20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Contents

Story Context - p. 2

Major Themes - p. 6

Part 1 - p. 9

Part 2 - p. 21

Part 3 - p. 32

Part 4 - p. 43

Part 5 - p. 54

Essay - p. 64

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 Story Context

Book Information
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is a classic science fiction adventure
novel by French writer Jules Verne.

The novel was originally serialized from March 1869 through June
1870 in Pierre-Jules Hetzel's fortnightly periodical, the Magasin
d'éducation et de récréation. A deluxe octavo edition, published by
Hetzel in November 1871, included 111 illustrations by Alphonse
de Neuville and Édouard Riou The book was widely acclaimed on
its release and remains so; it is regarded as one of
the premiere adventure novels and one of Verne's greatest works,
along with Around the World in Eighty Days and Journey to the
Center of the Earth. Its depiction of Captain Nemo's underwater ship, the Nautilus, is
regarded as ahead of its time, since it accurately describes many features of
today's submarines, which in the 1860s were comparatively primitive vessels.

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Author
Jules Gabriel Verne; 8 February 1828 – 24 March 1905) was a French novelist, poet, and
playwright. His collaboration with the publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel led to the creation of
the Voyages Extraordinaires, a series of bestselling adventure novels including Journey to
the Center of the Earth (1864), Twenty Thousand Leagues
Under the Seas (1870), and Around the World in Eighty
Days (1872).

Verne is considered to be an important author in France and

most of Europe, where he has had a wide influence on the
literary avant-garde and on surrealism. His reputation was
markedly different in anglophone regions where he had often
been labeled a writer of genre fiction or children's books,
largely because of the highly abridged and altered translations in which his novels have
often been printed. Since the 1980s, his literary reputation has improved.

Verne has been the second most-translated author in the world since 1979, ranking
between Agatha Christie and William Shakespeare. He has sometimes been called the
"Father of Science Fiction", a title that has also been given to H. G. Wells and Hugo
Gernsback.

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 Characters

Characters

Captain Nemo

A mysterious adventurer in complete control of the Nautilus, the futuristic submarine which

has been targeted by above-surface sailors as an unknown species of sea creature; a sea

monster, in fact. The mystery of the Nautilus leads to a fateful encounter with an American

ship named the Abraham Lincoln which brings on board his electrical wonder a host of

visitors upon whose arrival the narrative will twist and turn from adventure to adventure. For

reasons never fully explained, Nemo is a misanthropist clinging tightly to a deep-seated

hatred for most of the human race.

Professor Pierre Arronax

Arronax is Assistant Professor in the Museum of Natural History who is unfortunate enough

to be aboard the Abraham Lincoln during its fatal encounter with the Nautilus. His first-

person narration relates the various adventures aboard Nemo’s miraculous vessel.

Conseil

Conseil is the manservant to Arronax. He is essentially defined by his relationship to his

master and his standing as utterly and completely devoted in his role as servant. As a result,

he is far less complex than the other major characters, but does stand out as being a bit

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idiosyncratic. Not in a broadly suggestive way like Nemo, but more like a pleasantly

eccentric uncle.

Ned Land

Another one of the few to survive the encounter between Nemo and the Abraham Lincoln is

the American harpooner, Ned Land. In contrast to Nemo and Arronax, Ned is the

representative democratic down-to-earther, holding tightly to classic American ideals and

clashing with Nemo over the state of his virtual imprisonment. Ned is the norm aboard a

ship of outsiders.

Major Themes

Freedom vs. Constraint

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 One of the more abstract philosophical questions explored in the novel
regards the meaning of freedom. By depicting a protagonist and two other
central characters who are captured as “prisoners of war” and confined to an
underwater submarine totally cut off from society, the novel interrogates the
importance of freedom while postulating that in almost all situations, freedom necessarily
has limits. One of the central ways in which the tension between freedom and constraint
emerges is through the contrasting depictions of the vast openness of the sea and the
claustrophobic containment of the Nautilus. Traveling on the vessel allows a person to
journey across massive distances and explore far-away areas of the globe, yet being on a
submarine is also a condition defined by intense confinement. In this sense, the paradoxical
experience of being both free and confined on the Nautilus indicates that the idea of total,
unimpeded freedom is perhaps an illusion.

 In your own words, what is freedom? Is it something that is real and tangible, or is it just
a manmade concept?

 Why is it the wish of every teenager to have a sense of freedom from their parents? How
does the paradox of the submarine relate to the teenager?

Scientific Discovery and Technological Innovation

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 Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea represents a world in the midst of
heady scientific discoveries and innovations. The central piece of
technology through which this change is explored is Captain Nemo’s
submarine, the Nautilus, which allows him to spend his life permanently
roaming the oceans. The novel illustrates the new and exciting opportunities made possible
by scientific discovery and innovation. Told from the point of view of a naturalist, Professor
Pierre Arronax, the novel also indicates that scientific research is an important and
worthwhile end in itself. At the same time, the novel is cautious about the potential of
science and technology to transform the world in a positive way. It suggests that scientific
and technological innovations, while exhilarating, can be used for both good and bad ends.
In this sense, the novel has an ambivalent and arguably rather modern attitude toward
science and technology.

 Briefly, what are the positive and negative effects of technology today? Which side is
more powerful?

 In what aspects of life do most technological developments benefit? Why is this?

