Chapter: 12. All By Electricity
All by Electricity: Self-Study Material
Literary Appreciation
“All by Electricity,” an engaging extract from Jules Verne’s classic “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea,” is a prime example of science fiction. This genre excels at imagining future possibilities through the lens of scientific and technological advancement. Verne, often hailed as the “Father of Science Fiction,” masterfully blends factual scientific understanding of his time with visionary speculation. In this excerpt, he introduces us to a world where a submarine, the Nautilus, operates entirely on a form of electricity far more advanced than anything known in the 19th century. The story sparks curiosity about innovation, human ingenuity, and the potential of scientific discovery to transform our lives and expand the boundaries of what is possible. It invites readers to marvel at the power of imagination and the wonders of technology.
Summary of the Story
Dr. Aronnax, the narrator, finds himself a captive aboard Captain Nemo’s extraordinary submarine, the Nautilus. Curious about the vessel’s mysterious operations, he enters Captain Nemo’s spartan room. Captain Nemo, a brilliant and reclusive inventor, begins to explain the various navigational instruments on board, some common and others unique to the Nautilus. The central revelation comes when Nemo proudly declares that his entire submarine, from its propulsion to its heat, light, cooking, and even air supply mechanisms, runs on a unique and powerful form of electricity that he extracts directly from the sea itself, making him completely independent of the land. Dr. Aronnax is initially astonished and somewhat skeptical, given the limited understanding of electricity’s dynamic capacity in his own time. Nemo then takes him on a tour, demonstrating the myriad applications of this all-encompassing electrical power throughout the Nautilus, from the highly accurate electric clock to the innovative electric kitchen, leaving Dr. Aronnax in complete awe of this technological marvel.
A Detailed Explanation of Each Scene
Setting the Scene: Dr. Aronnax’s Curiosity and Captain Nemo’s Quarters What happens: Dr. Aronnax, now living inside the submarine Nautilus, feels it’s essential to understand how it works. He enters Captain Nemo’s room, which is described as having a “severe, almost hermit-like appearance,” with minimal furniture and indirect lighting. This suggests Captain Nemo’s focused, reclusive nature. Why it’s important: This opening establishes Dr. Aronnax’s role as the curious observer and narrator. It immediately contrasts the advanced technology of the submarine with the captain’s simple living space, highlighting his dedication to his work rather than luxury. Introducing the Nautilus’s Instruments What happens: Captain Nemo points out various instruments on his wall, explaining their functions. He lists common navigational tools like the thermometer (temperature), barometer (air pressure/weather), hygrometer (moisture), storm-glass (predicts storms), compass (direction), sextant (latitude by sun’s altitude), chronometers (longitude), and telescopes (horizon viewing). He then introduces instruments specific to the Nautilus: a pressure-gauge (depth) and thermometric sounding devices (temperature at various depths). Why it’s important: This scene grounds the fantastical submarine in real-world science, showing that while futuristic, it still relies on fundamental principles. It also highlights Nemo’s scientific expertise and meticulous control over his vessel, using both established and incredibly advanced tools. The Grand Revelation: Electricity as the “Soul” What happens: Captain Nemo pauses dramatically before declaring that electricity is the supreme agent on board, providing “heat and light” and being the “soul” of his machines. Dr. Aronnax is surprised, questioning how electricity could achieve such “great speed” and “dynamic capacity” since, in his time, it was limited. Nemo dismisses his doubt by stating his electricity is “not the commonly used sort.” Why it’s important: This is the core reveal of the chapter. It introduces the central technological marvel of the Nautilus. Aronnax’s skepticism serves to emphasize just how revolutionary Nemo’s discovery is, making the reader understand the vast gap between Nemo’s technology and the common understanding of electricity in the 19th century. The Source of Nemo’s Unique Electricity What happens: Aronnax wonders how Nemo, with no contact with land, replaces elements like zinc used for electricity. Nemo explains he could extract zinc, iron, silver, and gold from the seabed, but instead, he derives his electricity directly from the sea itself. He declares, “I owe everything to the sea: it produces electricity and electricity gives the Nautilus heat, light and movement-in a word, life.” He also mentions he could manufacture air, though he prefers to surface for it, and that electricity powers pumps to store air for deep dives. Why it’s important: This segment reveals Captain Nemo’s profound self-sufficiency and his deep connection to the ocean. It highlights his desire for complete independence from the surface world, and his ingenuity in harnessing natural resources for his advanced technology. This is a key part of his mysterious and powerful character. Practical Applications of Electricity on the Nautilus What happens: Nemo shows Aronnax various everyday applications of his electricity: Light: Provides continuous light, better than the sun. Clock: An accurate 24-hour electric clock, essential for life without natural day/night cycles underwater. Speed Dial: An electric dial connected to the propeller, accurately measuring the Nautilus’s speed (e.g., 15 knots). Why it’s important: These examples move the concept of “electricity” from an abstract power source to tangible, functional elements that make life on the Nautilus possible and efficient. It demonstrates the versatility and reliability of Nemo’s invention. Touring the Nautilus’s Rear Sections What happens: Nemo invites Aronnax to visit the rear sections. They first see the 10-foot kitchen, where all cooking is done by powerful electric cookers with platinum plates, and electricity also powers distillation devices for drinking water. A comfortable bathroom with hot/cold electric taps is next. They pass a closed control room, and finally, enter the brightly lit machine room (over 20 meters long), divided into two parts: electricity generation and propeller movement transmission. Why it’s important: This part of the tour visually confirms the all-encompassing nature of electricity on the Nautilus. It showcases how even mundane aspects of life, like cooking and hygiene, are revolutionized by Nemo’s technology, emphasizing its integration into every facet of the submarine’s existence. The narrator’s “complete awe” reinforces the extraordinary nature of what he has witnessed. Theme and Moral of the Story
Themes:
The Power of Innovation and Technology: The central theme is the revolutionary potential of scientific discovery and human ingenuity. Captain Nemo’s advanced electricity and the Nautilus itself are symbols of how technology can push boundaries and create entirely new ways of living. Self-Sufficiency and Independence: Captain Nemo’s deliberate choice to derive everything he needs from the sea, making him completely independent of the land and its people, highlights a theme of extreme self-reliance and detachment from conventional society. The Wonders of the Natural World: Although technological, the story also subtly praises the natural world (the sea) as a source of immense power and resources, capable of sustaining advanced life if understood and harnessed correctly. Moral:
Embrace Curiosity and Discovery: The story encourages readers to be curious about the world around them and to imagine what incredible scientific and technological advancements might be possible in the future. Resourcefulness Leads to Greatness: Captain Nemo’s ability to create a self-sustaining world within his submarine through sheer ingenuity teaches that resourcefulness and a deep understanding of natural principles can lead to extraordinary achievements. Imagination Paves the Way for Reality: Jules Verne’s imaginative leaps, like an electric-powered submarine, often foreshadowed real-world inventions, reminding us that today’s science fiction can become tomorrow’s reality. Author Spotlight: Jules Verne
Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a prominent 19th-century French novelist, poet, and playwright. Born with a keen interest in new discoveries in science and geography, Verne began his writing career at the young age of 19. Despite his parents’ initial disapproval, he pursued his passion, eventually gaining entry into the sophisticated literary, art, and cultural circles of Parisian salons. Verne became renowned for crafting adventure-filled stories that explored fantastical concepts, such as space travel and deep-sea exploration, which were beyond the scope of imagination for most people during his era. His visionary approach to storytelling earned him the enduring title of the “Father of Science Fiction.” His lasting impact on literature and popular culture is immense, so much so that he has been recognized as the second most-translated author globally since 1979.
Story