ew science fiction novels of the 1800s remain probable to a modern audience. We’ve explored space, probed deep fascinating. Professor Pierre Aronnax and his servant Conseil join an expedition to find a mysterious underwater entity, only to become unwilling passengers when their ship encounters it off the coast of Japan. The , an electrically powered submarine, is constructed and captained by Nemo. While Nemo is an amiable host, Aronnax eventually begins to fear his darker side. Nemo is a complex figure, and his painful backstory instills in him a fierce hatred of imperialism and those who enable it. Through this suspenseful tale, Verne weaves the protection of the ocean and its mysteries with a cutting critique of empire building and leaves readers to ponder the possibility that Captain Nemo may still be out there somewhere in the vast ocean, exploring wonders unknown.
