautilus tour. Aronnax is shown an impressive library with 12,000 books, a gallery of 30 masterpieces, a collection of music by renowned composers, and an extensive range of marine life samples. They enjoy cigars crafted from seaweed and a lavish meal sourced entirely from the sea. Nemo finally takes Aronnax to his personal suite, adjoining his own, and welcomes him to take a seat.

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Nemo offers a detailed walkthrough of the Nautilus' numerous apparatus and their operations. The ship's primary power source is electricity, controlling everything from the engine and gauges to the illumination, timekeepers, culinary facilities, and even the potable water supply. The Nautilus also houses a compact marine craft for fishing or leisure activities. Intriguingly, the electricity is derived from sea water minerals. The vessel boasts impressive speed capabilities, with a maximum of 150 mph. Overwhelmed by the technological marvel, Aronnax is filled with queries to which Nemo assures comprehensive responses.

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Nemo presents Aronnax with sketches outlining the Nautilus's blueprint, a cylindrical structure resembling a cigar, 232 feet in length and 26 feet in width, made robust by its dual hulls. He elucidates the submarine's ability to descend and ascend, facilitated by water reservoirs, driven by robust electric engines. The Nautilus's maneuverability is both vertical and horizontal, and a potent reflector illuminates the sea up to half a mile. Nemo regards the Nautilus as an impeccable creation, cherishing it almost humanly. He narrates its construction process that involved components from diverse nations, assembled on a deserted island by adept artisans, bearing a significant expense. He further mentions that the construction site was set alight to eradicate all traces. Nemo confesses to Aronnax about his immense wealth.

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This segment opens with an educational discussion on the oceans; their vastness, the tremendous volume of water they hold, and the subaqueous currents that Nemo exploits to navigate. Aronnax is escorted by Nemo to the ship's deck, once it emerges, to establish their precise whereabouts, close to the Japanese shoreline. Despite Land's inquiry about the Nautilus' crew size, Nemo remains silent. With the lights off within the submarine, panels retract, unveiling windows that allow the ocean's vibrant life and clear waters to be seen, illuminated by exterior light. The extraordinary beauty of the marine life leaves Aronnax spellbound, and the trio of captives marvel at the sight for the entire afternoon. They later retreat to their rooms for an evening meal before retiring for the night.

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A couple more days go by with no trace of Captain Nemo. Aronnax devotes his time to examining the collected specimens. From the 6th to the 19th of November, the captain remains absent. The vessel's second-in-command appears more than once during the vessel's resurfacing, scans the horizon, utters a specific phrase in an unfamiliar language, and then the Nautilus submerges again without any sight of Nemo. Aronnax discovers an invitation on his desk to join a hunting expedition on Crespo Island the following day. Nemo invites Aronnax to breakfast the next morning and details their plan. They are to hunt underwater, equipped with underwater respiratory and illumination suits, using special low-powered yet lethal guns that kill any animal upon contact. Aronnax is once again amazed by these progressive inventions and, along with Land and Conseil, proceeds to the cell to equip themselves with their gear.

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Aronnax and Conseil decide to put on the dense, watertight suits, though Land declines. After adorning their helmets and inspecting the weaponry, they enter a compartment that gradually fills with water. As the chamber becomes saturated, they manage to safely emerge onto the ocean floor, capable of both breathing and sight. Aronnax marvels at the seabed's terrain, hues, seashells, and flora with a blend of awe and incredulity. Guided by Nemo's hand signals, they journey until he indicates a vague formation - the Island of Crespo.

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Following an extensive journey, the group arrives at the submerged forest, populated by towering static trees and undersea shrubs frequented by fish. After more traveling, fatigue sets in and they rest. Upon waking, Aronnax is confronted by a massive sea spider, which Nemo eliminates using his weapon. As they proceed deeper into the abyss, they rely on their lanterns for visibility. Eventually, they arrive at the island base, the boundary of Nemo's realm, and decide to return. Ascending a sharp slope, Nemo takes down a sea otter. In shallow parts, an albatross is shot down by one of Nemo's crew members. As they near the Nautilus, Nemo and his mate tackle Aronnax and Conseil, shielding them from two enormous sharks. Finally, the hunting party returns to the Nautilus, shedding their clothes, tired and famished.