Exploration, Imperialism and Conquest

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 Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea takes place during the peak of the
age of imperialism, at a time when global colonial exploration was drawing
to a close and most of the world had been “conquered” by imperial powers.
Several characters in the novel—including Nemo and Arronax—want to
travel and conquer the world, including the mysterious, unexplored depths of the deep sea.
Indeed, in a moment in which most of the land has already been “discovered” and occupied
by colonial powers, the deep sea remains one of the few unexplored regions left on Earth,
and thus comes to represent the exciting and terrifying possibilities of new territory. Yet
while the novel foregrounds the colonial impulses of exploration and conquest, it also
makes references to the reality of imperialism as a force of brutality and injustice. The
result is a rather confused, contradictory depiction of exploration, imperialism, and
conquest that reflects the ambivalence felt by many citizens of colonial powers in the latter
half of the nineteenth century.

 It cannot be denied that the human race has a thirst for voyage and discovery. Why do
you think this is?

 What are your feelings towards spending vast sums of money on exploration while the
problem of poverty has not been solved?

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 Part 1 (pg.3-61)

Warm-up Part 1(p. 3-61)

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  A Guide for Landlubbers
Ahoy, ye scurvy scoundrels! In 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea there will be plenty of nautical
terms regarding parts of ships and measurements used on the open seas. Once familiar with these
terms, you will be able to acclimatize and start to appreciate the story from the beginning.

Ship Parts
Research the following parts of a vessel

port side starboard side stern forecastle

crosstree helm poop bowsprit

hull mast boiler

Units of Measure
Research what these units of measure mean

knots horse power fathom

While Reading Part 1(p. 3-61)

 Key Vocabulary

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 Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech

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3 phosphorescent adjective producing a small amount of light in the dark
3 endow verb provide with a quality, ability, or asset
connected with the group of creatures that
3 cetacean noun
includes whales and dolphins
3 hitherto adverb until now; until the particular time you are talking about
4 inordinate adjective far more than is usual or expected
4 interminable adjective lasting a very long time and therefore boring or annoying
a speech or a piece of writing that argues very strongly for
4 polemic noun
or against something/somebody
5 impunity noun the fact of not getting punished for something
6 ascertain verb to find out the true or correct information about something
6 perforate verb pierce and make a hole or holes in
6 prodigious adjective very large or powerful and causing surprise; impressive
8 mineralogical adjective connected with the scientific study of minerals
8 botanical adjective connected with the scientific study of plants
8 zoological adjective connected with the scientific study of animals
an idea or explanation of something that is based on a few
8 hypothesis noun known facts but that has not yet been proved to be true or
correct
a person, thing or situation that is mysterious and difficult
9 enigma noun
to understand
9 admissible adjective that can be allowed or accepted, especially in court
if people, things or situations are formidable, you feel fear
9 formidable adjective and/or respect for them, because they are impressive or
powerful, or because they seem very difficult
an opinion or idea that is not based on definite knowledge
10 conjecture noun
and is formed by guessing
(plural of stratum) a layer or set of layers of rock, earth,
10 strata noun
etc.
11 gimlet noun a small tool for making holes in wood to put screws in
11 partisan noun one who gives full loyalty and support to another
12 victual verb to provide with food or other stores
a word used to emphasize that somebody/something can
14 veritable adjective be compared to somebody/something else that is more
exciting, more impressive, etc.
14 by dint of ~ idiom by means of ~
14 savant noun a person with great knowledge and ability

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15 cachalot noun a sperm whale
a collection of wild animals kept in cages, etc. for people
16 menagerie noun
to see
16 capricious adjective showing sudden changes in attitude or behavior
a weapon like a spear attached to a long rope that you can
18 harpoon noun throw or fire from a gun and is used for catching large
fish, whales, etc.
18 conical adjective having the shape of a cone
the ability to remain calm in a difficult or dangerous
18 sangfroid adjective
situation
tending not to say very much, in a way that seems
18 taciturn adjective
unfriendly
any creature with a soft body that is not divided into
20 mollusc noun
different sections, and usually a hard outer shell
20 vertebrata noun (plural of vertebrate) an animal which has a backbone
the attitude of somebody who refuses to change their
21 obstinacy noun
opinions, way of behaving, etc.
the direction that a boat with sails takes as it sails at an
22 tack noun
angle to the wind in order to fill its sails
22 incredulity noun the fact of being unable to believe something
phrasal to say, often unfairly, that somebody is responsible for
23 impute to
verb something or has a particular quality
on or towards the side of something that is sheltered from
23 leeward adverb
the wind
a group of things put together in no particular order or
25 agglomeration noun arrangement; the fact of putting things together in this
way
a feeling of being so surprised or shocked that you cannot
26 stupefaction noun
speak, think clearly, etc.
to do something in a way that shows you think you are too
30 deign verb
important to do it
31 malediction noun a curse
32 indefatigably adverb without giving up or getting tired of doing something
a lower stay of rope or chain for the jibboom used to
33 martingale noun sustain the strain of the forestays and fastened to or rove
through the dolphin striker
33 sonorous adjective producing sound (as when struck)

