Media

I made this collage for section one because these pictures are basically the main points. The depth of the ocean picture obviously describes how most characters are all scientists or captains and have experience with the ocean and all of its forms. It also shows how Professor Pierre Aronnax, Ned Land and Conseil went into the ocean to look for the sea creature in their submarine.

Speaking of the submarine, this plays a big role in the story because it is the most adventurous. At the beginning of the story this is introduced as the Nautilus. When they try and find out what this creature is and study more about it, they take the Nautilas down to the depth of the ocean. The submarine is huge, it fits a library and a couple other rooms.

At first no one was sure if this thing under the sea was actually a sea creature, normal fish or just some piece of junk that got mistaken for a living species. This event was really shocking for all the citizens but for the captains, sailors, pilots and scientists this was the most amazing thing ever. They wanted to do more research on it.

This novel starts in New York during 1867, and in the picture shows a picture of NY back then. They do not really talk much about New York and its surroundings because the setting is mostly underwater.

Contemporary Relevance

The protagonist of a story is the main character, who traditionally, undergoes some sort of change. He or She must usually overcome some opposing force. In Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas the protagonist is Dr. Pierre Aronnax. He is the narrator and central character of the tale. Aronnax is repeatedly described as a naturalist throughout the story. A naturalist is, essentially, a person who is well studied in natural sciences such as zoology and botany--as is Aronnax. However, within the context of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas, a tale of science fiction, his position of a naturalist is juxtaposed with that which seeks to thwart nature--Captain Nemo and the Nautilus. Ironically, Aronnax’s confrontation with Nemo, during which he sees how science can be used for evil, he chooses his fellow man over science.
The antagonist of a story is the character that provides an obstacle for the protagonist. In this case the antagonist is Captain Nemo. The obstacle is the imprisonment of Aronnax and the other characters aboard the nautalius .
The climax of a story is the major turning point that determines the outcome of the plot. The climax is in chaper 22 “nemos last words”.
 In this novel, the outcome is that the men survive the giant whirlpool. Captain Nemo remains a mystery; we do not know if he has survived, nor do we know where he came from or who he really is. Aronnax plans to return to France.
The mood, or atmosphere of a book, is the general feeling of the story. This is usually portrayed through word choice, description, and characterization. This story is primarily mysterious and dark. The mystery results from the author’s preoccupation with Captain Nemo’s identity. The entire plot is based on the voyages of the Nautilus - of which we know neither its purpose, its destination, nor its intentions. We do not know the language spoken by the crew. We do not know Nemo’s background. We do not know where Nemo goes when he disappears. We do not know what drives Nemo. The darkness of the story is present from the very beginning: before we know what this mysterious object is, we know that it destroys ships and kills innocent people. Although Nemo is often kind and engaging, he is subject to sudden outbursts of rage.

Questioning and critical thinking

Questioning and critical thinking

Each event that occurs in the story presents a different side of nemo, what are his different sides?

Who risked his life for the pearl diver ?

What type of food is on the submarine ?

What kinds of people does nemo admire,  based on the portraits he has on the walls ?

Where does nemo attack the other ship?

Why is the world anxious to find the mysterious sea animal?

How does captain nemo feel about his dead crew members ?

Analysis of Style and structure

Analysis of style and structure

THEME

Man Vs Nature

The major theme of this story  is man vs nature. There is clash among captain Nemo and Pierre Aronnax, Aronnax is the main character, narrator, and protagonist of this novel, while nemo is the antagonist. Pierre Aronnax is a naturalist, and must come to agreement over science and his fellow man. In this novel man vs nature is a bit more complex than the typical man vs nature theme, which usually entails men battling the forces of nature. In this case, which is typical science fiction, man is trying to overcome nature and trying to defy nature. Captain nemo tries to creat an alternate nature, which at the time of this novel was as foreign as living in outer space (which nemo says, himself).

In the Nautilus, captain nemo is subject to the forces of nature. He has to find a way to create the same atmosphere that he found on land and he has to battle natural creatures. It is seeming that nature has won when nemo uses it to end his mission. Even though at his attempt to create a new environment, he cant escape his humanity and emotions, because  his emotions are what drive him to kill.