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The Nautilus steadily progresses, traversing the Tropic of Cancer and crossing the equator on the first day of December. Post their woodland expedition, Aronnax finds himself on the deck, watching Nemo and witnessing the crew engaged in net fishing. The crew is as diverse as the variety of marine creatures ensnared in their nets. This chapter is rich in the description of numerous marine species; a testament to the author's knowledge and fascination. Upon a day, Conseil rushes Aronnax to witness an eerie sight. A ship, freshly sunk with bodies still tethered by ropes. The victims include a woman and her baby, crew members, and the helmsman. The grim sight intensifies when sharks start to circle, leaving a haunting impression on the observers.

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This chapter takes its title from an island in the Solomon group where French voyager Jean-François de La Perouse was marooned in 1788. Aronnax details their journey, during which they pass numerous other shipwrecks and view striking islands made of stony coral. Following a lengthy absence and the celebration of Christmas Day, Captain Nemo reappears and informs them that they have arrived at Vanikoro. Upon questioning Aronnax about his knowledge of the Boussole and Astrolabe shipwrecks, both vessels led by La Perouse on a global expedition, Aronnax recounts the extensive history of these two ships as he knows it. Nemo then reveals his discovery of a third, previously undiscovered ship's fate, substantiating his story with a oxidized metal container. Within it is a collection of documents bearing the signature of King Louis XVI. Nemo comments on the beauty of a seafarer's grave made from coral, expressing a wish that he and his crew may one day have a similar resting place.

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The summary kicks off with New Year's celebrations, with Conseil expressing uncertainty about their return home but recognizing the extraordinary sights they've witnessed aboard the Nautilus. Moving onwards, the Nautilus heads to the perilous Torres Straits, located north of Australia and filled with hazardous coral reefs. They unfortunately run aground due to rough weather, leaving the submarine stranded, though unharmed. Nemo decides to wait for forthcoming full moon high tides to free the ship. In the meantime, Conseil and Land persuade Aronnax to request Nemo's approval to explore dry land while they are immobilized. To their surprise, Nemo agrees. Eager for some terrestrial food, Land leads the trio to the Island of Gilboa via a small boat.

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Having the chance to be on solid ground, Aronnax, Conseil, and Land relish their time on the island. They delve into a conversation about cannibalism, provoked by Land's craving for fresh meat. On their first day, their meal comprises of breadfruit, coconuts, bananas, and cabbage palms. They do not encounter anyone when they return to the Nautilus to offload their harvest. The following day, the trio heads back to the island, where they witness a plethora of tropical birds and manage to hunt and cook some. In the afternoon, Land successfully uses an electric bullet to procure a hog and a few small kangaroos. As they feast on their catch at the beach, they contemplate if going back to the Nautilus is necessary. A stone then lands near them, disrupting their thought process.

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Confronting the Papuans, the crew retreats to the Nautilus. Aronnax informs Nemo of the natives, to which the captain shows little concern. Come morning, Aronnax observes a large gathering of natives on the shoreline, detailing their different appearances and attire. On a subsequent shell-dragging expedition, a rare left-handed shell is discovered, only to be shattered by a stone thrown by a native. The following day, as Nemo opens the hatches, natives attempt to storm the Nautilus. A cleverly installed electrified cable on the stairs shocks anyone who touches it, causing the Papuans to retreat. Driven out to sea by the tide, as Nemo had anticipated, the Nautilus continues its voyage.

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The Nautilus speeds ahead targeting the Indian Ocean, evoking curiosity in Aronnax about Nemo's destination. The vessel rests placidly in the waters on January 16 allowing for minor repairs, with its beacon light turned off. Aronnax discovers they are in a stunningly luminescent marine area with naturally illuminated sea life. Two days later, he witnesses Nemo and his second-in-command peering at the horizon with a telescope, displaying signs of anxiety. Aronnax, upon using his telescope, is abruptly stopped by Nemo who insists the trio be locked in their cabins per their previous agreement. Any attempt to probe the reason behind this is swiftly dismissed by Nemo. After retreating to their lodgings and eating their meal, Aronnax, Conseil and Land quickly fall into a profound slumber due to a sedative ingredient in their food.