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 a very deep wide space or hole that seems to have no
35 abyss noun
bottom
36 imperturbable adjective not easily upset or worried by a difficult situation; calm
39 vertiginous adjective causing a feeling of vertigo because of being very high
a row of posts, joined together at the top, built along the
39 balustrade noun edge of a balcony, bridge, etc. to prevent people from
falling off
in a way that is tightly closed so that no air can escape or
43 hermetically adverb
enter
to be a sign that something will be successful or not
44 augur verb
successful in the future
46 irascible adjective becoming angry very easily
47 enigmatical adjective relating to or resembling a mystery
48 saturated adjective completely wet
49 beneficent adjective giving help; being kind
(of animals and plants) living on the land or on the
51 terrestrial adjective
ground, rather than in water, in trees or in the air
51 gaoler noun alternative spelling of jailer
55 assent noun official agreement to or approval of something
to decide and state officially in court that somebody is not
57 acquit verb
guilty of a crime
to decorate the surface of something by putting pieces of
60 inlay verb wood or metal into it in such a way that the surface
remains smooth
60 inestimable adjective too great to calculate
a leader with great power, especially one who uses it in a
61 despot noun
cruel way
61 iniquitous adjective very unfair or wrong

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While Reading Part 1(p. 3-61)

 Key Vocab: Context Clues

stupefaction hermetically savant assent obstinacy
despot saturated capricious conical conjecture

1. Most tourists in Vietnam purchase a _______________ hat as a souvenir as it is easy to rec-

ognize.

2. After the heavy rain, we were left completely _______________ and needed a change of

clothes.

3. While considered a _______________ for his time, the famous inventor’s technology is

rather crude by today’s standards.

4. The citizens of that country live in fear of their leader. He is a _______________ and a

crook.

5. The _______________ behavior of the teacher made the students quite uncomfortable as

they never knew what to expect.

6. Sadly, social media has made people have a nasty habit of using _______________ rather

than basing their views on firm facts.

7. Modern food packaging takes advantage of technology that can _______________ seal a

package so the contents remain fresh.

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 8. Very little progress could be made during the meeting as there was a lot of

_______________ from both sides of the room.

While Reading Part 1(p. 3-61)

 Comprehension: True / False

1. T/F After the incident with the Scotia, the rumors surrounding the monster seemed
to get bigger.

2. T/F After a long and drawn-out deliberation, Professor Arronax decided to join the
expedition to catch the monster.

3. T/F Ned Land was enchanted by the incident of the Scotia and truly believed that the
monster was real.

4. T/F After Ned Land’s failed attempt to harpoon the monster, Professor Arronax was
thrown over the rail because of a severe collision.

5. T/F The captors spoke in French when met with the violence of Ned Land.

 Comprehension: Short Answer

1. What was so mysterious about the incident with the Scotia?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2. How did Captain Farragut motivate his crew to capture the “unicorn”? What would the crew do

to it once they caught sight of it?

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 ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. What was Ned Land’s opinion of the Scotia’s accident? Why did he feel that way?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4. Who was the first person to sight the “narwhal”? What did one of the officers onboard The

Abraham Lincoln believe the sighting was?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

5. Several hours after the Abraham Lincoln was attacked, where did the professor meet Ned Land?

What strange fact did Ned land discover about the “Narwhal”?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

6. What strange detail did the professor notice about one of the men who appeared to question

them? What feeling did he get when the man looked at them?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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7. What did the professor figure out about the air supply in the vessel? How did he figure this detail

out?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

8. What terms did the commander of the vessel deliver to Professor Arronax and his men?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Wrap-up Part 1(p. 3-61)

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  Discussion
1. At the time of writing this novel, why was the ocean the center of such mystery and wonder?
Why weren’t people curious about exploring our solar system or colonizing nearby planets?

2. In your opinion, was it understandable that Professor Arronax believed that the attacks on the
ships were caused by a giant narwhal?

3. Considering their backgrounds and experiences, explain how Professor Arronax and Ned Land
could have such differing views about the existence of the giant narwhal.

4. How was the submarine vessel more advanced in comparison to its traditional pursuer? Do you
think there is technology in the world which is much more advanced than the technology we use
on a daily basis? What would the purpose of this technology be? If you don’t know much about
this topic, research DARPA and try to think of the deeper meaning of each project.

5. In Part 1, we are introduced to the mercurial Captain Nemo. Interestingly, Nemo gets his name
from the Latin expression “nemo” which itself is a translation of the Ancient Greek word “outis”
which translates to “nobody”. What does this name explain about the character of Nemo and
what predictions can you make about him?

Wrap-up Part 1(p. 3-61)

 Graphic Organizer
Part 1 saw the introduction of all the major characters from the story. It should be obvious by
now that the central figure in this swashbuckling tale is Professor Arronax. Use the graphic
organizer below to explain how each of the characters interacted with and affected the professor

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in Part 1.

Conseil Ned Land

Professor Arronax

Captain Nemo

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 Part 2 (pg.62-127)

Warm-up Part 2(p.62-127)

 Living off the grid

Captain Nemo is a mystery. He seems to speak several languages and be a highly educated and
intelligent man. At the same time, he also commands the mighty Nautilus vessel. However, he
also seems to shy away from society has no desire to interact with others. In the modern world,
we could say that Captain Nemo is “living off the grid.”

Why would someone choose to live off the grid?

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 How could someone arrange their life in order to live off the grid?

What would be advantages and disadvantages to this lifestyle?

