Preparations for Blasting a Passage to the Centre of the Earth explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Scientific Curiosity and Ambition

  Axel and the Professor are driven by the discovery of Saknussemm's initials and the desire to follow his path, leading to a fervent determination to blast through obstacles.

• The Unknown and the Sublime

  The awe of finding Saknussemm's three-hundred-year-old markings and the prospect of reaching the Earth's core evoke a sublime wonder and inspire reckless enthusiasm.

• Human Endurance and Survival

  The expedition's preparations for blasting reflect their endurance and resourcefulness in overcoming physical barriers deep underground.

Characters to notice

• Axel Liedenbrock

  Axel is awestruck by Saknussemm's initials, then becomes zealously enthusiastic, proposing to burn the raft and later to blast the rock. He forgets all surface concerns, including Gräuben.

• Professor Otto Liedenbrock

  The Professor delivers a rhapsodic eulogy to Saknussemm, names the cape after him, and counsels patience. He agrees to the blasting plan and helps prepare the slow match.

• Hans Bjelke

  Hans is tasked with sailing the raft to Cape Saknussemm and later with boring a hole for the gunpowder charge. He works silently and efficiently.

• Arne Saknussemm

  Saknussemm's engraved initials and iron point are discovered, confirming his journey. The Professor eulogizes him and names Cape Saknussemm after him.

• Gräuben

  Axel briefly remembers Gräuben, who must have given them up for lost, but dismisses the thought in his excitement.

Key passages

• “Thou marvellous genius! ... Your name, graven from stage to stage, leads the bold follower of your footsteps to the very centre of our planet’s core, and there again we shall find your own name written with your own hand.”

  The Professor praises Saknussemm as a genius whose carved name guides explorers to the Earth's center, where they will find his signature again.

  Professor Liedenbrock's eulogy to Saknussemm, expressing admiration and the intent to follow his path.

• “I forgot everything. I dismissed from my mind the past perils of the journey, the future danger of our return. That which another had done I supposed we might also do, and nothing that was not superhuman appeared impossible to me.”

  Axel becomes so inspired that he forgets past dangers and future risks, believing they can achieve anything Saknussemm did.

  Axel's transformation from cautious to recklessly enthusiastic after seeing Saknussemm's initials.

• “It is only an accidental obstruction, not met by Saknussemm, and if we don’t destroy it we shall be unworthy to reach the centre of the earth.”

  Axel argues the rockfall is a recent accident that didn't block Saknussemm, and they must blast it to prove themselves worthy.

  Axel's passionate argument to use gunpowder to clear the blocked tunnel.