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In the closing chapter of Part 1, "The Coral Kingdom", Nemo approaches Aronnax the morning following their detainment, inquiring if he is a medical practitioner. Upon confirmation, Nemo leads him to a critically injured crewmate with a broken skull and exposed brain. Nemo avoids discussing the incident, but Aronnax suspects the injury is linked to the previous day's occurrences. The man passes away and Nemo mourns him. Subsequently, Aronnax, Conseil, and Land embark on another underwater journey. After several hours, they encounter a spectacular coral kingdom teeming with diverse and vibrant corals. The crew buries their deceased member in a grave marked with a coral cross and conducts a funeral. Once back on the submarine, Nemo notes that the burial site is safe from predators and humans alike.

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Part II starts with Aronnax's contemplation on Nemo. He wonders whether Nemo is merely a scornful scholar, or if his actions are driven by revenge. From the platform of the Nautilus, he marvels at the diverse inhabitants of the sea, from the birds above to the fish below. It's the end of January and the Nautilus is swiftly traversing the Indian Ocean. On January 25, Aronnax notes the presence of hundreds of argonauts, a type of mollusk. They cross the equator on January 26, encountering a swarm of hazardous sharks and then dead bodies drifting from the Ganges to the ocean. January 27 brings the sight of the milk sea, created by countless tiny worms, and the aurora borealis.

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Nemo suggests a voyage to the pearl fisheries in Ceylon, cautioning of probable shark encounters. This alarms Aronnax, yet he consents to proceed with the journey. Conseil and Land also agree to join. Aronnax enlightens Land about pearls - their worth, form, size, varieties, and collection process. Upon hearing about the sharks, Land expresses his fascination in harpooning these creatures, while Conseil shows interest only in being with his master.

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The pearl hunting adventure commences at dawn. The quartet - Nemo, Aronnax, Conseil, and Land - draw closer to the pearl deposit in a rowboat. They are clad in bulky diving gear and helmets, but Nemo assures them that using their lanterns won't be necessary as they won't be going deep. He clarifies that they will bear daggers instead of firearms and Land brings his harpoon along. By 7 a.m., they arrive at the extensive oyster beds, and follow Nemo to a cavern where he unveils a colossal oyster weighing roughly 600 pounds. Utilizing his dagger, Nemo pries open the shells to expose a pearl as large as a coconut. Nemo prevents Aronnax from touching it, disclosing his plan to let the massive pearl continue to increase in size. Soon, an Indian diver tethered to a canoe enters their view, but remains oblivious to their presence. The diver panics at the sight of an incoming shark, which immobilizes him with a swipe of its tail and nearly bisects him. Nemo intervenes, provoking the shark to attack him, resulting in a perilous battle that endangers his life. Land steps in, saving Nemo by skewering the shark with his harpoon. Nemo then escorts the Indian back to his canoe, revives him, and gifts him a pouch full of pearls. As the men make their way back to the Nautilus, they witness a swarm of sharks dismembering the deceased shark.

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In this section of the narrative, we find the Nautilus navigating through the narrow straits towards the Red Sea, bypassing Oman's borders, a region occupied by Europeans. On February 8, the crew marvels at the vibrant marine life, including coral, sponges, and mollusks, along the African coast. Captain Nemo and Professor Aronnax delve into the historical dangers associated with the Red Sea, as noted in ancient records. Aronnax points out that previous generations lacked technological marvels like the Nautilus. The duo then explore the origins of the sea's name, questioning whether it is tied to biblical events or simply refers to the hue of the microscopic algae found in the Bay of Tor. Nemo elaborates on the ancient perspective of these waters and their significance in global trade. Upon Nemo's claim of reaching the Mediterranean within two days, Aronnax expresses disbelief, as the Suez Canal has yet to be constructed and the route to the Mediterranean is extensive. Yet, Nemo reveals the existence of an underwater passageway he has christened the Arabian Tunnel. He discloses that his discovery was made possible by tracking fish adorned with copper rings that were spotted beneath Suez.