While Reading Part 2(p.62-127)

 Key Vocabulary
Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech
62 divan noun a bed with a thick base and a mattress
a state of thinking about pleasant things, almost as
65 reverie noun
though you are dreaming
something that somebody has done or written that does
66 contrivance noun
not seem natural; the fact of seeming artificial

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67 chronometer noun a very accurate clock, especially one used at sea
68 reservoir noun a part of an apparatus in which a liquid is held
a person who controls the direction in which a boat or
68 helmsman noun
ship moves
70 tempest noun a violent storm
the ability to use language and express your opinions
70 eloquence noun
well, especially when you are speaking in public
to change the appearance of a person or thing so that
70 transfigure verb
they look more beautiful
the ability or the wish to believe that something is real
71 credulity noun
or true
an instrument (such as a pressure gauge) for measuring
72 manometer noun
the pressure of gases and vapors
an ugly part that has grown on a part of an animal’s
72 excrescence noun
body or on a plant, caused by disease or abnormality
73 lenticular adjective having the shape of a double-convex lens
a smooth, curving shape or movement like a series of
73 undulation noun
waves
an instrument for measuring angles and distances, used
73 sextant noun
to calculate the exact position of a ship or an aircraft
a map formed by the projection of a sphere or part of a
sphere on a plane, especially an adjustable circular star
74 planisphere noun
map that shows the appearance of the heavens at a
specific time and place
75 conchology noun a branch of zoology that deals with shells
76 effluence noun something that flows out
78 vivacity noun the quality of being lively and attractive
a tuft of long tough filaments by which some bivalve
79 byssus noun
mollusks (such as mussels) adhere to a surface
a small genus of widely distributed marine plants with
80 zostera noun
branching stems
something that is said or written that refers to or
83 allusion noun
mentions another person or subject in an indirect way
84 impervious adjective not affected or influenced by something
near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an
85 aft preposition
aircraft
86 repugnance noun a very strong feeling of dislike for something

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88 contiguous adjective touching or next to something
resembling a tree in properties, growth, structure, or
91 arborescent adjective
appearance
91 perpendicularity noun intersecting at or forming right angles
92 alariae noun a type of olive-brown seaweed found in northern seas
92 apparition noun a ghost or a ghost-like image of a person who is dead
any creature with a soft body that is divided into
93 crustacean noun
sections, and a hard outer shell
the fact of light, radio waves, etc. changing direction
94 refraction noun
when they go through water, air, glass, etc. at an angle
an introduction to a book or a written document; an
99 preamble noun
introduction to something you say
100 diurnal adjective taking one day
104 archipelago noun a group of islands and the sea surrounding them
ready to accept other people’s actions and opinions and
108 complaisant adjective
to do what other people want
110 amiability noun the quality of being pleasant or friendly and easy to like
the act of thinking very carefully about something
115 circumspection noun
before doing it, because there may be risks involved
(dated meaning) a person affected with moderate
117 imbecile noun
intellectual disability
119 imminence noun the fact of being likely to happen very soon
to move your hands and arms about in order to attract
120 gesticulate verb attention or make somebody understand what you are
saying
lack of energy; lack of desire or ability to move or
125 inertia noun
change
126 vociferation noun noisy outcry; clamor
126 gambol noun to jump or run about in a lively way

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While Reading Part 2(p.62-127)

 Key Vocab: Context Clues

allusion circumspection tempest
undulation crustacean contrivance

1. The sailors spent their drunken evenings telling tales of the immense _______________

which they barely survived. Surely the alcohol embellished the tales.

2. The _______________ of the current was enough to give me a severe bout of seasickness.

3. The team met in advance of the treacherous project with the aim of performing a detailed

_______________.

4. The letter from my friend contained so much _______________ to various topics that I found

it very hard to decipher.

 Key Vocab: Synonyms

imbecile credulity eloquence
effluence repugnance complaisant

5. _______________: revulsion, disgust

6. _______________: moron, cretin

7. _______________: agreeable, acquiescent

8. _______________: fluency, rhetoric

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While Reading Part 2(p.62-127)

 Comprehension: True / False

1. T / F Captain Nemo’s library was the last connection between him and the earth.

2. T/F Early in the morning of November 11th, Captain Nemo met Professor Arronax on
the platform, above water.

3. T/F The professor was surprised at how light the diving suit was before he entered the
water.

4. T/F Ned Land saw the Nautilus running aground for several days as a good opportunity
to hunt on a nearby island.

5. T/F Captain Nemo was furious when Professor Arronax informed him that the vessel
was under attack.

 Comprehension: Short Answer

1. In what year did Captain Nemo set out on his submarine existence? How did professor Arronax

deduce this?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2. How was Captain Nemo able to build the Nautilus in secret?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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3. How was the forest in the island of Crespo which Captain Nemo wished to hunt in different than

the forests which Professor Arronax, Ned Land and Conseil had imagined?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4. What was the first animal which was taken as a trophy from the hunt? Why did Professor

Arronax find it to be so special?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

5. What was the Florida Sunderland?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

6. Why was Captain Nemo not worried that he had run aground while navigating the Torres Strait?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

7. What daring idea did Ned Land have after hunting game on the island? What event changed his

plan, almost immediately?

