# XXII explained — The Survivors of the Chancellor

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

## What happens

The Chancellor sets sail again but faces a new crisis as water begins flooding the hold. Despite continuous pumping, the water level rises, and the crew and passengers struggle against despair. Curtis remains composed but the situation grows increasingly dire.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hope and Despair

The passengers and crew struggle between hope for reaching land and despair as the water rises relentlessly.

### Leadership and Authority

Curtis maintains command and composure, organizing the crew and informing passengers despite the growing crisis.

### Survival and Sacrifice

All hands, including passengers, take turns at the pumps in a desperate effort to keep the ship afloat.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Curtis

Remains calm and self-possessed, directing the crew and informing passengers of the danger.

### M. Letourneur

Informed by Mr. Kazallon of the new danger.

### Mr. Falsten

About to express despair but is silenced by Miss Herbey's confidence.

### Miss Herbey

Expresses confidence that all will be well.

### Mr. Kazallon

Narrator; observes the events and informs M. Letourneur of the danger.

### Burke

Sailor who reports the initial flooding of the hold.

## Key lines

> Two feet of water below.

A sailor reports that the hold has two feet of water.

_The first alarming indication of the leak._

> Three feet of water!

The next morning, the water depth increases to three feet.

_The situation worsens despite pumping efforts._

> Slowly, but surely, the water continued to rise, and on the following morning the soundings gave five feet for its depth

The water level steadily increases, reaching five feet by the next morning.

_The leak is overwhelming the pumps._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_survivors_of_the_chancellor_se/chapters/xxii
- 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