Revenge and Liberty

One of the minor themes in the novel is revenge because captain nemo keeps mentioning that he is seeking revenge for injustices he incurred while on land. Liberty is another theme that pervades this novel. The world is seeking to liberate itself of the creature/monster the nautilus. Nemo also seeks liberty from society and land itself. Aronnax, counseil, and land seek liberty from nemo.. yet no one is truly free.

“I am not what you call a civilized man! I have done with society entirely, for reasons which I alone have the right of appreciating. I do not, therefore, obey its laws, and u desire you never to allude to them before me again!” –captain nemo

This quotation reveals that nemo believes he has completely separated himself from humanity. Furthermore, it reveals how easily he can anger and that never plans to tell the men about his past or intentions. 

Analysis of setting

Analysis of setting

The story begins in 1866 and ends in 1868. The nautilus goes through the Arctic, Atlantic, Red, Mediterranean, Indian, pacific, and Antarctic oceans and seas. All the action in twenty thousand leagues under the sea starts in new York in the spring of 1867 and finishes over a year later in northern Norway.

The story carries its protagonists across the surface of the globe , to the south pole and back, and far down in the depths of different oceans and seas. The nautilus it self is the true setting of the novel; it is the  imaginative  device that makes the action in this novel possible. Designed by captain nemo, the electrically powered nautilus is two or three hundred feet long, capable of speeds far greater than surface ships of those times, and able to dive great depths. It is large enough to contain  a museum of oceanic research, a library, and even an organ, played by nemo.  

“strike, mad vessel! Shower your useless shot! And the, you will not escape the spur of the nautilus.” –captain nemo

This is an example of nemos madness and how he was on the submarine.

Most memorable moment journal

Most memorable moment journal

To my mind, it’s a quite good example of a science fiction. it was intriguing, the suspense interested me until the first long and detailed scientific description. I realize that the book was written in the epoch when a lot of described things were impossible…It was a little bit boring. But at the same time, the descriptions of underwater landscapes are beautiful and amazing. The adventures of the main characters are written masterfully. I enjoyed the fantastic details, like navigation under the Suez Canal. But my most favorite part and the most memorable was vigo bay close to chapter 8.

When they  reaching the Atlantic, Land decided to execute their plan of escape. He came to Aronnax and told him they would have to leave that night at 9pm., while they were only a few miles off the Spanish coast. So  Land made the preparations.

For the rest of the day Aronnax was overcome with emotion. He did not want to leave his underwater studies unfinished, especially not the Atlantic, which he considered his ocean. However, he knew he must go. He wandered around the museum that he loved so dearly. Aronnax found Captain Nemo’s austere room empty and went in. He observed pictures on the wall of great men devoted to humanity, such as Washington and Lincoln. Aronnax wondered what Nemo might have in common with these men

At 9 p.m. Aronnax waited in the library for Land’s signal, as planned. However, he noticed a sudden slowing of the ship, and felt it sit at the ocean’s bottom. Then Nemo entered the library. Nemo asked Aronnax if he knew his Spanish history. When Aronnax responded that he was not that familiar with it, Nemo relayed a story that ended with a ship wreck in the Vigo Bay, the bay in which they were sitting. When Aronnax looked out into the water he saw divers collecting the wealth that was left by the wreck. Nemo told Aronnax that it was this shipwreck and the many others in the seas that made him a multi millionaire. Aronnax remarked that these riches could be better used if they were properly distributed. This statement incensed Nemo who said why Aronnax would think that he kept them for himself. Aronnax realized then that Nemo was still human, and that he was using his riches to help some poor and oppressed people. .

This part of the book is the most memorable to me because it had so much suspense.. and on top of everything they realized nemo isn’t as bad as they thought he was, he has a good side to him like giving riches to the poor. Throughout the book I kept thinking nemo was a bad guy because of how he treats people and how he killed someone.. but then as I got to the end of the book I realized hes actually a good person in the long run.

Check 2 - section 1, 2

Okay Ladies,

You've posted your work, but you need to see me in class to fix your blog's format!  You haven't followed the steps in setting it up - as a result your blog is hard to sort through.

Overall, more detail is needed.  For example: Ghazal, for a cpt, you cannot just list headings for character analysis - this needs to be in paragraph form.  Amarachi, I know you can explain/ expand some of your sections.