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 ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

8. Why did the Nautilus open its panels when there were savages outside? What happened when the

first savages tried to enter?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Wrap-up Part 2(p.62-127)

 Discussion

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 1. In the real world, do you think that highly advanced machinery which is decades more

advanced than standard technology exists? What purpose would it serve to keep such

technology a secret?

2. In Part 2, we witness hunting both below the waves and on land. What was your opinion of

their hunting? Was it an unnecessary act of cruelty, or something else? Explain.

3. Of the 3 captives, who seems to be enjoying life on the Nautilus the most? What actions gave

you this opinion?

4. On the island, who were the savages? What made them savages? What do you think about

the term?

Wrap-up Part 2(p.62-127)

 Graphic Organizer
In Part 2, we begin to see the reaction of Professor Arronax, Conseil and Ned Land to being held
on the Nautilus. Use the organizer to show their feelings toward their situation. For instance, who
sees the time on the Nautilus as an opportunity of enlightenment, who has a sense of

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comradeship toward their fellow captives, and who is eager for a change of scenery? Make sure
to add many more criteria.

Professor Arronax Conseil

Ned Land

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 Part 3 (pg.128-187)

Warm-up Part 3(p.128-187)

 Humankind’s Thirst for Adventure

At the time of publication, the thoughts of discovering the mysteries of the seas were as fanciful
as us wishing to have a holiday home on the moon. While some individuals had boldly explored
the depths of the ocean in a primitive form, it remained, and still remains, mostly unexplored.

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 The author clearly has wild fantasies about the marvels to be witnessed and the bounties to be
reaped in the depths of the seas. The question remains, why does it fascinate us?

Why is humanity so interested in voyages of discovery? Is it for positive or

negative reasons?

What have been some of the most important voyages of discovery in the past which
affect our lives today? How did they help us?

Within your lifetime, what voyages of discovery do you believe you will see? What will
the purpose of these voyages be?

While Reading Part 3(p.128-187)

 Key Vocabulary
Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech
a word used to emphasize that something can be compared to
128 veritable adjective
something else that is more exciting, more impressive, etc.
an instrument for measuring air pressure to show when the
128 barometer noun
weather will change

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130 interdict verb to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner
expecting people to obey you and treating them as if they are
131 imperious adjective
not as important as you
131 expostulate verb to argue, disagree or protest about something
132 prudent adjective sensible and careful when you make judgments and decisions
the fact of seeming to see or hear somebody/something that
133 hallucination noun
is not really there, especially because of illness or drugs
133 soporific adjective making you want to go to sleep
135 exactitude noun the quality of being very accurate and exact
135 physiognomy noun the shape and features of a person’s face
the last drops of a liquid, mixed with little pieces of solid
137 dregs noun
material that are left in the bottom of a container
137 evasively adverb in a way that avoids giving a clear answer to a question
139 inextricable adjective too closely linked to be separated
petrified trees, insects, etc. have died and been changed into
139 petrified adjective
stone over a very long period of time
141 calcareous adjective consisting of or containing calcium carbonate
142 adieu noun an expression of good wishes when someone leaves
142 brusque adjective using very few words and sounding rude
tending gradually to cause doubt, distrust, or change of
152 insinuating adjective
outlook often in a slyly subtle manner
152 detestable adjective that deserves to be hated
158 imprudent adjective not wise or sensible
a small cave, especially one that has been made artificially,
159 grotto noun
for example in a garden
a room under the floor of a church, used especially in the
159 crypt noun
past as a place for burying people
159 membranous adjective looking like a thin layer of skin or tissue
160 foliated adjective composed of or separable into layers
160 limpidity noun passing light without diffusion or distortion
160 concentric adjective (of circles) having the same center
the hard shell on the back of some animals such as crabs,
165 carapace noun
which protects them
treated in a cruel and unfair way and not given the same
165 oppressed adjective
freedom, rights, etc. as other people
a complicated series of paths, which it is difficult to find
166 labyrinth noun
your way through

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 an area of land that is almost surrounded by water but is
166 peninsula noun
joined to a larger piece of land
166 egress noun the act of leaving a place
an enclosure (as in a canal) with gates at each end used in
167 lock noun
raising or lowering boats as they pass from level to level
(of a reason for doing something) that somebody keeps
168 ulterior adjective
hidden and does not admit
an invertebrate animal (such as a coral or sponge) more or
169 zoophyte noun
less resembling a plant in appearance or mode of growth
169 audacious adjective willing to take risks or to do something that shocks people
a period of time in history, especially one during which
169 epoch noun
important events or changes happen
(of difficulties, problems, etc.) that cannot be dealt with
173 insuperable adjective
successfully
a sudden change in attitude or behavior for no obvious
174 caprice noun
reason
174 trammel verb to limit somebody’s freedom of movement or activity
177 annihilate verb to destroy completely
177 subterfuge noun a secret, usually dishonest, way of behaving
180 apparition noun a ghost or a ghost-like image of a person who is dead
183 augment verb to increase the amount, value, size, etc. of something
the long piece of wood or steel along the bottom of a ship, on
187 keel noun
which the frame is built
187 charnel house noun a building or vault in which corpses or bones are piled

34 | P a g e
While Reading Part 3(p.128-187)

 Key Vocab: Context Clues

veritable imprudent caprice oppressed augment
brusque inextricable audacious ulterior apparition

1. The attack on the bank was completely _______________. The thieves were extremely ag-

gressive and showed no concern for the law.

