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🪶 Introductory
Note to the Reader I created this analysis to help
literature students examine the sequence of events (the plot) and the main
characters in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. The purpose of this piece is purely
demonstrative—to serve as a model of how to analyze a novel’s structure and
character development within a classroom or academic setting. Even
though this is just a demo, I genuinely enjoyed revisiting Verne’s
imaginative storytelling and the fascinating world he created beneath the
Earth’s surface. |
The Arrangement of Events in Journey to the Center of the Earth
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🪶 Abstract This
analysis explores the arrangement of events and character dynamics in Jules
Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, emphasizing the novel’s
linear and chronological structure. The study highlights how Verne’s detailed
descriptive style supports both the adventure and psychological dimensions of
the narrative. Through the interactions of Professor Otto Hardwigg, Harry
Hardwigg, and the guide Hans, the analysis identifies key conflicts such as
Nature vs. Individual and Individual vs. Self, which together shape the
plot’s progression and themes. The discussion concludes that Verne’s
carefully organized sequence of events enhances the story’s impact by
integrating character transformation, suspense, and scientific curiosity into
a cohesive narrative.
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Keywords: Jules
Verne, Literary Analysis, Plot Analysis, Character Development, Adventure Fiction,
Narrative Structure |
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🪶 Resumen Este
análisis examina la secuencia de eventos y las dinámicas de los personajes en
Viaje al centro de la Tierra de Jules Verne, destacando la estructura
lineal y cronológica de la novela. Se resalta cómo el estilo descriptivo y
detallado de Verne contribuye tanto a la aventura como a la profundidad
psicológica de la narración. A través de los personajes principales—el
profesor Otto Hardwigg, Harry Hardwigg y el guía Hans—se identifican
conflictos como la naturaleza contra el individuo y el individuo
contra sí mismo, los cuales impulsan el desarrollo del argumento. El
análisis concluye que la organización cuidadosa de los eventos refuerza el
impacto de la historia al integrar la transformación de los personajes, la
tensión narrativa y la curiosidad científica en un relato coherente. |
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🪶 Resumo Esta
análise examina a sequência dos eventos e as dinâmicas dos personagens em Viagem
ao Centro da Terra, de Jules Verne, enfatizando a estrutura linear e
cronológica do romance. Destaca-se como o estilo descritivo e detalhado de
Verne contribui para a aventura e a dimensão psicológica da narrativa. Por
meio das figuras centrais—o professor Otto Hardwigg, Harry Hardwigg e o guia
Hans—identificam-se conflitos como Natureza versus Indivíduo e Indivíduo
versus Si Mesmo, que moldam o desenvolvimento do enredo. Conclui-se que a
organização cuidadosa dos eventos reforça o impacto da obra ao integrar a
transformação dos personagens, o suspense e a curiosidade científica em uma
narrativa coesa. |
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French
writer Jules Verne structured his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth
using a linear and chronological sequence of events. The story
unfolds step by step, beginning with the Professor’s discovery of Arne
Saknussemm’s coded manuscript and continuing through the preparations, descent
into the crater, subterranean adventures, and eventual return to the surface.
This straightforward progression allows readers to follow the expedition in
real time, emphasizing both the physical dangers and the psychological
transformation of the characters: Prof. Otto Hardwigg, Harry Hardwigg, and the
Icelander guide, Hans (names given to the three main characters in the English
translation.
The plot’s
actions and events are characterized by long, detailed episodes, at times
very “slow” for the action to take place or for the characters to advance in
their journey. Verne does not merely summarize; he often expands descriptions
of geological formations, prehistoric life, and perilous moments of survival
showing that he was a knowledgeable man of his time and that he was a studious
penman to help readers see what he was imagining. Because of this detailed
approach, Verne often heightened the sense of scientific discovery, while also
intensifying suspense as the travelers encounter near-death experiences such as
thirst, volcanic eruptions, and sea monsters.
The type
of struggle present in the plot combines Nature vs. Individual and Individual
vs. Self. Much of the conflict arises from the characters’ battle with
natural forces in the subterranean world: heat, lack of resources, and the
dangers of unknown environments. At the same time, Harry, the character with
the narrative voice in the story, struggles internally with fear, doubt, and
his desire for safety, making his growth as a character central to the
narrative. The story is told through Harry’s eyes, which helps the reader
understand how he feels and his interactions with his uncle, Prof. Hardwigg,
and how he values Hans’s aid and practical knowledge for survival.
