# In Which the Possibility That Coal Mines Surround the North Pole Is Considered explained — Topsy-Turvy

> Chapter companion for Topsy-Turvy by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The chapter debates the existence of coal mines at the North Pole, with Major Donellan and Dean Toodrink discussing geological evidence. President Barbicane and the N.P.P.A. assert that coal deposits exist, citing Arctic expeditions. Despite public ridicule and caricatures, the society raises $15,000,000 in subscriptions, confident in their venture.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imperialism and National Rivalry

The chapter highlights American-British tensions over Arctic coal claims, with European caricatures mocking the Yankee attempt to reach the North Pole.

### Capitalism and Speculation

The N.P.P.A. issues shares at $100, raising $15,000,000 in cash, with subscriptions exceeding expectations, illustrating speculative investment.

### Progress and Its Consequences

The chapter debates the exhaustion of coal and the need for new sources, linking industrial progress to geological exploration and potential environmental impact.

## Character check-ins

### Major Donellan

Argues that coal is practically established in the Arctic and debates President Barbicane, but grows cautious when others listen.

### Dean Toodrink

Questions Major Donellan about coal deposits higher up, expressing hope that Barbicane may be hanged.

### President Barbicane

Confidently asserts the N.P.P.A. will reach the North Pole and explore the coal mines, facing opposition but remaining resolute.

### J. T. Maston

Appears in caricatures alongside Barbicane, annoyed by the ridicule, with Mrs. Scorbitt sharing his indignation.

### Capt. Nicholl

Mentioned in a caricature descending from a balloon with Barbicane and Maston to capture a piece of coal.

### Mrs. Evangelina Scorbitt

Shares J.T. Maston's indignation at the caricatures mocking the Gun Club.

## Key lines

> Higher up, or rather further up, in a northerly direction, the presence of coal is practically established, and it seems as if you would only have to bend down to pick it up.

Major Donellan asserts that coal is so abundant in the far north that it appears to be lying on the surface, ready to be gathered.

_Donellan's confident claim about Arctic coal deposits, based on geological knowledge._

> We will pass it—reach even the North Pole. We will reach it.

President Barbicane declares that the N.P.P.A. will surpass the 84th parallel and achieve the North Pole.

_Barbicane's resolute response to skeptics, showing his determination._

> The world might be called 'an animal of coal,' and therefore it is necessary to take good care of it.

The narrator emphasizes humanity's dependence on coal, comparing the world to a creature that must be nourished by it.

_Metaphor highlighting the critical role of coal in industrial society._

## Links

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