Journey to the Center of the Earth · Chapter
XXXIV: The Great Geyser explained
The expedition continues across the Liedenbrock Sea under favorable winds.
What happens
The expedition continues across the Liedenbrock Sea under favorable winds. A distant roaring noise is heard, which Axel fears may be a waterfall or a sea monster. As they approach, they discover it is a massive geyser on a volcanic islet. They land, and the Professor names the islet after his nephew. Axel measures the water temperature at 325°F, far above boiling, and notes the geyser's variable force. They depart after Hans repairs the rudder, having traveled 270 leagues from Port Gräuben and 620 leagues from Iceland.
Themes in this chapter
Scientific Curiosity and Ambition
The Professor's insistence on approaching the unknown phenomenon and his eagerness to investigate the geyser exemplify relentless scientific ambition.
The Power of Nature
The geyser's immense column of water, electric sparks, and intense heat demonstrate nature's overwhelming force.
The Unknown and the Sublime
Axel's initial terror and awe at the mysterious roaring and the geyser's majestic display highlight the sublime and unknown aspects of the subterranean world.
Characters to notice
- Axel Liedenbrock
Axel records the journey, fears a cataract or monster, mutinies against the Professor, and later measures the geyser's temperature.
- Professor Otto Liedenbrock
The Professor insists on steering toward the phenomenon, identifies the islet and geyser, and names the islet after Axel.
- Hans Bjelke
Hans remains at the helm, climbs the mast to observe, identifies the islet as 'Holm' and the geyser as 'Geysir', and refits the rudder during the halt.
Key passages
“The column of water thrown up to a height of five hundred feet falls in rain with a deafening uproar.”
The geyser shoots water five hundred feet into the air, which then crashes down like rain with a thunderous noise.
Describes the scale and sound of the geyser.
“I plunge a register thermometer into the boiling water. It marks an intense heat of 325°, which is far above the boiling point; therefore this water issues from an ardent furnace, which is not at all in harmony with Professor Liedenbrock’s theories.”
Axel measures the geyser water at 325°F, much hotter than boiling, contradicting the Professor's theories about underground temperatures.
Highlights the conflict between observation and theory.