A Journey to the Centre of the Earth: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Journey to the Centre of the Earth" is a classic adventure novel that features a variety of characters, each contributing to the story's exploration of scientific inquiry and human resilience. The main characters include Axel Lidenbrock, the narrator and nephew of Professor Otto Lidenbrock. While Axel shares his uncle’s interest in geology, he is more cautious and uncomfortable with the dangers of their expedition. In contrast, Professor Lidenbrock embodies the archetypal scientist, driven by a relentless quest for knowledge, often to the detriment of his companions' safety. The expedition is guided by Hans Bjelke, a stoic and capable Icelandic hunter whose bravery shines in moments of crisis. Though he plays a supportive role, Hans is crucial to the survival of the team. Lastly, Grauben Lidenbrock, the professor's ward and Axel's fiancée, symbolizes the emotional ties that motivate Axel. While her character is less developed, she serves as a reminder of the life awaiting Axel beyond the depths of the Earth. This interplay of characters highlights the themes of adventure, sacrifice, and personal growth throughout the narrative.
A Journey to the Centre of the Earth: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jules Verne
First published: Voyage au centre de la terre, 1864; English translation, 1872
Genre: Novel
Locale: Hamburg, Germany; Iceland; under Earth's surface; and Stromboli, Italy
Plot: Science fiction
Time: The 1860's
Axel Lidenbrock (LEE-dehn-brok), called Harry in some translations, the narrator and nephew of Professor Otto Lidenbrock. Although he shares his uncle's love of geology, Axel does not match the old man's scientific curiosity; he does not endure the hardships of discovery as willingly, preferring the comforts of home to exploring the depths of the earth. Although it is Axel who deciphers the coded message that leads to the center of the earth, he does not immediately reveal it to his uncle, fearing precisely the sort of mad dash into the earth that his uncle eventually leads. Axel's lack of a scientist's temperament is illustrated by his chronic hunger, contrasting the professor's habit of ignoring meals while involved in his research. Axel is afraid of the dangers of the voyage but hides his fear so that he will not be shown up by the brave Hans Bjelke. Axel's decision to stay with his uncle instead of turning back is a pivotal point in the novel.
Professor Otto Lidenbrock, called Professor Hardwigg (HAHRT-vihg) in some translations, a professor of philosophy, geology, and mineralogy at a college in Hamburg. Tall and thin, with large spectacles hiding his round eyes, fifty-year-old Lidenbrock is the archetypal scientist. He refuses to accept theories about the earth's core until he has proven them by direct observation. The negative side of his scientific character is that he sacrifices everything, including his safety and that of his companions, to his quest for knowledge, which he keeps to himself. Choleric and accustomed to giving orders, the professor has a quirk of stuttering whenever he becomes excited.
Hans Bjelke (BYEHL-keh), an Icelandic eider hunter, the expedition's guide. Built like Hercules and equally fearless, Hans wears his bright red hair to his shoulders. Calm, quiet, and unflappable in an emergency, Hans is almost invisible until danger threatens, and then he shows his resourcefulness. When Axel and the professor are at a loss as to how to replenish their water supply, Hans wordlessly breaks a hole in a rock wall, which immediately gushes water. When a volcano blows the party into the Mediterranean, Hans pulls the other twotosafety.
Grauben Lidenbrock (GROW-behn), called Gretchen in some translations, the professor's seventeen-year-old ward and Axel's fiancée. Her character is not fully developed, existing mostly as a symbol of the pretty face to which the adventurer comes home. She appears only in the first chapter, in which she surprises Axel by approving the inner-earth expedition, and in the last chapter, where she is reunited with Axel. The two are married and move in with the professor.