It's up to you ladies, it's your mark.  But I would edit and add more if I were you.  1 time only offer.

You all need to respond to each other by class time.

~Ms. G

Contemporary Relevance

One conflict that occurs in the book is that Conceil, Aronnax’s servant is always loyal and never complains to him when Aronnax tells him what to do. Whatever Aronnax chooses to do, his decisions will always have an effect on Conceil’s actions. Conceil’s would do anything for Aronnax and this is not very good because he needs to have his own choices in life too.

This conflict relates to our society because the people who never speak out and are not that confident usually get ‘bossed’ around by people that
are more out spoken and popular.

This also relates to workplaces when it is the boss’ job to tell the employees what to do whether they like it or not. It could effect both of them when the employee is told what to do because they could do the wrong thing and both the boss and employee get effected.

Questioning and Critical Thinking

1. What is Ned Land's goal throughout the book while on the submarine? Why?

2. In what continent, does the submarine nearly lose air?
How does this happen?

3. Ned Land is best known for what profession? How is this shown?

4. What is the name of the ship Profesor Arronaux
arrives on?

5. Does the sea creature turn out to be real? If so, what is it?

Analysis of Style and Structure

Symbol and theme:

Ned Land’s perfect eyesight is a symbol of him being able to rely on his senses. He can sleep and read all day because he knows that the sea creature is not near the boat. He never believes in anything that he has not seen or experienced himself. This could also be a theme that is continued throughout the story.

Narrative Structure:

The point of view is first person meaning the narrator participates in the action of the story. The narrator of this novel is Dr. Pierre Aronnax, one of the characters.

Analysis of Setting

The Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea novel begins in New York during the spring time in around 1867 and finishes over a year after in northern Norway. The story takes its protagonists across the globe to the South Pole and back, and into the depths of the oceans. The Nautilus (submarine) is the actual setting of the novel; it is the most imaginative object that brings action to the story. The submarine is designed by Captain Nemo it is electrically powered and is two or three hundred feet long, has more speed than any great ships of the day back then. It is big enough to hold a museum of ‘oceanic research‘, a library, and even an organ that is played by Nemo. The Nautilus’s crewmen can work underwater outside the ship.

Most Memorable Moment Journal- Section 1

The most memorable moment was ‘the year of grace’ 1866 because it was when everyone thought ‘a long thing shaped like a spindle and infinitely larger and more rapid in its movements than a whale’ was a creature in the water.

All the sailors, merchants, captains, pilots, naval officers or rulers of empire in America and Europe was really interested in this occurring event.

So many people were guessing and making wild exaggerations that the thing in the water is two hundred feet long, measured a mile in width and stretched three miles from tip to top.

This was the most memorable because it was the most imaginative part of the story, it also brought Aronnax,
Ned Land and Conseil together as they took off in an adventure to find out what this creature was.

Character Analysis

Professor Pierre Aronnax-

Professor Pierre Aronnax is a French marine biologist who lives in New York. His interest is

the sea and all of its life forms, and is expert in his field. In the story he can’t choose between staying with Nemo and learning the ocean’s secrets or escaping with Ned Land. When Nemo attacks and destroys a warship toward the end of the book, Aronnax is shocked by the Nautilus, the voyage, and his ‘scientifically enlightening experiences‘. In the end he decides to make the escape. 

Aronnax's goal is that he has been told last minute to join the expedition to find the sea creature with other crew members.

Quote: “I repeat my view based on the logic of facts.” Aronnax says this while debating with Land about the giant narwhal being real or not. Land does not believe in the creature because he has seen nothing like it. Aronnax believe it exists because he believes it is the only logical possibility but Land ends up being right.

Ned Land- 

 Ned Land is a 40 year old harpooner, a man of action- not of scientific analysis. His values are being Captain Nemo’s chief adversary on the Nautilus (submarine). He is mostly familiar to the sea's surface, not its depths. Ned Land tries loads of times to escape from the Nautilus (submarine) and to bring Conseil and Aronnax with him, but they keep resisting. He then forces his companions to become aware of the terms of their stay on the Nautilus.

