Journey to the Center of the Earth · Chapter
XXIV: Well Said, Old Mole! Canst Thou Work i’ the Ground So Fast? explained
The expedition continues descending through a winding granite tunnel, following the Hansbach stream.
What happens
The expedition continues descending through a winding granite tunnel, following the Hansbach stream. Axel's spirits revive as they make steady progress, though the Professor grows impatient with the horizontal stretches. They descend a steep fault, reaching a depth of five leagues below sea level and traveling fifty leagues horizontally, leaving Iceland behind and passing under the Atlantic Ocean. After several days of monotonous travel, they arrive at a vast grotto where Hans is paid and Sunday is declared a day of rest.
Themes in this chapter
Human Endurance and Survival
The travelers overcome thirst and fatigue, maintaining perfect health despite the arduous descent and monotonous journey.
Scientific Curiosity and Ambition
The Professor meticulously records data and rejoices in the scientific implications of being under the ocean, while Axel's initial wonder gives way to acceptance.
The Unknown and the Sublime
The vast underground spaces, the abyss, and the realization of being beneath the Atlantic Ocean evoke awe and the sublime nature of the unknown.
Characters to notice
- Axel Liedenbrock
Axel's spirits revive; he feels stronger and embraces the journey, even imagining mythological guides. He expresses astonishment at being under the ocean but gradually accepts the idea.
- Professor Otto Liedenbrock
The Professor storms against the horizontal road, preferring vertical descents. He constantly consults his compass and instruments, and delights in the realization they are under the sea.
- Hans Bjelke
Hans secures ropes for the descent and is paid his weekly wages at the grotto. His calm demeanor contrasts with the Professor's impatience.
Key passages
“I compared it to a friendly genius guiding us underground, and caressed with my hand the soft naiad, whose comforting voice accompanied our steps.”
Axel imagines the stream as a helpful spirit leading them through the earth.
Shows Axel's revived spirits and mythological thinking.
“When he told me that we had gone fifty leagues horizontally, I could not repress an exclamation of astonishment, at the thought that we had now long left Iceland behind us.”
Axel is shocked to learn they have traveled so far horizontally that they are no longer under Iceland.
Highlights the scale of their journey and the realization they are under the ocean.