# XV: The Northwest Passage explained — The Adventures of Captain Hatteras

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

## What happens

As spring arrives and the ice begins to thaw, Hatteras, Altamont, and the doctor debate the existence of an open polar sea and the merits of the Northwest Passage. The discussion escalates into a heated nationalistic argument between Hatteras (English) and Altamont (American) over the achievements of explorers like Kane and MacClure, with the doctor attempting to mediate. The chapter ends with unresolved tension as Altamont retires and Hatteras paces alone.

## Themes in this chapter

### National Rivalry and Patriotism

The chapter features a fierce argument between Englishman Hatteras and American Altamont over the merits of their respective nations' explorers, highlighting deep-seated national pride.

### Exploration and Discovery

The characters debate the validity of the Northwest Passage discovery and the possibility of an open polar sea, central to the expedition's goals.

### Human Endurance and Survival

References to MacClure's four winters in the ice and the sledge journey of 470 miles underscore the extreme endurance required for Arctic exploration.

## Character check-ins

### John Hatteras

Engages in a heated debate with Altamont over national exploration achievements, defending English explorers and asserting his captaincy.

### Dr. Clawbonny

Attempts to mediate the dispute between Hatteras and Altamont, providing historical context on MacClure's expedition.

### Altamont

Argues for American exploration glory, particularly Captain Kane, and challenges the completeness of the Northwest Passage discovery.

### Bell

Joins the doctor and Altamont in gathering wood from the Porpoise; later supports the doctor during the argument.

### Johnson

Supports the doctor's mediation and recalls his own experience aboard the Phoenix with Captain Inglefield.

## Key lines

> The open sea meant liberty for him. Whether or not his predecessors had been wrong on this great question of an open polar sea, he hoped soon to know.

Hatteras saw the thawing ice as a sign of freedom and anticipated finally learning the truth about the open polar sea.

_Highlights Hatteras's obsession with the open sea and his reliance on it for success._

> I shall not permit the good name of an English captain to be attacked any further in my presence.

Hatteras declared he would not allow anyone to insult an English captain while he was around.

_Shows Hatteras's fierce patriotism and his readiness to confront Altamont._

> My friends,' said the doctor, 'don't get excited! We are discussing a scientific subject.' Clawbonny looked with horror at a scientific discussion into which the hate of an American and an Englishman could enter.

The doctor tried to calm everyone by reminding them it was a scientific debate, but he was dismayed that national hatred had infiltrated it.

_Illustrates the doctor's role as peacemaker and his distress over the nationalistic conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xv-the-northwest-passage
- 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