Quote: “...I am not a butcher, I am a hunter and this was just butchers’ work.” This is Land’s response to the killing of lots whales by the Nautilus (submarine). Land is differentiating the way he killed marine life and the way Nemo killed the whales.

Conseil-
Conseil is very intelligent, well educated and humorous. He is completely loyal to Aronnax, a bit too much too. During there trip under the sea in the submarine Conseil is useful for being able to scientifically classify an animal.
Quote: “Not at all; but I followed Monsieur since I am in Monsieur’s service.” This is Conseil’s reply to Aronnax when he asks if Conseil was thrown from the Abraham Lincoln too. The men were both struggling in the water where they almost drowned.

Contemporary Relevance- Section 2 (amarachi)

The climax is the part of the story is the major turning point that determines the outcome of the plot. It is the point to which the rising action leads. In this novel the climax is in Chapter 22, when the men make the decision to escape. This is a major decision, which permanently changes their condition of imprisonment. It was Ned Lands action that frees them from the ship. 

I find a lot of relevance just in this little part of the novel. If Nemo didn't step up at take lead then they probably wouldn't of made it out of the ship and probably wouldn't of survived.

Today, many people, especially teenagers are afraid to express what they truly feel and their talents are hidden behind fears. It is important that people know that it is important to be able to show and express yourself because when people really do need your help, you may not be there when it is actually needed. Another key aspect to why I think this is important is because it gives us a lot of information about bravery. 

Often, people will not do things they would like to do, because they are afraid or have self- doubts. It is important to dream of what you really want and then go out a do it. Even if is seems little, your action could have a major impact on yourself and on others, like Captain Nemo.

Bravery is a very rare word used in our days. You might say everyone has something or someone to fear. The opposite of bravery is fearfulness, but really, you don't have to fear anything. When we fear something, it makes matters worse. When we get rid of a fear, that is the first step to bravery.

If we all show that same bravery and courageousness, Captain Nemo did, then just think of it as us all saving lives, just like he did. 

Questioning and Critical Thinking- Section 2 (amarachi)

Questions
1. "The port lids were pulled down. Twenty horrible faces appeared. A rush for the iron ladder began. But the first native who placed his hand on the stair rail was struck from behind by some invisible force that I could not figure out. He fled as if pursued by all the devils of the underworld, howling, making the wildest contortions."
How would you feel if you were this first native? Explain why.
2. "Our course was directed toward the west. on the 11th of January we doubled Cape Wessel, which is situated in 135 degrees longitude and 10 degrees north latitude.
 Why do you think the author includes the amount of degrees a point is? Is it necesarry? Explain why.
3. "The harpooner could scarcely restrain his glee. He was like a captive newly escaped from prison who did not realize the he must soon reenter the walls of his cage."
Who is the harpooner in the novel and do you think this description would of fit how he was actually feeling, if you were there in time?
4. Out of Counseil, Ned Land, Captain Nemo, or Arronax, who do you think would be the better captain and ruler of the boat, that would keep everyone safe from danger and still keep in mind others opinions?
5. "During the low tide the natives kept wandering about near the submersible but offered us no trouble."
Define, 'low tide". Does this help them on sea?

Analysis of Style and Structure- Section 2 (amarachi)

Theme

A major theme in the novel is Man versus Nature.
There is both a conflict with Aronnax and Nemo as well as Nemo and himself. Aronnax is a "naturalist" and he has to decide between his own love of science and his friend. Nemo, has gained a lot of power by openly resisting to nature. He must put together his power and his humanity.
There is another theme in the novel as well, but it is more of a minor theme, and it is payback or revenge.
Captain Nemo consistently mentions that he is seeking vengance for injustice he occured while he was on land.

Quotes:
Captain Nemo: "It is not new continents the earth need, but new men."
Pierre Aronnax: " So it was a sad day I spent, between my wish to regain freedom and my regret at saying goodbye to the marvelous Nautilus."

Point of View
This novel is told in first person limited. This means that the narrative mood of the novel is expressed through the narrator referring to the focal character as "I", if singular and "we" if plural.

Symbols
A symbol in the novel is the giants pearl. Captain Nemo wanted to leave it undisturbed. His reason was so that it will become greater.This was like a comparisoon to the Nautilus,  the longer the it remained undiscovered the more powerful it becomes.

