Journey to the Center of the Earth · Chapter
De Profundis explained
Axel awakens to a new day in the depths, growing accustomed to the troglodyte life.
What happens
Axel awakens to a new day in the depths, growing accustomed to the troglodyte life. Professor Liedenbrock calculates their position: 85 leagues southeast of Snæfells at a depth of 16 leagues, contradicting the expected central heat theory. Axel questions the feasibility of reaching the center given the diagonal descent, provoking his uncle's anger. They discuss atmospheric pressure and density, with the Professor dismissing objections. Axel remains silent, deferring to his uncle's authority while envying Hans's unquestioning acceptance.
Themes in this chapter
Scientific Curiosity and Ambition
Professor Liedenbrock's relentless calculations and determination to map their journey exemplify scientific ambition, even as he dismisses contrary evidence.
The Limits of Human Knowledge
Axel's rational calculations about the impossibility of reaching the center highlight the limits of human understanding, while the Professor's faith in precedent and theory shows the tension between knowledge and belief.
Human Endurance and Survival
The explorers adapt to the dense atmosphere and pressure, finding pleasure in the intense sound and learning to cope with physical discomfort, demonstrating human resilience.
Characters to notice
- Axel Liedenbrock
Awakens relieved, grows accustomed to subterranean life, questions the Professor's calculations and the feasibility of reaching the center, but ultimately defers to his uncle's authority.
- Professor Otto Liedenbrock
Calculates their position, dismisses Axel's rational objections with anger, defends his theories against the central heat hypothesis, and insists on continuing the journey.
- Hans Bjelke
Remains stolid and indifferent, following destiny without questioning causes or effects, envied by Axel for his calm acceptance.
Key passages
“Being fossils, we looked upon all those things as mere jokes.”
We had become so accustomed to our underground existence that we regarded the surface world's necessities as trivial and amusing.
Axel reflects on their psychological adaptation to the subterranean environment.
“I am obliged to agree; but, after all, it is surprising.”
I have to admit you're right, but it's still astonishing.
Axel concedes to his uncle's point about the lack of expected heat, though he remains skeptical.
“Confusion to all your figures, and all your hypotheses besides.”
To hell with your calculations and theories.
The Professor angrily dismisses Axel's logical objections about the impracticality of reaching the center.
“I could see the awful Professor bursting through my uncle's skin, and I took timely warning.”
I recognized the dangerous shift from my uncle to the fierce Professor, so I wisely stopped arguing.
Axel notes the transformation in his uncle's demeanor and chooses silence to avoid conflict.