Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Journey to the Center of the Earth, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Science and Discovery
Maturity and Independence
Intuition vs. Evidence
Nature vs. Civilization
Adventure
Summary
Analysis
After all his adventures, Axel had thought nothing could surprise him, but he stares in shock at the definitive proof of Saknussemm’s travels. Axel’s enthusiasm grows, and Lidenbrock has to restrain him from plunging into the tunnel at once. Lidenbrock insists they get Hans and bring the raft over to the tunnel. As they walk, Axel muses that the hurricane that brought them to the shore was a fortunate event. They reach Hans and sail around the coast to reach the tunnel, which is on a cape Lidenbrock names “Cape Saknussemm.”
Axel has doubted the validity of Saknussemm’s claims for most of the story. He finally changes his mind when he and Lidenbrock discover concrete evidence that Saknussemm traveled as far as they have. Now that the evidence is finally strong enough to convince Axel, he is eager to continue the journey and make further discoveries.
Themes
When they arrive, Axel suggests burning the raft to eliminate any temptation to retreat, but Lidenbrock rejects this idea. Lidenbrock, Axel, and Hans enter the tunnel, but their path is quickly obstructed by a large slab of stone. Based on the tunnel’s geological construction, Axel deduces that the rock fell after Saknussemm passed through the tunnel. He feels possessed by Lidenbrock’s soul and the “spirit of a discoverer.” He suggests they blow up the rock with gunpowder, so the men set about digging a trench for the powder. They plan to destroy the rock the following day, though Axel is disappointed by the delay.
After spending the journey obeying Lidenbrock, here Axel takes the lead. Lidenbrock still holds the authority to reject Axel’s impulsive desire to burn the raft, but Lidenbrock and Hans listen to Axel when he suggests blowing up the rock. Axel is inspired by Lidenbrock and his commitment to discovery, but he no longer needs Lidenbrock to instruct him.
Themes