Analysis of Setting- Section 2 (amarachi)

The story begins in 1866 and 1868 (The journey on the Nautilus beings during the summer of 1867). The story is set on the Nautilus, the submarine vessel designed by Captain Nemo. The Nautilus traverses Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, Artic, and Antarctic Oceans, and the Mediterranean and Red Sea.
Quote from the beginning of the novel, also explains a bit more about the setting:
"A thousand rumors were current among the population of the seacoasts and stirred the imagination of those millions who dwelt inland far from the shores of an ocean..../And everyone in Europe or America that had to do with navigation was deeply interested in the matter- whether sailors or merchants, captains or pilots, naval officers or rulers of empire."
Visually the novel is pretty dark and mysterious.

Character Analysis

Character Analysis

Captain Nemo 
The commander of the Nautilus. He is a mysterious man. He is often moved to tears, yet easily angered. He is a brilliant man who was formerly an engineer. He designed the Nautilus himself. His nationality remains unknown to the narrator. Nothing concerning his past is revealed in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, except his reason to hate the countries of the world because of the apparent loss of his family at some point in the past.

The best account of Nemo's character may come from the observations of Professor Pierre Aronnax, the narrator of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, who comes along the voyage with Nemo. He is described as a reticent man throughout the account; tall and swarthy in appearance, with a straight nose and wide-set eyes, an attribute which gives him exceptional range of vision.

Quote: Captain Nemo: Think of it. On the surface there is hunger and fear. Men still exercise unjust laws. They fight, tear one another to pieces. A mere few feet beneath the waves their reign ceases, their evil drowns. Here on the ocean floor is the only independence. Here I am free! Imagine what would happen if they controlled machines such as this submarine boat. Far better that they think there's a monster and hunt me with harpoons.

Dr. Pierre Aronnax 
The narrator, aged forty. He is a former medical doctor turned into a scientist and lecturer at the Museum of Paris. He is unmarried and childless. He resides in Paris. While lecturing in the United States, he is asked by the U.S. government to join the expedition aboard the Abraham Lincoln in search of the mysterious monster that has been attacking ships. Nemo quickly invited Aronnax to join him in the Nautilus, but Aronnax initially refused due to Nemo's desire to leave Ned and Conseil to drown. After Aronnax proved his loyalty to his friends, Nemo brought all three aboard the submarine. 

Quote: Professor Pierre Aronnax, narrator: A strange twilight world opened up before me, and I felt as the first man to set foot on another planet, an intruder in this mystic garden of the deep.

Ned Land

Ned Land, a harpooner taken along on the theory that the killer is a gigantic narwhal. An explosion aboard the Abraham Lincoln , along with Aronnax and Conseil, aboard the Nautilus, where he and Nemo save each other’s lives. he is A Canadian traveling. He is revered as the king of harpooners. He is forty years old, large, quiet, and angry when contradicted.

Quote: Ned Land: Fine way to go hunting'. I knew there'd be a catch to this.
Counsil: Seems you can't do anything on this boat without getting wet.
Ned Land: Hey, I feel like I'm keepin' a fish outta work.

Most Memorable Moment- Section 2 (amarachi)

Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea: Most Memorable Moment

"...I am not a butcher, I am a hunter and this was just a butcher's work." Ned Land

This is Land's response to the slaying of many whales by the Nautilus. In this statement, Land is distinusing the way he kills marine life and the way Nemo killed the whales.

First, a butcher is a professional meat cutter who prepares standard cuts of meat poultry, fish and meat products such as sausage. A hunter is someone that a person or animal that seeks out and kills or captures game/ a creature.

I like this because even though they Ned Land and Captain Nemo may have had their differences, they were able to talk about it and work on them. When we see the anger here and the end when they work together, that shows how different people attract.

An explosion abroad the Abraham Lincoln tosses him, along with Aronnax and Counseil, abroad the Nautilus, where he and Nemo save each other's lives.

Even though they seem like they will just never get along and agree on anything, things change when we are forced to be with the people we would least expect to be with. When situations get tough, nothing else matters as long as you are all working as a team and put your differences aside. 

Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of people working together.

Character Analysis+ Writing in role or Interviewing your character

Ned Land’s interview-

Interviewer- Today we have a special guest. Please join me in welcoming Ned Land!