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The Nautilus is adrift in the Red Sea, where Land and Aronnax observe a dugong, a creature similar to a manatee. Land aspires to hunt it with a harpoon, a request Nemo approves with caution - dugongs have been known to retaliate against their attackers, and Land mustn't miss. Despite only injuring the beast initially, a chase ensues. The giant creature almost tips over Land's smaller boat, but he succeeds in delivering a fatal blow to its heart. As the Nautilus resumes its journey towards Suez, the men spot its light and ready themselves to navigate through the tunnel under Nemo's guidance. The swift current and narrow tunnel walls make the sea tumultuous. Aronnax's heart races as they traverse the tunnel in under twenty minutes and emerge into the Mediterranean Sea.

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Having returned to the Mediterranean, while Land is planning an escape, Aronnax is more content to stay with Nemo and continue their adventure. They debate their differing perspectives, ultimately agreeing that Land will seize any advantageous opportunity to escape if it arises. Aronnax, however, doubts that Nemo will provide them with such an opportunity but promises to follow Land if it arises. By mid-February, the Nautilus nears Crete. In the midst of observing the marine life through the saloon's open panels, a familiar diver appears outside the Nautilus, recognized by Nemo. He subsequently fills a box with gold ingots valued at almost 200,000 pounds, inscribes an address on it, and has it transported from the room. Nemo offers no explanation to Aronnax, who is left in the dark about the incident. The next day, while working on his notes, Aronnax notices a dramatic increase in temperature. Fearing a fire, he finds Nemo, who reveals they are traversing through water heated by an underwater volcano. The heat is almost unbearable and the water turns red. At Nemo's command, the Nautilus departs the area and surfaces, leaving the Greek islands behind them.

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Aronnax realizes that Nemo's usual self-assuredness has dissipated in this confined sea lying between Europe and Africa. The submarine only emerges when it's essential and travels at a pace of twenty-five miles per hour, making it impossible for Land to break free. Aronnax takes pleasure in studying the Mediterranean marine life, flora, and fauna as they traverse between Sicily and Tunis. After crossing a superficial sandbar, they reenter the profound depths of the sea. On February 18, the Nautilus positions itself at the gateway to the Straits of Gibraltar. They steer through the undercurrent, entering the Atlantic Ocean.

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Stress rises as Land reveals his escape strategy while the Nautilus is close to the Spanish shore. He's prepared a canoe and despite Aronnax's fear of the turbulent seas, Land insists they brave the risk. Aronnax is tormented by the thought of abandoning the Nautilus and upsetting Nemo. He visits the saloon one last time, noting the northward compass direction. In apprehension, he leaves his room just before nine, only to encounter Nemo. Nemo quizzes him on Spain's history and despite Aronnax's limited knowledge, Nemo begins reminiscing a historical event in 1702, where a French admiral sunk his own fleet and treasure at Virgo Bay, to prevent enemy capture - their current location. Nemo reveals that he seeks this lost treasure like many others, amassing his fortune. Aronnax's remark about the treasure's potential use for philanthropy provokes Nemo, who asserts his rightful utilization and concern for the oppressed. Aronnax is left pondering Nemo's wealth and empathy.

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Land expresses his disappointment to Aronnax about the scrapped plan, only to learn about Nemo's looted treasure from Virgo Bay. Despite Land's hope for a second chance, both men soon realize the Nautilus is setting sail. Although Land is again disheartened, Aronnax isn't. Nemo offers Aronnax to join him on a nighttime expedition, without Conseil, Land, or light sources. Aronnax agrees, and they tread in darkness towards a red beacon two miles away. They encounter a grove of lifeless trees, leading them to begin an ascent. They find themselves at a plateau adorned with stone towers, bearing clear signs of human fabrication. Aronnax discerns that they have been climbing a still-active volcano. When Nemo etches the name 'Atlantis' on a stone, the pieces fall into place: the city ruins, the architecture, the pillars, the water conduit. Both men absorb the sight and reflect on its history under the moonlight illuminating the dilapidated city. They make their way back to the Nautilus with the sunrise.