2. Our teacher was in a foul mood and only gave ________________ responses to our answers

which weren’t very helpful.

3. Generally speaking, it is ________________ to tell lies to the teacher. They were students not

so long ago and they tend to know every trick in the book.

4. Near the beginning of the story, Scrooge was visited by an ________________ of his de-

ceased partner.

5. Even though the child denied eating my cake, there was an ________________ link between

the crumbs on the plate and the sugar on the child’s mouth.

6. Every month, the doting father promised to ________________ the bank account of his 28

year old son who refused to work.

7. Suddenly, the boy I hated started to act kindly toward me. I guessed he had an

________________ motive, but I couldn’t figure out what it was.

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 8. Throughout history, the ________________ have struggled due to the color of their gender,

skin color or spiritual beliefs.

While Reading Part 3(p.128-187)

 Comprehension: True / False

1. T/F After being served breakfast, the three captives found it impossible to remain
awake.

2. T/F After the incident involving the death of the crew member, Professor Arronax and
Conseil started to have different opinions of Captain Nemo.

3. T/F Professor Arronax saved the Indian diver from the shark attack.

4. T/F Professor Arronax could not clearly answer Ned Land that he would accept his
freedom if it were offered to him on the day they entered the Mediterranean.

5. T/F The Mediterranean basin was home to many sunken vessels.

 Comprehension: Short Answer

1. How did Captain Nemo react when Professor Arronax fetched the telescope to search the

horizon? What did the captain request of the professor, without question?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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2. Why did the crew of the Nautilus go on a submarine excursion the day after the man was

mortally injured? According to the Captain, what would the polypi do after they had left?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. Why did Ned Land think it was a good idea to make their escape once they reached the Indian

Peninsula? What was Professor Arronax’s reason for disagreeing with him?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4. Why were Ned Land and Conseil willing to go diving, even with the threat of sharks?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

5. What was the Arabian passage and what two bodies of water did it connect?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

6. According to Ned Land, why did Conseil “not exist”?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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7. Why were the diver and the safe of gold very suspicious?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

8. Why did the temperature become almost unbearable in the Nautilus near the island of Santorini?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Wrap-up Part 3(p.128-187)

 Discussion
1. Who or what was really responsible for the death of the crew member? Do Captain Nemo’s
words about protecting the body from sharks or make it any clearer?

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 2. In your opinion, is Professor Arronax or Conseil correct about Captain Nemo? What makes
you think that?

3. What kind of value would the gigantic pearl hold for Captain Nemo if he has little to no
contact with the rest of humanity? Also, who creates value or who decides if something is
valuable or not?

4. In your opinion, was Conseil weak when he didn’t voice his true feelings about escaping the
Nautilus? Explain.

5. What do you think was the relationship between Captain Nemo, the diver, the gold, and the
political unrest?

Wrap-up Part 3(p.128-187)

 Graphic Organizer
Most of the journey in Part 3 can be plotted on this map. From Southern India, draw a line of the
Nautilus’s route to the Atlantic. Mark the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, The Arabian passage and
the Cape of Good Hope.

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40 | P a g e
 Part 4 (pg.188-241)

Warm-up Part 4(p.188-241)

 Atlantis
The Greek philosopher Plato was the first person to write about the island of Atlantis. In the
dialogues named Timaeus and Critias (written about 360 B.C.), Plato described Atlantis as a lost
civilization which was swallowed by the sea around 9,200 years before the time of writing.

Since then, the story has grown more elaborate and the potential location for this lost civilization
has been much debated among enthusiasts.

Where are some locations where

41 | P a g e
people claim Atlantis existed? According to believers, what are some of the ways
which Atlantis influenced the rest of the established
world?
While Reading Part 4(p.188-241)

 Key Vocabulary
Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech
188 cull verb to kill a number of wild animals from a group
188 prow noun the pointed front part of a ship or boat
(of the heart) to beat rapidly and/or in an irregular way
193 palpitate verb
especially because of fear or excitement

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 a person who frees a country or person from the control of
194 liberator noun
somebody else
195 lamentable adjective very disappointing
197 interlocutor noun a person taking part in a conversation with you
a political leader who has a lot of power, especially when
197 potentate noun
this is not limited by a parliament, etc.
a government formed by two or more political parties
197 coalition noun
working together
197 destitute adjective without money, food and the other things necessary for life
a large sailing ship, used between the 15th and the 18th
197 galleon noun
centuries
to surround a place, especially a port, in order to stop people
198 blockade verb
or goods from coming in or out
an official order given by a court that demands that
198 injunction noun
something must or must not be done
the fact of doing something that is not allowed by a law or
198 contravention noun
rule
to sink a ship deliberately by making holes in the side or
199 scuttle verb
bottom of it
199 piastre noun a monetary subunit of the pound (Egypt, Lebanon, Syria)
give stability to (a ship) by putting a heavy substance in its
200 ballast verb
bilge
206 conflagration noun a conflict or war
206 inadmissible adjective that cannot be allowed or accepted, especially in court
to make it difficult for somebody to do something or for
207 encumber verb
something to happen
207 reverberating adjective being reflective
208 irradiation noun exposure to radiation or sunlight
a person armed with a halberd, a weapon especially of the
208 halberdier noun 15th and 16th centuries consisting typically of a battle-ax
and pike mounted on a handle about six feet long
209 plateau noun an area of flat land that is higher than the land around it
a sudden disaster or a violent event that causes change, for
209 cataclysm noun
example a flood or a war
a structure for carrying water, usually one built like a bridge
210 aqueduct noun
across a valley or low ground
210 vestige noun a small part of something that still exists after the rest of it

