The Mysterious Island · Chapter
LVII explained
The volcano awakens, but the colonists continue building their schooner.
What happens
The volcano awakens, but the colonists continue building their schooner. On the evening of October 15, an unexpected electric bell rings from Granite House, revealing a mysterious telegraph wire. Following it, they discover a hidden cavern accessible only at low tide, where they find a canoe and a brilliant electric light emanating from a large submarine vessel.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Sublime
The description of the volcanic awakening, the storm, and the immense hidden cavern with basaltic columns evokes awe and the sublime power of nature.
Science and Technology
The use of an electric telegraph, a sawmill, and the construction of a schooner highlight the colonists' technological ingenuity.
Providence and Mystery
The mysterious telegraph signal and the hidden cavern with its electric light suggest a beneficent but unknown force guiding the colonists.
Characters to notice
- Cyrus Smith
Leads the colonists in investigating the volcano and the mysterious telegraph signal, deducing the hidden cavern and the boat.
- Pencroff
Enthusiastically discusses the future of the colony and the schooner, and participates in the nighttime expedition.
- Herbert Brown
Questions the accessibility of the cavern and blushes at Pencroff's talk of future family.
- Neb
Takes the lantern and rows the canoe during the exploration of the cavern.
- Ayrton
Silently reflects on his transformation and desire to see Lord Glenarvan; rows the canoe.
- Gideon Spilett
Participates in the conversation about the future and jokingly founds the New Lincoln Herald.
Key passages
“The volcano had certainly awakened, and its vapors had penetrated the mineral matter of the crater, but no one could say whether the subterranean fires would bring on a violent eruption.”
The volcano was clearly active, with smoke rising from the crater, but it was uncertain if a full eruption would follow.
Describes the initial signs of volcanic activity.
“Thus it is with the spirit of man. The need of doing something permanent, something which will survive him, is the sign of his superiority over everything here below.”
Human nature craves creating lasting works, which sets humanity apart from all other beings.
Reflects on the colonists' desire to build a lasting colony.
“He would not have called us, unless the means of reaching him had been provided.”
The mysterious caller must have ensured a way for us to reach him.
Cyrus Smith's logical deduction about the hidden cavern's accessibility.