The Mysterious Island · Chapter
XIV explained
The colonists measure the height of the granite wall using similar triangles, determine the latitude of Lincoln Island, and explore the northern coast.
What happens
The colonists measure the height of the granite wall using similar triangles, determine the latitude of Lincoln Island, and explore the northern coast. They discover an oyster bed and discuss the need for firearms. Cyrus Smith calculates the island's approximate coordinates, concluding it is far from any inhabited land.
Themes in this chapter
Science and Technology
Cyrus Smith applies geometry and astronomy to measure the island's coordinates, demonstrating practical scientific knowledge.
Survival and Self-Reliance
The colonists use resourcefulness to determine their location and plan for future needs like firearms and food.
Characters to notice
- Cyrus Smith
Leads the measurement of the granite wall using geometry, calculates the latitude, and plans the longitude observation.
- Herbert Brown
Assists Cyrus Smith with the geometric measurement and learns about similar triangles.
- Pencroff
Expresses desire for firearms and jokes about their situation; participates in the exploration and oyster discovery.
- Gideon Spilett
Holds the chronometer for the noon observation and comments on the oyster bed's abundance.
- Neb
Discovers the oyster bed and collects oysters for breakfast.
Key passages
“But someday we will get away from this place.”
Pencroff expresses hope that they will eventually leave the island.
Reflects the colonists' optimism about escape.
“I have no map of the Pacific, but I have a distinct recollection of its southern portion.”
Cyrus Smith relies on his memory of Pacific geography since they lack a map.
Highlights the engineer's knowledge and the challenge of navigation.
“We will build a ship instead of a house, and Pencroff shall command it.”
Cyrus Smith promises to construct a ship if the island is close to inhabited land.
Shows the engineer's adaptive planning.