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Chapter 23
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
The next day, Axel is rejuvenated and newly enthusiastic about continuing the descent. He believes that a man as confident as Lidenbrock must succeed, especially when supported by men as “zealous” as Hans and determined as Axel. That day’s journey, and the journey of the next day, pass without incident. On the third day, the men find their path obstructed by a deep abyss, and they construct a system of ropes to continue descending safely. Much of the underground spring (which the men dub the “Hansbach” after Hans) falls down into the abyss, and the turbulent water reminds Axel of Lidenbrock’s angry moods.
The support and confidence of his companions bolsters Axel’s enthusiasm for the adventure. The men are learning to work together quickly and effectively, working out a way to cross the abyss with only the limited supplies they have. Now that the danger seems less imminent, Axel can appreciate the discoveries they might make.
Themes
Over a week later, on July 15th, Lidenbrock measures the men’s location. They have traveled 50 leagues horizontally, meaning they are no longer under Iceland––they are walking under the ocean. Lidenbrock accepts this without interest, and though it worries Axel, he quickly becomes used to the idea.
The characters–and the narrative itself––continue to pay close attention to the specific details of their journey as they measure their precise location to ensure they are still traveling on the correct route. Just as Lidenbrock ignored the attractions in towns he visited with Axel, he dismisses the fact that the men are walking below the ocean because it is not pertinent to his scientific inquiries. Axel, though, continues to display a broader range of interests.
Themes