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Aronnax watches as the Nautilus navigates past a peak, taking in the aquatic life and surrounding landscape before falling asleep. Upon waking, he finds the vessel stationary in total darkness, causing confusion. Nemo elucidates that they are within a dormant volcano, floating on an internal lake. The crew is busy gathering coal from the volcano's innards to generate electricity. However, their stopover is brief and if the captives wish to explore, the opportunity is now. Aronnax, Conseil, and Land ascend the volcano's inner walls, moving from stones to vegetation, even coming across violets. Land discovers a bee colony and collects some honey, also managing to kill a bird using stones. They return to the Nautilus, which departs the following day.

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On February 22, the Nautilus navigates the Sargasso Sea, a convergence point of currents filled with dense vegetation and seaweed. For nearly three weeks, until March 12, the Nautilus steadily crosses the Atlantic. During this period, Aronnax contemplates their potential release by Nemo, as escape seems impossible while in the current location. Interactions with Nemo are rare, and they mostly remain on the surface. The distance covered since departing the Pacific equates to approximately 13,000 leagues. Nemo commands a deep-sea descend, allowing Aronnax to observe the vacant portions of the ocean. Nemo captures an image before instructing an ascent to avoid immense pressure. The rapid rise mirrors a flying fish breaching onto the surface.

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Land and Conseil speculate about the size of the Nautilus crew, with Aronnax concluding that a significant number could survive with the available air supply. Land is growing restless in his confinement, and when he spots numerous whales, he is seized with the urge to hunt. However, when he seeks Nemo's approval, the Captain denies him, stating that it would be needless slaughter as they have no use for whale oil. Soon, cachalots, a different species of whale, appear. Nemo labels them as "ferocious creatures" due to their predatory nature towards the oblivious whales. The Nautilus intercepts the cachalots mid-attack, and starts ramming them, carrying on this brutal act for over an hour. In the aftermath, numerous cachalot carcasses float on the water's surface. Land slams the captain as a savage, but Nemo justifies his actions. One of the slain whales floats nearby. Two crew members extract several tons of milk from it, and Nemo offers Aronnax a taste, which he finds pleasing to the palate.

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In "The Iceberg", the thirteenth chapter of part two, the Nautilus moves forward on its southbound journey, drawing nearer to Antarctica. Aronnax is amazed both by the breathtaking ice islands and Nemo's skill in navigating through them. The extreme chilliness becomes even more pronounced as daylight starts to fade in mid-March. After some time, a gigantic iceberg emerges, with no visible way around it and freezing ice blocking their retreat, trapping the Nautilus. Nemo suggests a daring plan to continue the journey by slipping under the iceberg, though the potential lack of air supply poses a risk. They predict a forty-hour journey to traverse the Pole and start their descent. The bottom of the iceberg is hit several times as they begin their ascent, triggering anxiety in Aronnax. His sleep is restless, but he wakes to find the ice thinning. On the morning of March 19, Nemo jubilantly announces a breakthrough - the sea ahead is clear.

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Nemo, Aronnax, Conseil, and two other individuals journey to an island, confirming that the South Pole is an actual landmass, not merely a drifting iceberg. Nemo is honored by Aronnax to be the first to step onto this uncharted territory. They study the indigenous flora, avifauna, and pinnipeds, but due to a foggy sun, they cannot pinpoint their exact location. A snowfall persists for two days. Walruses catch Aronnax's attention before they return to the Nautilus. They have a mere few hours to observe the sun and ascertain their coordinates before the equinox. On March 21, they venture out once more and ascend a mountain peak. The fog finally dissipates and when the sun is observed to half-vanish at high noon, they realize they are indeed at the South Pole. Nemo marks this geographical point as his own, erecting a black flag adorned with a golden N. A half-year of darkness commences.

