Journey to the Center
of the Lindenbrocks
Similarities and differences is
what drives a story and often gives it meaning. Jules Verne was a master of
differences and similarities between characters to enhance his conflicts in the
plot and displays his talents well in his novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth. The stark contrast between
Professor Otto Lindenbrock and his nephew, Axel Lindenbrock, is evident
throughout the novel, but also complimented with few similarities between the
uncle and his nephew was well. Professor Lindenbrock’s was well as Axel
Lindenbrock’s personality, optimism, and motivation will each be evaluated in
their journey to the center of the Earth.
Professor Lindenbrock’s personality
is very different from Axel’s. The professor is adventurous, and often looks to
disprove theories of many famous philosophers. On the other hand, Axel is less
adventurous and could be described as a follower. Often believing and following
the theories of famous philosophers, Axel is more pragmatic than his uncle. The
professor’s ego also rarely ever legs his admit defeat. Only on one occasion throughout
the novel does Otto Lindenbrock admit defeat: when he chose the wrong tunnel to
enter in the beginning, and his decision to cross the large body of water they
encounter later on. Axel’s ego is not as stubborn as the Professor’s, but they
still share some of the same Lindenbrock characteristics.
One of those characteristics being
their optimism. Professor Lindenbrock shows great amounts of optimism and
determination throughout their journey, and rarely accepts defeat. Like his
uncle, Axel is determined and optimistic about their journey when it is going
well. Unlike his uncle, Axel uses almost every excuse he can think of in order
to ascend back to the surface. After Axel fell and almost killed himself, he
exclaimed “…is the journey not over, then?” this way of thinking contrasts with
his uncles relentless efforts to reach the center of the Earth when he responds
“…rest today, and tomorrow we will set sail”. The professor uses the fact that
Arce Saknuesem claimed to have reached the center of the Earth as means to
continue the journey despite how long it would take if they had enough food and
water to last. Differences in optimism and determination between the two
characters rely on another factor, motivation.
The motivation of Professor Otto Lindenbrock
and Axel Lindenbrock are what drive them to overcome their perilous journey.
The professor’s motivation resides solely in his love for geology. Axel too has
a passion for geology, but it is dwarfed by the professor’s. Instead, a girl by
the name of Grauben is Axel’s motivation to complete their journey, which is
why he used every excuse to return to the surface. Unlike Axel, Professor
Lindenbrock is not distracted by the exterior world and his sole motive for
reaching the center of the Earth is for scientific gain and self satisfaction. Otto
Lindenbrock expresses this by saying, “Leave me, I tell you. I have undertaken
this expedition. I will carry it out to the end, and I will not return. Go,
Axel, go!” this displays the difference between Axel, who cannot wait to end
the journey, and the professor, who has no intention of ever abandoning his
quest.
The similarities and differences are blatantly evident between Professor Otto Lindenbrock and his nephew, Axel Lindenbrock. Although they share a lobe for geology, their personality, optimism, and determination are very different. These characteristics not only add to the plot, but also give the characters unbelievable depth for the reader to explore. While Otto and Axel Lindenbrock make amazing discoveries deep inside the Earth, the reader make equally amazing discoveries inside the Lindenbrock characters, just as Jules Verne intended.
No comments:
Post a Comment