# X: Coal Town explained — The Child of the Cavern

> Chapter companion for The Child of the Cavern by Jules Verne.

## What happens

Three years after the discovery of New Aberfoyle, the mine has become a thriving subterranean community called Coal Town, complete with homes, a chapel, and electric lighting. Simon Ford and James Starr have built cottages on the shores of Loch Malcolm. The miners and their families prosper underground, and Jack Ryan has returned to work, living with the Fords. Harry Ford explores the mine obsessively, still hoping to find the mysterious being who saved them. Jack Ryan and Old Madge continue to believe in supernatural mine creatures, while Harry remains skeptical.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature vs. Technology

Coal Town is a technological marvel built underground, with electric light and hydraulic railways, contrasting with the natural darkness and the lake's eyeless fish.

### Family and Loyalty

The Ford family remains close, with Jack Ryan living with them; Harry's loyalty drives him to search for the mysterious savior.

### Mystery and the Supernatural

Jack Ryan and Old Madge continue to believe in goblins and fairies; Harry's quest for the mysterious being keeps the supernatural element alive.

## Character check-ins

### Simon Ford

Built a new cottage on the shores of Loch Malcolm; proud of Coal Town and rarely leaves the mine.

### James Starr

Built a second cottage near Simon Ford; devoted himself entirely to New Aberfoyle and rarely leaves the pit.

### Harry Ford

Explores the mine extensively, hoping to find the mysterious being; knows every corner of New Aberfoyle.

### Jack Ryan

Returned to mining, lives with the Fords, became head of a gang of hewers; still believes in supernatural mine beings.

### Madge

Loves Jack Ryan for his good nature; shares his belief in fantastic beings and tells stories with him.

### Nell

Not directly mentioned in this chapter, but the mysterious being Harry seeks is implied to be Nell.

## Key lines

> Dozens of babies, who were born at the time when the works were resumed, had never yet breathed the outer air. This made Jack Ryan remark, 'It’s eighteen months since they were weaned, and they have not yet seen daylight!'

Many children born after the mine reopened have never been above ground, prompting Jack Ryan to joke that they haven't seen daylight since being weaned.

_Highlights the complete underground life of the mining community._

> Harry’s eyes seemed made for the dark, just as a sailor’s are made for distances.

Harry's vision adapted perfectly to the darkness of the mine, much like a sailor's eyes are suited for seeing far distances.

_Emphasizes Harry's deep connection to the underground environment._

> Jack Ryan took up his abode in Simon Ford’s new cottage. They offered him a room, which he accepted without ceremony, in his frank and hearty way.

Jack Ryan moved into the Ford's cottage, accepting their offer of a room casually and warmly.

_Shows Jack's close friendship with the Ford family._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_child_of_the_cavern_se/chapters/x-coal-town
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_child_of_the_cavern_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_child_of_the_cavern_se/chapters