# The English Flag explained — The Adventures of Captain Hatteras

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

## What happens

After Hatteras is lost overboard during a storm, the crew mourns him, but Duke discovers him alive on the shore of a volcanic island at the North Pole. They reunite, take observations confirming they are at latitude 89° 59′ 15″, and Hatteras declares the island 'Queen Island.' A document is prepared to record the discovery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Exploration and Discovery

The crew reaches the North Pole, discovering Queen Island and confirming the location through precise observation.

### Human Endurance and Survival

Hatteras survives being cast overboard in a storm and washes ashore alive, demonstrating remarkable endurance.

### Friendship and Companionship

The crew's grief at losing Hatteras and their joy at finding him alive highlight their deep bonds.

### National Rivalry and Patriotism

Hatteras wraps himself in the English flag and names the island 'Queen Island,' while the doctor extends a hand to Altamont, acknowledging both England and America.

## Character check-ins

### John Hatteras

Lost overboard during the storm, presumed dead, but found alive on the shore of Queen Island, wrapped in the English flag.

### Dr. Clawbonny

Leads the search for Hatteras, weeps at his presumed loss, and later rejoices at finding him alive; takes observations and writes the discovery document.

### Altamont

Takes the helm during the search, helps navigate to the island, and is present at the reunion.

### Johnson

Rows with Bell during the search, helps set up camp, and signs the discovery document.

### Bell

Rows with Johnson, holds Duke back from jumping into the sea, and signs the discovery document.

### Duke

Barks despairingly after Hatteras is lost, leaps ashore first, and discovers Hatteras's body on the shore.

## Key lines

> One cry, bursting from the lips of the other four, succeeded their first stupefaction. “Hatteras!” cried the doctor. “Gone!” said Johnson and Bell. “Lost!”

The four men cried out in shock as they realized Hatteras was missing.

_The immediate reaction to Hatteras's disappearance._

> This continent was but an island, or rather a volcano, peering up like a lighthouse at the North Pole.

The land they saw was a volcanic island, standing like a beacon at the North Pole.

_Description of the volcanic island at the Pole._

> Alive, alive!” he cried. “Yes,” said a feeble voice, “living on the land of the Pole, where the tempest cast me up! Living on Queen Island!”

The doctor exclaimed that Hatteras was alive, and Hatteras weakly confirmed he was alive on Queen Island.

_The moment of Hatteras's discovery and reunion._

> And now, my friends, to table!” said the doctor, gayly.

The doctor cheerfully invited everyone to eat.

_The doctor's lighthearted invitation after the document was signed._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiii-the-english-flag
- 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