20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

By Jules Verne

“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” is a classic adventure novel by Jules Verne, published in 1870. The novel employs a range of literary devices, including symbolism, metaphor, and foreshadowing, to tell the story of Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus. Verne’s imaginative storytelling, combined with his use of scientific and technological concepts, have made “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” a beloved work of science fiction and a classic of adventure literature.

Themes 📚

1. The Power of Nature – The novel emphasizes the power of nature, with the characters encountering a variety of natural wonders, from underwater volcanoes to giant squids.
2. The Dangers of Science and Technology – The novel explores the theme of the dangers of science and technology, with the Nautilus representing a potentially destructive force that can be used for good or evil.
3. The Consequences of Isolation – The novel deals with the theme of the consequences of isolation, with the characters living in a closed environment that can lead to psychological and emotional challenges.
4. The Pursuit of Knowledge – The novel celebrates the pursuit of knowledge, with the characters using scientific principles to explore the mysteries of the ocean.
5. The Limits of Human Knowledge – The novel also explores the theme of the limits of human knowledge, with the characters encountering phenomena that are beyond their understanding.
6. The Exploration of the Unknown – The novel celebrates the exploration of the unknown, with the characters venturing into uncharted waters and encountering new species and landscapes.
7. The Cost of Revenge – The novel deals with the theme of the cost of revenge, with Captain Nemo driven by a desire for vengeance that ultimately leads to his downfall.
8. The Search for Identity – The novel deals with the theme of the search for identity, with the characters struggling to define themselves in a rapidly changing world.
9. The Importance of Friendship and Camaraderie – The novel emphasizes the importance of friendship and camaraderie, with the characters forming a tight-knit group that relies on each other for support and survival.
10. The Role of the Individual in Society – The novel explores the theme of the role of the individual in society, with the characters grappling with questions of duty, responsibility, and loyalty.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism – The novel uses symbolism to create meaning beyond the literal events of the story. For example, the Nautilus represents the potential for human technological advancement, while the giant squid symbolizes the unknown and mysterious forces of nature.
2. Metaphor – The novel employs metaphor to create vivid images and comparisons. For example, the Nautilus is described as a “submarine boat,” a metaphor that emphasizes its unique and futuristic qualities.
3. Foreshadowing – The novel uses foreshadowing to hint at future events and create suspense. For example, early descriptions of Captain Nemo’s mood and behavior foreshadow the revelation of his tragic past.
4. Irony – The novel employs irony to create a sense of contrast or contradiction. For example, the Nautilus is a marvel of human technology, but it is also a weapon of destruction that can be used for nefarious purposes.
5. Imagery – The novel uses vivid descriptions of setting and action to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, the descriptions of the underwater world create a sense of wonder and awe.
6. Personification – The novel uses personification to give human qualities to non-human objects or animals. For example, the giant squid is described as a “devilfish” with intelligence and cunning.
7. Allusion – The novel makes use of references to other literary or cultural works to enrich the meaning of the story. For example, the character of Captain Nemo has been compared to the mythological figure of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods.
8. Repetition – The novel employs repetition to emphasize key ideas and themes. For example, the phrase “20,000 leagues under the sea” is repeated throughout the story, creating a sense of depth and mystery.
9. Hyperbole – The novel uses hyperbole to exaggerate for dramatic effect. For example, the description of the giant squid as a “colossal monster” creates a sense of danger and excitement.
10. Flashback – The novel employs flashbacks to provide background information and context for the story. For example, Captain Nemo’s past is revealed through a series of flashbacks that explain his motivations and behavior.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
The mysterious “sea monster” sightings	The mysterious “sea monster” sightings foreshadow the later revelation that the creature is, in fact, Captain Nemo’s submarine, the Nautilus.
Nemo’s interest in underwater burial grounds	Nemo’s interest in underwater burial grounds foreshadows the novel’s conclusion and the fate of the Nautilus.
The enigmatic Captain Nemo	The enigmatic nature of Captain Nemo foreshadows the gradual revelation of his backstory and motivations throughout the novel.

2. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The Nautilus	The Nautilus symbolizes human ingenuity, the power of science, and the potential dangers of unchecked ambition.
The underwater world	The underwater world explored in the novel symbolizes the unknown, adventure, and the wonders of nature.
Captain Nemo’s art and literature collection	Captain Nemo’s extensive collection of art and literature symbolizes the persistence of human culture and the desire for knowledge, even in isolation.

3. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The underwater landscapes	The vivid descriptions of the underwater landscapes create a sense of wonder and excitement as the characters explore the depths of the ocean.
The Nautilus’s interior	The detailed imagery of the Nautilus’s interior conveys the marvels of advanced technology and the power of human innovation.
The battles with sea creatures	The intense and suspenseful imagery of the battles with sea creatures, such as the giant squid, adds excitement and danger to the novel.

4. Irony

Example	Explanation
Captain Nemo’s isolation	Captain Nemo’s self-imposed isolation from the world is ironic, as his advanced technology and knowledge could potentially benefit humanity.
Professor Aronnax’s initial skepticism	Professor Aronnax’s initial skepticism about the existence of a sea monster is ironic, as he ultimately becomes a captive on the very vessel causing the sightings.
The Nautilus’s destructive power	The irony of the Nautilus’s destructive power lies in the fact that it is a product of scientific progress, yet it is capable of causing significant harm.

5. Allusion

Example	Explanation
The title’s reference to the Odyssey	The title’s reference to the Odyssey alludes to the epic journeys and adventures of ancient literature, connecting the novel to a long tradition of exploration and discovery.
Captain Nemo’s name	Captain Nemo’s name, derived from the Latin word for “no one,” alludes to his enigmatic nature and self-imposed isolation.
The Nautilus’s design	The Nautilus’s design alludes to the natural world, with its shape resembling a marine creature, emphasizing the connection between technology and nature.

6. Foil

Example	Explanation
Professor Aronnax and Captain Nemo	Professor Aronnax’s curiosity and desire to share knowledge contrast with Captain Nemo’s secrecy and isolation, illustrating differing perspectives on the role of science and discovery.
Conseil and Ned Land	Conseil’s loyalty and calm demeanor serve as a foil to Ned Land’s impulsive and rebellious nature, highlighting different responses to their captivity on the Nautilus.
The wonders of the ocean and the Nautilus’s destructive power	The beauty and wonder of the underwater world explored in the novel contrast with the destructive power of the Nautilus, emphasizing the dual nature of scientific discovery and its potential consequences.

FAQs 💭