Journey to the Center of the Earth · Chapter
XXXII: Wonders of the Deep explained
The expedition sets sail on a raft across the Liedenbrock Sea, naming their departure point Port Gräuben.
What happens
The expedition sets sail on a raft across the Liedenbrock Sea, naming their departure point Port Gräuben. They make rapid progress, encountering immense seaweeds and catching blind fossil fish from the Devonian period. Axel experiences a vivid hallucination of prehistoric life and the primordial earth, nearly falling overboard before being saved by Hans.
Themes in this chapter
Scientific Curiosity and Ambition
The Professor's identification of the blind fossil fish and the systematic logging of observations demonstrate the drive for scientific discovery.
The Unknown and the Sublime
Axel's hallucination of primordial life and the vast, empty sea evoke the awe and terror of the unknown.
Human Endurance and Survival
The crew's resourcefulness in building the raft, fishing for food, and Hans's quick action to save Axel highlight survival instincts.
Characters to notice
- Axel Liedenbrock
Axel records the voyage log, experiences a hallucination of prehistoric epochs, and is saved from falling overboard by Hans.
- Professor Otto Liedenbrock
The Professor names Port Gräuben, estimates the raft's speed, identifies the blind fossil fish, and rouses Axel from his hallucination.
- Hans Bjelke
Hans constructs the raft's rudder, steers the vessel, prepares fishing lines, catches the blind fish, and physically prevents Axel from falling into the sea.
- Gräuben
Axel suggests naming the harbour Port Gräuben in her honour, associating her memory with the expedition.
Key passages
“At the moment of leaving the harbour, my uncle, who was tenaciously fond of naming his new discoveries, wanted to give it a name, and proposed mine amongst others. “But I have a better to propose,” I said: “Gräuben. Let it be called Port Gräuben; it will look very well upon the map.” “Port Gräuben let it be then.””
As they depart, the Professor wants to name the harbour after Axel, but Axel suggests naming it Port Gräuben in honour of his beloved, and the Professor agrees.
The naming of Port Gräuben ties the expedition to Axel's personal affections.
“After a short examination my uncle pronounced his opinion. “This fish belongs to an extinct family, of which only fossil traces are found in the Devonian formations.””
The Professor identifies the caught fish as a living specimen from an extinct family known only from Devonian fossils.
The discovery of a living fossil fish underscores the ancient and isolated nature of the subterranean sea.
“But for him, carried away by my dream, I should have thrown myself into the sea. “Is he mad?” cried the Professor. “What is it all about?” at last I cried, returning to myself. “Do you feel ill?” my uncle asked. “No; but I have had a strange hallucination; it is over now.””
Hans grabs Axel just in time to prevent him from falling overboard during a vivid hallucination; the Professor asks if he is ill, and Axel explains it was a strange vision.
Axel's hallucination reveals the psychological impact of the journey and the overwhelming power of the prehistoric landscape.