Journey to the Center of the Earth

by Jules Verne

Journey to the Center of the Earth: Foreshadowing 3 key examples

Definition of Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. Foreshadowing can be achieved directly or indirectly, by making... read full definition
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. Foreshadowing can be achieved... read full definition
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the... read full definition
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Tugenbund Cap:

As he describes Professor Lidenbrock’s house, Verne uses allusion and foreshadowing to subtly suggest the secretive and scholarly activities taking place inside. As Axel first introduces the house to the reader, he says:

The roof inclined to one side, in the position a German student belonging to the Tugendbund wears his cap.

Chapter 11 
Explanation and Analysis—Cordial Farewell:

As the men depart for the countryside, Fridrikson wishes them well by alluding to Virgil’s famous line, “Et quacumque viam dederit fortuna sequamur.” This does two things: it demonstrates his refinement and intelligence, and it also foreshadows the approaching disturbances and trials. As they leave, Axel tries to say a heartfelt goodbye:

I launched out a cordial farewell in the best Latin I could find; then we jumped into our saddles, and M. Fridrikson repeated with his last adieux that line of Virgil which seemed to have been made for uncertain travellers on the road, like us: Et quacumque viam dederit fortuna sequamur.

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Chapter 12 
Explanation and Analysis—Convulsed Regions:

At the beginning of the final stretch of the men's above-ground journey, Verne employs some highly ominous foreshadowing to hint at the perilous and unpredictable Icelandic terrain the party will face. Long before they get close to penetrating the Earth’s surface, Axel wonders:

What, then, must those convulsed regions be, overturned by eruptions, themselves the offspring of volcanic explosions and subterranean commotions? We were doomed to know that in good time. But on consulting Olsen’s map I saw they would be avoided by keeping along the winding coast.

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