43 | P a g e
 has stopped existing
a long flat ship with three rows of oars on each side, used in
210 trireme noun
war by the ancient Greeks and Romans
210 antediluvian adjective very old-fashioned
216 tacit adjective expressed or carried on without words or speech
216 prejudicial adjective harming or likely to harm somebody/something
222 prophesy noun a prediction
224 Homeric adjective of epic proportions
224 protuberance noun a round part that sticks out from a surface
227 interdict verb to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner
a model representing a scene with figures, especially in a
228 diorama noun
museum
something that encourages a process or activity to develop
229 impetus noun
more quickly
235 diminution noun the act of reducing something or of being reduced
one of the two times in the year (around 20 March and 22
240 equinox noun September) when the sun is above the equator and day and
night are of equal length
240 azure noun bright blue in color like the sky

44 | P a g e
While Reading Part 4(p.188-241)

 Key Vocab: Context Clues

conflagration inadmissible scuttle
cull reverberating prophesy

1. The captain ordered his crew to _______________ the ship rather than hand it over to the

victorious enemy.

2. Although many people are against hunting, other argue that it is necessary to

_______________ several species on a yearly basis.

3. The _______________ light from the sea made sighting another ship almost impossible.

4. Since the evidence was ruled _______________, the accused person was found innocent.

 Key Vocab: Antonyms

palpitate liberator destitute
lamentable tacit encumber

5. _______________: rich, wealthy

6. _______________: explicit, stated

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 7. _______________: laudable, joyful

8. _______________: oppressor, enslaver

While Reading Part 4(p.188-241)

 Comprehension: True / False

1. T / F Ned Land had prepared provisions, oars and a sail in the small boat and he planned
to escape to the Italian coast in it.

2. T / F Professor Arronax realized that Captain Nemo used his vast fortune to support
oppressed individuals and races.

3. T / F Captain Nemo found Professor Arronax’s book on submarine depths and eagerly
debated its contents.

4. T / F The captain said that the hardest part of navigating the icebergs would be stay
underwater for many days without renewing the air.

5. T / F Captain Nemo became the first person to reach the south pole.

 Comprehension: Short Answer

1. What did Professor Arronax silently wish for as he checked the compass? What did he do after

checked?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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2. What did Professor Arronax say to upset Captain Nemo while they spoke about the sunken

treasure?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. What word did Captain Nemo trace on the black rock? What did Professor Arronax believe

about the continent which was home to this place?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4. During the night from 13 to 14 March, what did Professor Arronax expect the Nautilus to do?

Why was he surprised by what actually happened?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

5. According to Conseil, why did New Land wish to escape to land more eagerly than the other

captives?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

6. Why did the captain refuse Ned Land’s request to hunt the whales?

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 ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

7. How did the Nautilus navigate the ice field?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

8. Why did Captain Nemo feel that it was acceptable to set foot in the island of the South Pole?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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Wrap-up Part 4(p.188-241)

 Discussion
1. What did the captain mean when he said that savants didn’t know anything?

2. In your opinion, what should happen to sunken treasure? Should whoever finds it be allowed
to keep it, should it be returned to the county or origin, or do you have another idea. (This is
actually a real business!)

3. Conseil pointed out that due to Ned Land’s lower level of education, he could not appreciate
the depths of the ocean as much as the other men. Does this statement make sense to you?
Why?

4. It is mentioned that whales were heavily hunted at the time of writing. Whales at this time
were a source of oil which was used in lighting, mechanics, leather production, and varnish
production among others. Therefore, could the killing of these animals be justified since they
provided so much?

49 | P a g e
Wrap-up Part 4(p.188-241)

 Sunken Treasure
Throughout history there have been a huge number of ships which never made it to their
destination and ended up at the bottom of the sea. In the modern world, commercial products are
still transported by sea.

In the past, wooden ships were obviously more susceptible to harsh conditions and without the
convenience of electronic bank transfers, enormous sums of gold and silver were transported,
and lost, across the ocean.

In modern times, the tracking down and salvaging these lost ships has become a hugely
profitable, but risky business. Find out what you can about a famous sunken ship and fill in the
table.

Which country did it belong to and when

What was the name of the sunken vessel?
did it sink?

Did the ship sink within territorial waters? What valuables was the ship carrying?
Who laid claim to the treasure? What is its value?

In the end, was the treasure removed from

Has a country tried to claim the treasure for
the bottom of the ocean? Who benefitted
itself? Explain the situation.
from the discovery?

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Part 5 (pg.242-310)

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Warm-up Part 5(p.242-310)

 Captain Nemo
Captain Nemo is an extremely complex character. He has shown great support of certain causes,
while at the same time is ruthless with anyone or anything he considers a threat. Based on
everything you have read so far, is he good or evil? Explain below.

What makes him an evil character?

What makes him a “good” character?

