Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

by

Jules Verne

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Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea: Part 2, Chapter 13 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Arronax remains puzzled over the direction in which the Nautilus is heading, wondering if Nemo is aiming to reach the South Pole. They are so far south that there are only a few hours of darkness per night; if they had been there only months earlier, there would have been no darkness at all. The Nautilus navigates through icebergs, and Arronax sees cities in their “surprising” shapes. Arronax is stunned by the eerie silence of the region, which makes it seem as if “everything [is] frozen up—even noise.” As the submarine progresses, ice forms over its surface, and Arronax realizes that they have become trapped in a kind of vice. 
The fact that Arronax keeps seeing cities inside the shapes of the natural landscape clearly conveys how much he misses civilization, even if it something he won’t quite admit to himself. Meanwhile, the eerie silence of the ocean becomes a symbol for how the captives have been cut off from the outside world and made to live in an almost timeless, frozen isolation.
Themes
Freedom vs. Constraint Theme Icon
Exploration, Imperialism, and Conquest Theme Icon
Nature vs. Civilization Theme Icon
While Arronax is convinced that the vessel is stuck, Nemo remains confident that it will come loose, and that they will be able to go even further south. Arronax is horrified by this idea. Nemo explains that he hopes to go under the Great Ice Barrier, noting that he wonders whether there will be enough oxygen. Arronax says that there is more than enough oxygen in the reservoirs, and Nemo agrees that this is true. Nemo then says that his only remaining concern is if the South Pole is covered with ice, meaning the submarine could not come up to the surface, but Arronax notes that the spur will be able to bore through the ice. Satisfied, Nemo sets about preparing for the expedition.
This conversation between Arronax and Nemo—in which Nemo manages to get Arronax to convince him that going under the Great Ice Barrier is safe, despite Arronax not necessarily intending to do so—illuminates the strange bond that has developed between them. Nemo clearly respects Arronax and enjoys having a companion around with whom he can discuss scientific matters. Perhaps this is one reason why he won’t fathom letting the captives go free.
Themes
Scientific Discovery and Technological Innovation Theme Icon
Freedom vs. Constraint Theme Icon
Human Intelligence and its Limits Theme Icon
Exploration, Imperialism, and Conquest Theme Icon
Nature vs. Civilization Theme Icon
The Nautilus descends into the icy depths of the sea. Several times it attempts to return to the surface to replenish its oxygen supply, but—as expected—is met by a ceiling of thick ice. Arronax has difficulty sleeping, and finds that he can barely tell “whether [he is] asleep or waking.” Finally, Nemo bursts into the saloon with the news that they have reached a patch of open sea.
There is something self-destructive about Nemo’s desire to constantly flirt with dangerous marine landscapes. It almost seems as if he is intent on finding ways to get close to death before escaping it.
Themes
Freedom vs. Constraint Theme Icon
Human Intelligence and its Limits Theme Icon