The Mysterious Island · Chapter
LX explained
The colonists reflect on the loss of Captain Nemo and push forward with shipbuilding as Mount Franklin shows increasing signs of a major volcanic eruption.
What happens
The colonists reflect on the loss of Captain Nemo and push forward with shipbuilding as Mount Franklin shows increasing signs of a major volcanic eruption. Smith and Ayrton visit the corral and observe the volcano's activity, and Smith explores Crypt Dakkar. The year ends with intense work on the new ship, and by early January the eruption intensifies, prompting Smith to consider the potential dangers.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Sublime
The volcano's eruption is depicted with awe and terror, highlighting the sublime power of nature over human endeavors.
Survival and Self-Reliance
The colonists accelerate shipbuilding as a precaution against potential disaster, emphasizing their reliance on their own skills and resources.
Isolation and Longing for Home
The loss of Captain Nemo deepens the colonists' sense of isolation, and the ship represents a possible return to civilization.
Characters to notice
- Cyrus Smith
Engineer; leads exploration of the volcano and Crypt Dakkar; expresses concern about the eruption and accelerates shipbuilding.
- Pencroff
Sailor; focuses on shipbuilding and grumbles about delays; makes light of the eruption with a joke.
- Herbert Brown
Young colonist; observes the volcano from Prospect Plateau; assists with work.
- Ayrton
Former castaway; accompanies Smith to the corral and tends to the animals.
- Gideon Spilett
Reporter; discusses volcanic activity with Smith and notes the timeline of the eruption.
- Neb
Servant; assists in recovering wire from Crypt Dakkar and works on the ship.
- Captain Nemo
Deceased; his loss is mourned by the colonists; Crypt Dakkar is named in his memory.
Key passages
“Look! The giant plays at cup and ball! He is a juggler.”
Pencroff jokes that the volcano is like a giant playing a game, tossing rocks back into the crater.
Pencroff's attempt to lighten the mood despite the growing danger.
“The crater is on fire!”
Herbert exclaims that the volcano's crater is actively erupting with flames.
Herbert's observation from Prospect Plateau marks the escalation of the eruption.
“I do not fear an earthquake... But other causes may bring about great disaster.”
Smith says he is not worried about an earthquake, but other volcanic effects could still cause catastrophe.
Smith's foreshadowing of a potential volcanic collapse or explosion.