Introduction
"Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" is a renowned novel by the French author, Jules Verne. Originally written in French, this book has been translated into several languages, including English. The book is an excellent example of adventure and science fiction literature.
Notable Quotes
Here are some of the memorable quotes from "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea":
"Science, my boy, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth."
"The sea is everything. It covers seven tenths of the terrestrial globe."
"I am not what is called a civilized man, Professor. I have done with society entirely, for reasons which I alone have the right of appreciating. I do not, therefore, obey its laws, and I desire you never to allude to them before me again!"
"The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."
Plot Summary
The story revolves around the mysterious Captain Nemo and his submarine, Nautilus. The protagonist, Professor Aronnax, sets out on a mission to discover the cause of sea monsters that have been attacking ships. While on the mission, his ship is attacked, and he is thrown into the sea with his loyal servant, Conseil, and a sailor, Ned Land. However, they are rescued by the Nautilus, where they get to experience the wonders of the ocean, including the undersea flora and fauna.
As they journey deeper into the ocean, they encounter various sea creatures and even explore shipwrecks. The crew discovers that Nemo is on a self-imposed mission to seek revenge against the world's governments and destroy all warships.
The story comes to a dramatic conclusion as the Nautilus gets stranded in an underwater tunnel, forcing the crew to abandon it and make their escape on a lifeboat.
Impact on Literature
"Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" is a classic novel that has had a significant impact on literature. It is regarded as a masterpiece of science fiction, adventure, and maritime literature. Verne's innovation in writing about underwater activities and machinery helped to establish the science fiction genre and influences other authors in their works.
The book has inspired countless adaptations, including movies, TV shows, and radio dramas. The iconic character of Captain Nemo has become a cultural symbol of rebellion and anti-establishment.
Conclusion
"Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" is a classic novel that has not only entertained readers for over a century but has also contributed greatly to literature. The story's timeless themes of adventure, exploration, and discovery continue to inspire readers and writers around the world. This book has left a lasting impact on science fiction and maritime literature and will undoubtedly be celebrated for years to come.