Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 1 Chapter 13 Summary

Part 1 Chapter 13 Summary

Captain Nemo and Aronnax relax over seaweed cigars as the host draws pictures to better explain the technology of the Nautilus. The ship is shaped like a cylinder with conical ends, which enables it to slide easily through the water. Captain Nemo gives Aronnax the boat's exact dimensions, construction and weight (over 1500 tons). He can sink the ship or let it rise by manipulating the amount of water in its reserves.

Captain Nemo can steer the Nautilus with an ordinary rudder. But he can move it horizontally and diagonally using the giant screw and inclined planes. He can also light up the sea for a half mile in front of the ship to see where he is going at night. Captain Nemo alleges that his collision with the Scotia was completely accidental. However, he had to defend himself when the Abraham Lincoln attacked his ship.

Aronnax exclaims that the...
(read more)