Journey to the Center of the Earth · Chapter
Famine, Then Victory, Followed by Dismay explained
Axel, having discovered the key to the cryptogram, reveals it to Professor Liedenbrock, who decodes the message from Arne Saknussemm instructing a descent into the crater of Snæfells to reach the center of the Earth.
What happens
Axel, having discovered the key to the cryptogram, reveals it to Professor Liedenbrock, who decodes the message from Arne Saknussemm instructing a descent into the crater of Snæfells to reach the center of the Earth. The Professor, ecstatic, immediately resolves to embark on the expedition, while Axel is dismayed and resolves to keep silent about his own prior discovery out of fear for his uncle's safety. Meanwhile, the Professor locks the house, subjecting Axel and Martha to a famine-like confinement.
Themes in this chapter
Scientific Curiosity and Ambition
Professor Liedenbrock's relentless pursuit of the cryptogram's meaning and his immediate plan to undertake a dangerous journey to the center of the Earth exemplify his boundless scientific ambition.
Intergenerational Conflict and Growth
Axel's internal struggle between revealing the key to protect his uncle and his own fear of the expedition highlights the tension between the younger generation's caution and the elder's reckless ambition.
Characters to notice
- Axel Liedenbrock
Axel decodes the cryptogram and reveals it to his uncle, but later regrets his involvement and resolves to keep silent to prevent the expedition.
- Professor Otto Liedenbrock
The Professor is consumed by the cryptogram, works through the night, and upon decoding it, becomes ecstatic and immediately plans the expedition to the center of the Earth.
- Martha
Martha is distressed by the locked door and the lack of food, and is unable to get the Professor's attention for supper.
- Arne Saknussemm
Saknussemm is the author of the decoded message that directs the descent into Snæfells crater.
Key passages
“Descend, bold traveller, into the crater of the Jökull of Snæfells, which the shadow of Scartaris touches before the kalends of July, and you will attain the centre of the earth; which I have done, Arne Saknussemm.”
The decoded message instructs a daring traveler to enter the Snæfells crater where Scartaris's shadow falls before July's start, promising access to Earth's core, as Saknussemm claims to have done.
This is the central revelation of the chapter, setting the expedition in motion.
“I will preserve silence. I will keep the secret which mere chance has revealed to me. To discover it, would be to kill Professor Liedenbrock!”
Axel decides not to reveal that he already knew the key, fearing that the knowledge would drive his uncle to his death.
Axel's internal conflict and protective impulse toward his uncle are highlighted here.