Journey to the Center of the Earth - Week 1

[Gem , Moderator]

The Journey to the Center of the Earth
Week One, Chapters 1 - 15

Welcome to our first discussion about Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. I've seen the movie(s) but never read the book. It's interesting to get some of the background that is not used in the movies.

1) What were your first impressions of Professor Lidenbrock and his obsession with deciphering the manuscript? How does the mystery of the coded runes shape the early tone of the novel?

2) Axel is both narrator and reluctant adventurer. How do you interpret his internal conflict about the journey? What does Axel’s fear say about human nature in the face of the unknown?

3) Professor Lidenbrock is passionate about science, often at the expense of empathy. How do you view his scientific drive—admirable or reckless?
How does Axel’s more emotional or cautious nature contrast with his uncle’s logic-driven personality?

4) How does the journey to Iceland begin to change the tone and pace of the book? What do you think of the detailed descriptions of the landscapes and scientific observations during the trip?

5) What are your initial thoughts on Hans, the Icelandic guide? How does his calm and competence balance the group dynamic? What do you think Verne is suggesting through the contrast between Hans’s quiet strength and Lidenbrock’s intellectual energy?

6) This is something I kept asking myself while I was reading...If you were in Axel’s place—given the mysterious message, the eccentric uncle, and the unknown destination—would you have gone on the journey?

[Lori, Moderator]

So far I'm enjoying the humor in the descriptions of the different people. Maybe Axel would have found a way to back out if Grauben had opposed him going.

[Gem , Moderator]

There is no Gertrude in the book. That's disappointing, she was my favorite character.

[Neer]

I enjoyed this section a lot. The romance of finding an old book, the cryptic message, runes: invented by Odin himself, the dynamics of the exploring party, the alchemist whose books were burned, and the glimpses that we get of Iceland, their library system especially. I had no idea that Iceland was once under Denmark. Looking forward to the next section.

[Brian E]

I've only read the first 6 chapters so I haven't read the other posts yet, but I wanted to comment already so I could put forth my initial; impressions before I forget about them:

What I like so far:
1. The text is clear and evocative which may be because of the newer Butcher translation; I only intended to read the first one or two chapters and didn't stop until I had six read.
2. Verne has already described identifiable, complex main characters and has done so by showing their characteristics rather than just telling us about them.
3. The characters are not just black and white but have good and not-so-good traits. Professor Lindenbrook is a devoted man of science, avidly pursuing the interest of scientific advancement. However, his is also just as, if not more so, devoted to his own ego by making sure it is he who re-discovers this entryway into the center of the earth takes. Nephew Axel tries to act as the man of reason and restraint but can't help get excited by the Professor's optimism in pursuing this 'journey.' I'm not yet sure where his interest of mankind/interest in being known as the discoverer balance rests yet.
4. Verne at least attempts to scientifically explain how someone entering the earth's center wouldn't die of the heat before getting too far.
5. The story so far is much closer than I expected to the 1959 movie version I knew and loved in my youth. How much so will depend on whether a sheep gets involved in the ending scenes. My memory is that I first saw it in the movie theater and not just on TV but that likely would have been in very early 1960 at age 6, which may have been too young for me to do so.

What I don't like so far:
1.While typing this, I couldn't help but glance up and read Gem's Message #3. No Gertrude? Too bad. But in truth I never thought Gertrude would be a character and, having a schoolboy crush on Diane Baker, I also liked the nephew's love interest character, whatever name she went by in book or film. (Grauben = Jenny & Axel = Alec).

[Deborah, Moderator]

I would never goon this journey in real life.it definitely would take either craziness or bravery or both. I love the calmness of the guide. He balances the other characters well. Professor’s empasdioned obsession and axels fear would become overwhelming without that balance. Having been to Iceland a few years ago, the descriptions of topography are not accurate. They do,however, evoke what it’s like. Since Verne never went I find this pretty extraordinary. Icelandic people, for the most part, are a warm, relaxed people. They always pull together for the benefit of the community. They have great safety measures in place for the harsh weather. And the hot springs are amazing

[Gem , Moderator]

Brian E wrote: "IVerne has already described identifiable, complex main characters and has done so by showing their characteristics rather than just telling us about them." and " Verne at least attempts to scientifically explain how someone entering the earth's center wouldn't die of the heat before getting too far.

This is a great observation and one that I completely missed. I'm so used to reading about a character and learning about them that way then reading about what their actions tell me.

Verne has always fascinated me for this very reason. Even when we know, today, that he's wrong, he tried to give explanations instead of asking to suspend what we know. I've often wondered how different it would have been to read his stories closer to the time he wrote them, when the science had not progressed to the point where it is today.

[Gem , Moderator]

Deborah wrote: "I love the calmness of the guide. He balances the other characters well. Professor’s empasdioned obsession and axels fear would become overwhelming without that balance."

I couldn't agree more. I think that’s one of the reasons I like Gertrude so much in the movie — her interactions with Han provided a bit of comic relief, which helped balance out the otherwise oppressive heaviness the characters were dealing with.