Ned Land- Hello

I- Hi! “Land” is a pretty amazing last name.

N- My name obviously comes from Land, which means “terra firma” as often as I like to call it.

I- So “terra firma” means “land”?

N- Yes. It is a Latin phrase for solid earth, a phrase used to differentiate from the sea.

I- Wow, that’s interesting. So for the people who don’t know, what do you do for a living?

N- I am a harpoonist by trade, I hunt what is in the sea, and you could say that I’m attached to the land.

I- How different are you, compared to Pierre Aronnax?

N- I am much “earthier” than he is. I don’t exactly have the same social graces as him, and I lack Aronnax’s refined knowledge of academic philosophy and culture.

I- Oh, but you saved everyone! Tell our viewer’s about it.

N- I wouldn’t say “saved”, but I just didn’t agree with Aronnax’s slow and deliberate plan to reason with Captain Nemo.

I- But you saved them, from the ship, and that is very special.

N- It was nothing, but thanks.

I- So let’s go back to your hunting job. What exactly is a “harpooner”?

N- A “harpooner” is someone that launches “harpoons”.

I- What is a “harpoon”?

N- A “harpoon” is a barbed spear like missile attached to a long rope, that’s thrown by hand or fired from a gun.

I- When are they useful?

N- They are mainly used for catching whales.

I- Let’s tell the viewers at least three things that they might not know about you. First thing?

N- You may not know that I am Canadian and I was travelling on the “Abraham Lincoln”.

I- Second?

N- I am revered to as the “king” of harpooners.

I- Third?

N- If you want to know something a bit more personal, well then, I am 45 years old, large, quiet, and I get angry when I am contradicted.

I- Now I hope the viewers at home have learned a little bit more about you.

N- Me to.

I- This is Ned Land everyone! Thank you for coming!

N- Thank you for having me!

Pierre Aronnax

Hello my name is Pierre Aronnax. I am the main character, narrator, and protagonist of the novel. I make uncertain references; gently respect social procedures and procedures in organizations in situations. I am not willing to base my relationship with the world around me on my senses. I rely completely on what I read and my opinions. Some people say that my name is very close to the word arrogant. People like to say a lot of things about me, like that I am very arrogant about my intelligence and my ethnic character, but I don’t care what other people think. I am honest and I am an observer of nationality and at times I can be quite biased. Throughout the course of the novel I slowly ease many of these faults. My major conflict in the my confrontation with the Nautilus; when I had to choose between science and humanity, between learning as much as I can and losing my heart in the process or trusting my fellow man and his own senses.

Captain Nemo

Hi, so my name is Captain Nemo and I guess I am the antagonist of the novel. I present the situation that causes Pierre Aronnax to change, because I created the Nautilus. You may also see me as a mysterious character, while others will just see me as wicked perhaps? I do begin to frequently portray compassion and sorrow throughout the novel. In Latin, Nemo means “nobody”. I can’t be identified by a name- I ask people to call me Nemo, it’s more of a self chosen name. 

Quotes-
Ned Land- ..."I am not a butcher, I am a hunter and this was just butchers work."

Pierre Aronnax- "I repeat my view based on the logic of facts."

Captain Nemo- "Where are there not savages, and in any case, are those that you call savages any worse than the others?"

posting received

Selena,

Thank  you for your post.  Please have a look at my first post, under teacher comments.  I listed a link that might help you as you read - use it as a resource, but be careful not to let it influence your writing too much!

Please make sure to label your post (if you view your post, click on the pencil to edit).  Once you're in your post, on the side there is a labels button.  Click on it and select the correct label.  Otherwise, you risk your entry being deleted.

~Ms. G

First Impression

Twenty thousand leagues under the sea by Jules Verne is about a person named captain Nemo, and the adventures he goes on with his crew and submarine Nautilus.
Overall, the first twenty pages were slightly good, parts were a bit slow moving and a bit too technical for me, a few questions about the story are kinda left unanswered still, but I have more too read about !
The first chapter opens up in the year 1866, kinda a weird year to start a book.. I was mostly confused to what was going on in the book and what was happening, Apparently an “unexplainable” and “strange” event had occurred … and everyone in Europe and America is talking about the event, strange starting to a book. When I kept reading The sea men, in particular, are disturbed. Throughout the summer of 1866, various ships report the sighting of a huge creature, rapidly moving and with blowholes.
The book seemed very adventurous but I still didn’t fully understand to what was going on.
Many incidents kept occurring and it was only the first twenty pages. I hope when I read more I will start putting the puzzle pieces together to what is going on in the book. I hope to start liking it more and more when I keep reading. Overall its alright, not the best 20 pages iv read but im still interested into whats going to happen in the future of the book.

