# XXI explained — The Survivors of the Chancellor

> Chapter companion for The Survivors of the Chancellor by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The passengers and crew work to blast a passage through the basalt ridge on Ham Rock reef using picrate of potash, successfully freeing the Chancellor and departing after three weeks stranded.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Sacrifice

The crew's laborious effort to blast the rock ridge exemplifies the sacrifices made for survival.

### Leadership and Authority

Curtis's decisive leadership and Falsten's technical expertise guide the successful escape.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Curtis

Leads the decision to blast the rock ridge and oversees the operation.

### Mr. Falsten

Suggests using picrate of potash for blasting and directs the mining process.

### Dowlas

Assists in examining the ridge and works on hollowing out the mine.

### M. Letourneur

Takes a farewell walk around the reef with André and Miss Herbey.

### André Letourneur

Carves 'Chancellor' and the date on the grotto wall as a memento.

### Miss Herbey

Joins the farewell walk around the reef.

## Key lines

> But this basalt is as hard as granite," said the boatswain; "besides, we can only get at it at low water, and consequently could only work at it for two hours out of the twenty-four." "All the more reason why we should begin at once, boatswain," said Curtis.

The boatswain notes the difficulty of cutting the hard basalt in limited low-tide windows, but Curtis insists on starting immediately.

_Highlights the urgency and determination to overcome the obstacle._

> Picrate of potash.

Falsten identifies the explosive substance that can be used to blast the rock.

_Reveals the key solution to freeing the ship._

> our prison-doors were opened, and we were prisoners no more!

The successful blast creates a passage, freeing the ship from the reef.

_Emphasizes the relief and triumph of the moment._

## Links

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