In
terms of plot elements, the novel includes exposition through Harry’s
introduction of the Professor and their life in Hamburg, a clear conflict in
the decision to undertake the journey, and a gradual intensification as they
travel deeper into the Earth. The climax arrives when the group is swept upward
by a volcanic eruption indirectly caused by them, a force of nature that expels
them back to the surface in Italy after entering earth’s crust in Iceland.
Falling action and resolution follow quickly, as they emerge through Mount Etna
and reflect on their ordeal inside earth’s crust that lasted almost three
months. Although the novel does not feature a single profound epiphany, Harry
undergoes a personal realization of courage and resilience, which can be read
as a quieter, character-centered epiphany.
The interrelatedness
of the plot reinforces the story’s impact. The characters fit seamlessly
into the events, with each role, Professor Hardwigg’s ambition, Harry’s fear
and growth, and Hans’s calm resourcefulness, complementing the expedition’s
trials. The development of the plot suits the theme of scientific curiosity
pushing the limits of human endurance, while the subterranean setting not only
frames but actively drives the narrative. Finally, Harry’s role as narrator
aligns closely with the narration of events, since his personal fears and
reflections help the reader interpret the dangers and marvels of the journey.
In
sum, the arrangement of events in Verne’s novel adheres to a linear structure,
but within this straightforward design lies a dynamic interplay of conflict,
transformation, and thematic depth. The careful organization of the plot sets
the stage for understanding how each of the three central characters undergoes
change during their perilous journey.
Characters’
Profiles
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I. Character Analysis: Harry Hardwigg |
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A.
Character Description |
·
Sex: Male ·
Age: Early 20s ·
Health: Healthy, but prone
to exhaustion and fainting spells in extreme stress ·
Clothing:
Everyday travel wear; practical gear for the expedition ·
Appearance:
Young, pale, and somewhat nervous-looking ·
Props/Items:
Journals, scientific notes, lamps |
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B.
Social |
·
Class: Middle class ·
Occupation:
Student and assistant to his uncle ·
Education:
Well-educated, strong grounding in science, but less experienced than the
Professor ·
Place in Community:
Respectable, but lives in the shadow of his uncle’s reputation ·
Amusements:
Reading, studying science, spending time with fiancée Gretchen |
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C.
Psychological |
·
Moral Standards:
Values loyalty, honesty, and love; cautious but not cowardly ·
Philosophy:
Life is valuable; preservation of safety often outweighs blind ambition ·
Ambitions: To
live a stable, happy life with Gretchen ·
Disappointments:
Being forced into a journey he did not choose ·
Complexes:
Nervousness, fear of failure, lack of confidence ·
Abilities:
Intelligence, perseverance, capacity for growth under pressure ·
Peculiarities:
Nervous exaggeration and frequent inner monologues |
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II. Character’s Objectives |
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·
Desire: To survive and
return to the surface; to prove himself worthy of his uncle and fiancée ·
Will: Initially weak, but
grows stronger as trials increase |
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I. Character Analysis: Professor Otto
Hardwigg |
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A.
Character Description |
·
Sex: Male ·
Age: Late 50s or early
60s ·
Health: Healthy, though
impatient; resilient despite harsh conditions ·
Clothing:
Academic attire at home; durable travel gear for the expedition ·
Appearance:
Stern, serious, with sharp features; eyes full of determination ·
Props/Items:
Scientific instruments, manuscripts, geological tools |
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B.
Social |
·
Class: Upper middle class,
respected scholar ·
Occupation:
Professor of geology and mineralogy ·
Education:
Highly educated, a man of science with academic authority ·
Place in Community:
Well-known, feared for his temper, but respected for brilliance ·
Amusements:
Scientific research, deciphering manuscripts, exploration |
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C.
