The Mysterious Island · Chapter
Chapter XXI explained
Cyrus Smith expounds his theory that Lincoln Island was once part of a vast submerged continent, and discusses the future cooling of the Earth and the role of coral insects in building new continents.
What happens
Cyrus Smith expounds his theory that Lincoln Island was once part of a vast submerged continent, and discusses the future cooling of the Earth and the role of coral insects in building new continents. The colonists explore a swampy region, hunt birds, and observe the barren eastern coast, contrasting it with the fertile west.
Themes in this chapter
Science and Technology
Cyrus Smith presents geological and biological theories about continental formation, coral insects, and the Earth's cooling.
Nature and the Sublime
The barren eastern coast and the vast, calm ocean evoke the sublime power of nature.
Providence and Mystery
Smith's speculations about the future of the globe and the role of the Creator suggest a providential design.
Characters to notice
- Cyrus Smith
Leads the exploration and presents his theories on continental subsidence, coral island formation, and the future cooling of the Earth.
- Pencroff
Expresses skepticism about the continent theory and focuses on practical concerns like edible animals and the island's volcanic origin.
- Herbert Brown
Asks thoughtful questions about Atlantis and the purpose of new continents, and identifies a fox species.
- Gideon Spilett
Comments on the island's varied geography and suggests settling as if forever.
- Neb
Prepares the meal during the exploration.
- Top
Assists in hunting birds in the swamp.
Key passages
“important as Europe or Asia, Africa or the two Americas. My mind does not refuse to admit that all the islands rising from this vast ocean are the mountains of a continent now engulfed, but which formerly rose majestically from these waters.”
Cyrus Smith suggests that the islands of the Pacific are the peaks of a sunken continent, as significant as any existing landmass.
Smith's theory of a submerged continent explains the island's diverse flora and fauna.
“I verily believe that century after century, and infusoria after infusoria will change the Pacific someday into a vast continent, which new generations will, in their turn, inhabit and civilize.”
Smith predicts that coral insects will eventually build a new continent in the Pacific over many centuries.
Highlights the theme of slow, natural processes shaping the Earth.
“This side of Lincoln island was indeed barren, and presented a strong contrast to the western part.”
The eastern coast is desolate and inhospitable, unlike the fertile western side.
Emphasizes the island's varied geography.