20 Pages Under the Sea...

Hello Ladies,

I'm impressed that you've been able to read and post your journals so quickly, considering you've just changed your novel - good for you!

Amarachi, you made a good point about knowing more about the novel, the background/ context, in order to help you understand the story.  I have a suggestion...  it might be a good idea to look up some information on your novel, the context etc.. for example, I just did a search and found some great teacher/ student resources on bookrags: http://www.bookrags.com/Twenty_Thousand_Leagues_Under_the_Sea/

Please use this resource as a support system, not the basis of your analysis.  It's meant to help you understand and dig deeper into the novel, so that you can analyze it.  If you use too much of it, or quote it without proper citation, you'll be committing plagiarism.  Be careful!

Selena, you still have to post your journal,

P.S. See me about labels, your categories aren't showing up on the page, and there are some gadgets that need to be removed.  That tells me there are some setup steps you still need to complete.

~Ms. G

First Impressions- Ghazal (section 1)

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne is about Captain Nemo and the people he is with that go on an adventure under water in a submarine.

The first part of the 20 pages of this book was really complicated, I got all these facts thrown at me about the 1860’s and stuff that happened in July of 1866. All these facts were about things that have happened in or on the sea. Like, “20th of July, 1866, when five miles off the east coast of Australia, that the “Governor Higginson,” a ship of the Calcutta and Burnach Steam Navigation Company, had come upon this moving mass”.

Jules Verne names a lot of characters in the first 3 chapters but some are, Governor Higginson, Captain Baker, Commander Farragut, and Captain Nemo. But they did not get introduced well, so I have no idea what their characteristics are but I am sure they will be more involved later on.

The setting was mainly the sea area. They talked about in the sea where the ‘sea monster’ is and then outside of the sea.

I like reading fictional novels because it is usually adventurous and gets you to imagine and picture it all in your head. Although when I read so much facts and geographical phrases, I do get confused and try to keep track of what is happening but instead my mind wanders somewhere else.

First Impressions - Section 2 (Amarachi)

Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, is mainly about the adventures of Captain Nemo and his crew on the submarine, Nautilus.

The book opens with some very appealing lines. “The year of grace 1866 was made memorable by a marvelous event which doubtless still lingers in men’s minds. No explanation for this strange occurrence was found, and it soon came to be generally regarded as inexplicable” (Verne 1). I found these words appealing because I was a great way of opening the book and making me want to continue on reading more. As I kept reading there were many people being talked about, but I wasn’t sure on whether they would be considered main characters or not. Some people mentioned were Governor Higginson, Captain Baker, Commander Farragut, and Captain Nemo.

As I continued reading throughout the book, it began to get a bit confusing. I couldn’t figure out exactly what was going on because felt that there were many random facts in almost every other line. “A fortnight later, two thousand leagues farther off, two steamers signaled the presence of the monster in 42 degrees 35’ north latitude and 60 degrees 35’ west longitude” (Verne 2). I hope that throughout the book that these “random facts” start to make a little more sense to me, as the adventure continues.

 The book doesn’t exactly have a main setting, but many of the places the characters talk about, happen under water or at sea.

I like how the main issue in the book, is figuring out what exactly the creature is under the sea. It really grabs my attention and makes me want to continue reading further. I don’t like how many things happening in the book don’t make sense. It would be a great book for people who love geography and know a little bit more of background information, before reading the book.

The book gets may attention in many parts, but it does get quite boring in some parts of the book. This book does take place around 1866, so many of the things they talk about happened a long time ago, and I am not as much so familiar with them. But it does help me learn a lot about what happened in the past and it is pretty cool.

So far the book is pretty decent, and I hope that is continues to as adventurous as I am hoping and that the texts start putting it together.