# VI: The Great Polar Current explained — The Adventures of Captain Hatteras

> Chapter companion for The Adventures of Captain Hatteras by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The Forward continues its northward journey, encountering birds, ice, and the powerful polar current. Dr. Clawbonny and Shandon discuss the current's origin and its implications for a Northwest Passage, supported by the discovery of a mahogany tree trunk that must have come from Bering Strait. The crew sights Cape Farewell, and the doctor reflects on the many explorers who passed that point never to return.

## Themes in this chapter

### Exploration and Discovery

The chapter highlights the ongoing quest for the Northwest Passage, with the mahogany tree serving as physical evidence supporting the theory of a navigable polar route.

### Science and Knowledge

Dr. Clawbonny and Shandon discuss ocean currents, the origin of driftwood, and the implications for polar geography, demonstrating the use of empirical evidence to advance understanding.

### The Sublime and Dangerous Nature

The icebergs, freezing temperatures, and treacherous currents underscore the harsh and majestic Arctic environment, while the doctor's reflection on lost explorers evokes the peril of these waters.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Shandon

Commands the Forward, navigates through ice and current, orders sail adjustments and distribution of cold-weather gear.

### Dr. Clawbonny

Engages in scientific discussion about the polar current, identifies the mahogany tree as evidence of a Northwest Passage, sketches the famous iceberg, and reflects on the history of Arctic exploration.

### James Wall

Present on the poop-deck, contributes to the discussion about the current's difficulty for sailing vessels.

### Johnson

Points out the floating mahogany tree and suggests hauling it aboard for examination.

## Key lines

> Hence,” said the doctor, “you must admit that America is completely separated from the polar regions, and that the water from the Pacific skirts its whole northern coast, until it reaches the Atlantic.

The doctor argues that the polar current proves America is not connected to the Arctic, allowing Pacific water to flow around its northern coast into the Atlantic.

_This supports the theory of a Northwest Passage._

> It certainly gives the lie to those who deny the existence of a Northwest Passage.” “It fairly kills them,” answered the doctor.

The mahogany tree is conclusive evidence against skeptics of the Northwest Passage, according to the doctor.

_The driftwood is presented as definitive proof of a navigable route._

> Many have passed it, as we do, who were destined never to see it again! Is it an eternal farewell to one’s friends in Europe?

The doctor muses that Cape Farewell is a poignant landmark, as many explorers who passed it never returned home.

_This reflection underscores the danger and sacrifice of Arctic exploration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vi-the-great-polar-current
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters