# Chapter XXI explained — The Mysterious Island

> Chapter companion for The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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