Psychological |
·
Moral Standards:
Values truth, discovery, and knowledge above personal safety ·
Philosophy:
Science is the guiding force of life; ambition is necessary to push
boundaries ·
Ambitions: To
prove Arne Saknussemm’s theories and gain scientific glory ·
Disappointments:
Frustrated when others doubt him; impatient with hesitation ·
Complexes:
Pride and stubbornness—obsession blinds him to risk ·
Abilities:
Sharp intellect, perseverance, leadership in crisis ·
Peculiarities:
Impatient, domineering, often oblivious to others’ fears |
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II. Character’s Objectives |
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·
Desire: To confirm his
theory by reaching the center of the Earth ·
Will: Extremely strong;
obsession drives him forward regardless of risk |
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I. Character Analysis: Hans |
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A.
Character Description |
·
Sex: Male ·
Age: About 30 ·
Health: Strong, robust,
extremely resilient ·
Clothing:
Simple working man’s clothes, practical for guiding and manual labor ·
Appearance:
Tall, broad-shouldered, calm, rugged face ·
Props/Items:
Rope, tools, weapons, provisions |
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B.
Social |
·
Class: Working class ·
Occupation:
Guide, hunter, and laborer ·
Education:
Minimal formal education, but rich in practical knowledge of survival ·
Place in Community:
Respected as reliable and trustworthy in Iceland ·
Amusements:
Simple pleasures, family-oriented life, practical work |
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C.
Psychological |
·
Moral Standards:
Loyal, honest, hardworking, values life and duty ·
Philosophy:
Life is about survival, faith, and reliability ·
Ambitions: To
complete his work faithfully and provide for his family ·
Disappointments:
Likely few; a stoic man who accepts life as it comes ·
Complexes:
Rarely reveals inner turmoil, keeps emotions contained ·
Abilities:
Extraordinary strength, resourcefulness, calm under pressure ·
Peculiarities:
Stoicism—rarely speaks, communicates through action rather than words |
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II. Character’s Objectives |
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·
Desire: To fulfill his duty
as guide and ensure the survival of the group ·
Will: Extremely strong;
unshakable calm and resolve |
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The
Journey Archetype in Journey to the Center of the Earth
Jules
Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth follows the classic journey
archetype, where the characters depart from the familiar, endure trials in
a strange world, and return transformed. In the edition where the protagonist
is Harry Hardwigg and two more secondary characters are present: his
uncle is Professor Otto Hardwigg and Hans, their Icelander guide.
Each of the three central figures undergoes a change, though in distinct ways.
1. Harry Hardwigg
- At the beginning:
Harry is nervous, skeptical, and easily discouraged. He doubts the wisdom
of his uncle’s plan and fears the dangers that lie ahead. His attachment
to life on the surface and to his fiancée makes him hesitant to embrace
the journey.
- During the journey:
Harry experiences hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and encounters with vast
subterranean landscapes and prehistoric creatures. These ordeals test his
limits.
- By the end:
He emerges braver and more self-assured. Through his survival of extreme
circumstances, he learns courage, endurance, and the value of scientific
discovery.
Transformation: From
timid skeptic → to resilient, courageous explorer.
2. Professor Otto Hardwigg
- At the beginning:
The Professor is brilliant but stubborn, impatient, and driven by
ambition. His obsession with proving his scientific theory makes him
reckless, often disregarding Harry’s fears.
- During the journey:
His determination inspires perseverance, but he also confronts the limits
of his knowledge when faced with the immense and uncontrollable forces of
nature.
- By the end:
Though he maintains his pride in their discoveries, he is humbled by the
experience and made more aware of the necessity of teamwork and reliance
on others.
Transformation: From
arrogant visionary → to a more tempered leader who acknowledges the limits of
human power.
3. Hans
- At the beginning:
Hans is introduced as a calm, practical Icelander hired as a guide. He
appears quiet and somewhat detached from the ambitions of the Hardwiggs.
- During the journey:
His steady composure, resourcefulness, and loyalty prove indispensable,
especially in moments of crisis—finding water, navigating dangers, and
maintaining order when the others falter.
- By the end:
Hans is no longer just a hired helper but a trusted companion. His
strength and humanity reveal him as the stabilizing force of the
expedition.
Transformation: From
paid guide → to loyal companion and moral anchor.
📚 References
Acuña, J. (n.d.). Character Analysis
Worksheet [Unpublished handout].
Acuña, J. (n.d.). The Arrangement of Events
in a Story [Unpublished handout].
Descent Through Firestone by Jonathan Acuña
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