# XIV explained — The Mysterious Island

> Chapter companion for The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_island_se/chapters/xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_island_se/chapters