Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Scientific Discovery and Technological Innovation
Freedom vs. Constraint
Human Intelligence and its Limits
Exploration, Imperialism, and Conquest
Nature vs. Civilization
Summary
Analysis
While Arronax had previously never considered joining the search for the monster, as soon as he receives the invitation from the U.S. Navy he suddenly feels that it is his life’s purpose to find the monster and remove it from the ocean. He calls on his servant, Conseil, a “faithful and devoted Flemish boy” who has accompanied Arronax everywhere he goes for the past 10 years. Conseil is 30 years old, 10 years younger than Arronax himself. Now, Arronax tells Conseil to immediately pack his trunk for a journey, explaining that it will be a detour on their route home to France.
This passage establishes a parallel between Arronax and Conseil: both of them are totally devoted to their work. In Arronax’s case, this means throwing himself into scientific research, whereas for Conseil, it means serving Arronax. In this sense, both their lives are dedicated to scientific research, because Conseil’s servitude makes Arronax’s scientific work possible.
Themes
Having boarded the Abraham Lincoln, Arronax introduces himself to an officer, Commander Farragut, who welcomes him on board. The ship embarks immediately, moving full steam ahead. Thousands of people see it off, cheering and waving handkerchiefs. Before long, the ship leaves American waters and enters the darkness of the Atlantic.
The departure of the Abraham Lincoln is a major event. People’s interest in the monster and desire for it to be found is likely motivated by a mix of curiosity, aggression, and fear.
Themes
