# Conclusion explained — The Adventures of Captain Hatteras

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

## What happens

The survivors of the Forward are rescued by a Danish whaler and return to England, where Dr. Clawbonny publishes an account of the expedition, glorifying John Hatteras. Hatteras, now mad, lives quietly at Starr Cottage, perpetually walking northward, accompanied by his faithful dog Duke.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Madness

Hatteras's polar madness is the central focus of the conclusion; he is perpetually drawn northward, a tragic victim of his own obsession.

### Human Endurance and Survival

The survivors endure extreme hunger and cold, ultimately rescued by a whaler after a desperate sea crossing on a floe.

### National Rivalry and Patriotism

England celebrates Hatteras's achievement as a national triumph, and the government names landmarks to honor the explorers.

### Friendship and Companionship

Altamont remains with the group, and Duke stays faithfully by Hatteras's side, illustrating bonds formed through shared ordeal.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Clawbonny

Publishes the expedition account 'The English at the North Pole' and cares for the mad Hatteras.

### John Hatteras

Now mad, lives at Starr Cottage, walking northward each day with his dog Duke.

### Altamont

Survives and remains with the group, becoming a friend to the others.

### Johnson

Survives the ordeal and returns to Liverpool with the others.

### Bell

Survives and is rescued along with the rest of the party.

### Duke

Remains faithfully with Hatteras, sharing his madness and his northward walks.

## Key lines

> Liverpool, where they were warmly received, after they had been thought to be long dead, and buried in the eternal ice.

The survivors were welcomed in Liverpool, having been presumed dead and lost to the ice.

_Describes the public's surprise and relief at the return of the explorers._

> Captain John Hatteras was always walking towards the north.

Hatteras's madness compelled him to walk perpetually in a northerly direction.

_Summarizes Hatteras's final state of polar obsession._

> The doctor and his companions went through all these emotions; they had reached the western limit of the ice-field, and yet they saw the ship disappear, taking no note of their presence.

The castaways experienced the agony of seeing a ship approach and then sail away, ignoring their signals.

_Highlights the emotional rollercoaster of hope and despair during the rescue attempt._

> The government confirmed the name of Queen’s Island for the rock at the North Pole, of Mount Hatteras for the mountain itself, and of Altamont Harbor for the port in New America.

The British government officially named key geographical features after the explorers and the Queen.

_Shows the official recognition and national pride in the expedition's achievements._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvii-conclusion
- 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