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During the night, a sudden jolt rouses Aronnax from sleep, signaling that the Nautilus has collided with ice, causing it to lay motionless on its right side. Nemo discloses that an overturning iceberg, with one of its chunks hitting the submarine, is the cause. Despite righting themselves using the pumps, they remain ensnared amidst ice blocks. The prisoners are entranced by the brilliant spectacle of color and light as the submarine navigates past icy walls. The intense glare forces Aronnax, Conseil, and Land to cover their eyes when the Nautilus surges forward at top speed. Another collision with ice occurs the following night, prompting Aronnax to request Conseil and Land's company. Upon experiencing another jolt, Nemo admits that they are blocked from all directions.

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The predicament escalates. The ship and its crew are trapped by the Arctic pack ice. Having been submerged for a day and a half, the Nautilus has only two days' worth of breathable air left in its reserves. The crew's only hope for survival is to drill through the ice while wearing dive suits, with even the reluctant Land stepping in to lend a hand. As the perilous walls of ice threaten to crush them, the crew toil in shifts, the air supply in the submarine dwindling to worrisome levels. When Aronnax discovers that they have only 24 hours of air left, he starts to panic. Nemo, on the other hand, calmly commands for water to be boiled and pumped outside to keep the ice at bay. With their suits providing a greater oxygen supply than what's available inside the submarine, the crew continues their laborious digging. The lack of oxygen inside the Nautilus triggers symptoms of hypoxia. With only a mere six feet separating them from the surface, the crew is disoriented and in distress. Nemo resolves to use the submarine's thrust to break through the ice. After diving down, the Nautilus ascends with great force. Amidst this, Aronnax faints, but is revived by Conseil and Land, who share the last of their air with him. Finally, the Nautilus pierces the ice barrier, allowing fresh air to flood in.

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Aronnax, Conseil, and Land savour the open air on the deck while the remainder of the crew are beneath. Aronnax expresses gratitude to his companions for saving his life, acknowledging his lasting obligation to them. They contemplate escape and speculate about Nemo's intended direction - Atlantic or Pacific. By the end of March, they find themselves at Cape Horn. Aronnax takes great pleasure in observing and documenting the local species, and they deduce that the Nautilus is heading into the Atlantic. Nemo is nowhere to be seen as the vessel moves swiftly north, too distant from land for them to plan their escape. They cross paths with the Amazon River and the equator. Conseil experiences a shock from an electric ray. The crew gathers manatees and sea turtles. Following a fishing expedition near the coast, the Nautilus once again ventures off into the open ocean.

part 2 chapter 18

By April 20, the Nautilus reaches the Caribbean. Nemo's ongoing absence worries Aronnax, who keeps busy by working on his book, notes, and observations. He, Conseil, and Land ponder on the region's gigantic squid legends when suddenly, one appears at the window. It's a massive creature with a beak like a parrot and long tentacles. Following it, seven more squids chase the Nautilus until it comes to a halt in the water. Nemo emerges, explaining that a squid has entangled itself in the engine blades. They must combat these beasts with hatchets and Land's harpoon, he announces. With the vessel surfaced, the men battle from the platform. During the fight, a crew member is seized by a tentacle. Nemo manages to free him by chopping off the tentacle with an axe, but in the ensuing chaos, they lose him to the inky expanse created by the squid's defensive mechanism. With their vision restored, they find the squids still attacking. Land gets caught, but Nemo rescues him. The squids, finally overcome, retreat into the depths of the ocean, leaving Nemo mourning the lost sailor.

part 2 chapter 19

Aronnax shares his written encounter of the squid assault with his companions, while Nemo remains detached and the Nautilus remains stationary until May 1 when the journey north resumes. They trail the Gulf Stream, taking in its glowing phosphorescence and stunning marine life. Despite being close to various islands, the tumultuous weather conditions prevent any chance of escape. Land, growing increasingly restless after being held captive for seven months, pleads with Aronnax to inquire Nemo about their potential release. Hesitantly, Aronnax approaches Nemo, who presents him with a manuscript detailing his life history, intended to be sealed in a waterproof casing and cast into the ocean by the last surviving member of the Nautilus. Nemo firmly declines to free the trio and forbids any further discussion on the matter. Aronnax conveys Nemo's firm denial to his friends. A storm hits on May 13, and rather than submerging, Nemo decides to brave it on the surface, anchoring himself to the platform amidst the tempest. At midnight, once the storm has calmed, he retreats back inside the submarine and commands it to dive below the now turbulent waters.

