- Summary
- Jules Verne
- Journey to the Center of the Earth
The events of the novel take place in 1863. The story begins with Otto Lidenbrock, a geologist studying minerals, one day finding an ancient document written in runes. In it, the professor, with the help of his student and nephew Axel, discovers an encrypted message that talks about the possibility of reaching the center of the Earth. As it turned out, the author of the mysterious letter was a certain Arne Saknussemma, an Icelandic alchemist who lived in the 16th century. He claims that he himself made this expedition. To do this, you need to find a volcano in Iceland, through the crater of which the path to the bowels of the planet begins. Soon the professor, accompanied by his nephew, sets off on this dangerous and exciting journey.
The scientist and nephew leave Germany. First, they are forced to make a short stop in Denmark to rest and gain strength for the long journey ahead. Next they find themselves in Iceland. In the capital, they meet a man named Hans Bjelke, who becomes their guide. Accompanied by Hans, they get to the Snæfellsjökull volcano, the same one that the alchemist Arne spoke about in his message.
The trio reaches the crater of the volcano. There, travelers discover a descent leading into the mountain. Thus, they manage to descend deep into the Earth. However, they come across a fork in the way, and the travelers choose the wrong road, which leads them to a dead end. Now they are forced to make the return journey, but their supplies are almost running out. All three are struck by the terrible thought that the whole idea was in vain and the expedition was a failure.
However, having gathered all their will and remaining strength, the travelers decide to continue their journey. Hans takes responsibility for replenishing supplies and goes to look for a source of water. The search is not in vain, and Hans finds a mountain spring in the rock wall. He brings his comrades to him. The friends break the stone with a pickaxe, and water begins to flow in a small stream. They even call the resulting stream after their friend.
Having replenished their supplies, they continue their journey to the center of the Earth. However, having gotten lost, the friends are separated, and they have to search for each other for several days. The reunion was only possible thanks to the unusual sound effect created by the rocks.
The next obstacle for travelers is the waters of the underground sea. To overcome them, friends build a raft and move to the other side. Here, before their eyes, unusual-looking plants and mushrooms of immense size appear. They also witness prehistoric animals fighting each other. Then, once on the opposite bank, they find the remains of ancient people. Here friends discover traces of the presence of that same alchemist in these places. They still have to overcome many difficulties. But soon their journey ends with the friends still managing to climb to the crater and get to the surface of the Earth.
Jules Verne's novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is not only one of the most interesting works in the adventure genre, but also a very instructive and educational story about friendship, support, and mutual understanding. In addition, the book teaches you to always strive for your goal, fulfilling your plans, reminds the reader of the value of history, and also introduces the ideas of our ancestors about the Earth and its structure. The works show the purposefulness of a person.
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Summary of Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth
The book begins back in 1863. Our hero, a scientist, became interested in a runic manuscript. It took several days to decipher. Knowledge of Latin and Greek was required. And so Axel and his Uncle, having spent money on preparations, set off for Iceland. There they are joined by the guide Hans. And the heroes set off on their journey.
Iceland has a very interesting tectonic origin. This is a completely volcanic island and is also relatively young. A scientist makes a bunch of discoveries in different fields of knowledge. The northern lights themselves delighted Axel for the first time. There were many other adventures in the huge cave that ancient people thought was the center of the Earth. And this turned out to be a lost world, full of relict plants, animals and fish.
And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the discovery in paleontology. The jaws found clearly testified to the dizzying leap that man made in comparison with mammoths.
This is a very interesting adventure story.
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