52 | P a g e
While Reading Part 5(p.242-310)

 Key Vocabulary
Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech
the highest point that the sun or moon reaches in the sky,
242 zenith noun
directly above you
243 mille diables phrase a French phrase meaning “a thousand devils”
an angry statement that somebody makes accusing somebody
244 recrimination noun
else of something
not impressed, excited or worried about something, because
248 blasé adjective
you have seen or experienced it many times before
249 orifice noun a hole or opening
257 extricate verb to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty
the feeling of dizziness and fear, and of losing your balance,
261 vertigo noun that is caused in some people when they look down from a
very high place
262 convulsively adverb in a way that is sudden and impossible to control
263 voluptuously adverb in a way that gives or is connected with physical pleasure
263 oblique adjective sloping at an angle
264 vivifying adjective giving life or energy into something
265 apprise verb to tell or inform somebody of something
268 salubrious adjective pleasant to live in; clean and healthy
269 cephalopod noun any type of squid or octopus
274 stupor noun a state in which you are unable to think, hear, etc. clearly
275 pell-mell adverb in mingled confusion or disorder
278 schooner noun a sailing ship with two or more masts
278 vexatious adjective making you feel upset or annoyed
to say in a will that you want somebody to have your
283 bequeath verb
property, money, etc. after you die
a feeling that something is going to happen, especially
286 presentiment noun
something unpleasant
one of the lines that is drawn from the North Pole to the
286 meridian noun
South Pole on a map of the world
288 misanthropy noun a feeling of hating people in general

53 | P a g e
 a long narrow pointed flag, for example one used on a ship to
289 pennant noun
give signals
291 coalesce verb to come together to form one larger group, substance, etc.
(of a moving object) to hit a surface and come off it fast at a
291 ricochet verb
different angle
296 salient adjective most important or easy to notice
298 bulwark noun a solid wall-like structure raised for defense
any of the small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds of a
298 ratline noun
ship so as to form the steps of a rope ladder
298 eddy noun a movement of air, dust or water in a circle
291 hyperborean adjective of or relating to an extreme northern region
a mental state where somebody becomes excited and not able
291 delirium noun
to think or speak clearly, usually because of illness
having a strong effect on your feelings, especially in a way
304 poignant adjective
that makes you feel sad
307 maelstrom noun a very strong current of water that moves in circles
the act of moving around in circles; the act of making
308 gyration noun
something, especially a part of your body, move around
310 hecatomb noun the sacrifice or slaughter of many victims

While Reading Part 5(p.242-310)

 Key Vocab: Context Clues

convulsively orifice stupor extricate salubrious
vivifying blasé presentiment hyperborean eddy

1. The news came as such a shock that the room was overcome with a state of

_______________. Nobody could believe what they were hearing.

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 2. The medical treatment had a _______________ effect on the man and he made a speedy re-

covery.

3. Unlike penguins, polar bears can only be found in the _______________ regions of the earth.

4. The lady tried to act _______________, but I could tell that she was secretly impressed.

5. I was a little worried that my rented apartment wouldn’t be very convenient, but I found it

quite _______________.

6. A feeling of _______________ washed across the class as the grumpy teacher entered the

room.

7. As the child told me the story, I had to _______________ fact from fiction.

8. I _______________ jumped on the chair when I saw the mouse scuttle across the floor.

While Reading Part 5(p.242-310)

 Comprehension: True / False

1. T / F According to Captain Nemo, the Nautilus had enough air left to last for 48 hours.

2. T / F On the second day of breaking the ice, Professor Arronax noted that the water
seemed warmer than before.

3. T / F After traveling 17,000 leagues, Ned Land’s next pan to escape was to simply ask
Captain Nemo directly.

4. T / F Captain Nemo became emotional after losing another man to the sea.

5. T / F Captain Nemo did not immediately attack the war ship because he didn’t want its
wreck to mix with the Venguer.

55 | P a g e
  Comprehension: Short Answer

1. How did an enormous block of ice hit the Nautilus?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2. After 12 hours, how much progress had been made in making the hole in the ice? At the current

speed, how long would it take the men to free the Nautilus?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. Eventually, how was the Nautilus finally freed from the ice?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4. What happened to the giant squid after it picked up the French sailor?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

5. What was Captain Nemo working on when Professor Arronax entered his private quarters?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

56 | P a g e
6. What strange behavior did Professor Arronax observe regarding the movements of the Nautilus

on 31 May?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

7. According to Ned Land, why had the warship fired upon them?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

8. What were the last words that Professor Arronax heard Captain Nemo utter?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

57 | P a g e
Wrap-up Part 5(p.242-310)

 Discussion

Part 5 ended in very mysterious circumstances. A lot of the questions which were raised
about Captain Nemo and the Nautilus simply remain unanswered.

In your opinion, what drove Captain Nemo’s depression and subsequent suicide? Any
ideas are welcome, as there isn’t a clear answer.

58 | P a g e
Wrap-up Part 5(p.242-310)

 Graphic Organizer
Mark the map with the journey of Professor Arronax onboard the Abraham Lincoln and the
Nautilus. Also, make a note of where key events took place.

59 | P a g e
 ESSAY
Prompt

Use the Nautilus as an example of how scientific technology can be both beneficial and
unfavorable. Cite modern day examples as well, such as stem cell research or nuclear
technology. Should there be regulations to curb what scientists study and how they apply their
discoveries to everyday life?

Brainstorm

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