part 2 chapter 20

Much to Land's dismay, a storm diverts the Nautilus from New York City, dashing any hopes of escape, as we enter "From Latitude 47 Degrees 24’ to Longitude 17 Degrees 28’". The Nautilus, on May 15th, is spotted near Newfoundland. The crew sights the electric telegram cable, a feat of engineering connecting Europe to North America, which had twice been unsuccessful. As they draw closer to the British Isles, Aronnax reflects on the history of the shelled cable. Nemo maintains his distance as the Nautilus oddly navigates in circles. The captain busily takes readings using his sextant. Upon sighting a large steam vessel, Nemo declares, “It is here.” The Nautilus descends and lands next to a sunken ship. Nemo breaks his silence, detailing the history of the ill-fated ship, the Marseillais. This ship, known for its brave battles, was intentionally sunk with its crew on June 13, 1794, precisely seventy-four years prior. Nemo seems to take pleasure in revealing that the French renamed the ship to the Avenger.

part 2 chapter 21

Chapter 21, "A Hecatomb" sees Aronnax recognize that Nemo's actions are driven by an intense, enduring hatred. This antagonism is evident in Nemo's demeanor when observing the flaming wreckage of the Avenger. When the Nautilus surfaces, Land identifies an oncoming battleship presumably in search of the now revealed submarine. Land attempts to signal the ship for potential rescue, but Nemo swiftly intervenes and foils his plans. Nemo hoists his black flag and orders a hit on the approaching vessel, declaring his intent to sink it. Nemo's cry of being both law and judge, oppressed and oppressor hails as the Nautilus zooms away. Nemo discloses the loss of his family and homeland and his loathing for what the incoming ship signifies. Through the night, the submarine and ship engage in a cat-and-mouse chase, with plans to abandon the Nautilus thwarted each time. In a fatal underwater attack, the Nautilus punctures the ship's hull. The crew witnesses the vessel's sinking and subsequent explosion, resulting in a sea littered with deceased crew members. Overwhelmed by his hatred, Nemo retreats to his quarters, gazes at the portraits of his loved ones, and breaks down in tears.

part 2 chapter 22

Aronnax is deeply affected and appalled by the recent violent actions of Captain Nemo. The Nautilus continues its journey through the English Channel and northwards, submerged in solitude as neither Nemo nor his crew make an appearance. Two weeks go by in this eerie silence. One evening, Land proposes a plan to escape at ten in the night, which Aronnax agrees to. Filled with anticipation, Aronnax wrestles with the decision of having one last talk with Nemo, reflecting on their journey in the Nautilus. As the hour approaches, the sound of Nemo’s organ playing fills Aronnax with dread, fearing a confrontation with Nemo during their escape. Upon leaving, Aronnax sees Nemo arms-crossed, crying out to God for mercy. As Aronnax, Conseil, and Land gather to make their getaway, they are interrupted by a horrifying sound. It is the maelstrom off the Norwegian coast, where the captain has led the ship, intentionally or unintentionally. Amid the chaos of the swirling storm, Land advises them to hold onto the Nautilus. A sudden blow to the head causes Aronnax to lose consciousness as the vessel is caught in the storm.

part 2 chapter 23

Aronnax, Conseil, and Land find themselves in a cabin on the Lofoten Isles of Norway, unaware of the fate of the Nautilus or Nemo. Over a period of ten months, they traversed 20,000 leagues, with Aronnax's transcript bearing witness to the astounding sights and terrifying experiences they had. Aronnax quotes a line from Ecclesiastes, "That which is far off and exceeding deep, who can find it out?,” implying that only he and Nemo have the authority to respond.

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