Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea delivers a subtle but powerful critique of humanity’s detrimental impact on nature. Through the character of Captain Nemo and the vivid depiction of the underwater world, Verne weaves a narrative that not only celebrates the beauty and mystery of the ocean but also warns of the consequences of human greed, industrialisation, and disregard for the environment. These warnings, though written in the 19th century, remain strikingly relevant in today’s discussions on environmental protection and sustainability.
1. Captain Nemo’s Anti-Civilisation Stance
Captain Nemo embodies a vehement rejection of human civilisation. Having suffered personal tragedies and witnessed the destruction wrought by war and imperialism, he retreats into the ocean, choosing a life of isolation aboard the technologically advanced submarine, the Nautilus. Nemo’s disdain for the land-based world is not merely political—it also stems from his awareness of humanity’s reckless exploitation of natural resources.
He explicitly voices his contempt for the destructive tendencies of human society, stating:
“The land does not offer me the peace I desire. It is in the sea, untouched by man’s greed and violence, that I have found refuge.”
Nemo’s character serves as a vehicle for Verne’s critique of the Industrial Revolution, during which rapid technological and economic advancements often came at the expense of environmental degradation. The captain’s withdrawal into the ocean symbolises a protest against humanity’s relentless exploitation of the Earth’s resources.
2. Sustainable Living and Ocean Resource Utilisation
Aboard the Nautilus, Nemo and his crew practice a form of self-sufficient living, relying entirely on the ocean for food, energy, and materials. For instance, the submarine is powered by electricity derived from underwater minerals, and the crew’s diet consists solely of seafood. This lifestyle represents an idealised vision of sustainable living, where humans coexist harmoniously with nature by utilising its resources without causing irreparable harm.
However, Verne also offers a cautionary undertone. Nemo’s careful harvesting of resources contrasts sharply with the over-exploitation seen in humanity’s indiscriminate fishing and whaling practices. This contrast underscores the dangers of depleting natural resources through unsustainable methods, a warning that resonates strongly in the context of modern overfishing and habitat destruction.
3. War and Its Environmental Consequences
Captain Nemo’s past is steeped in the horrors of war, which not only devastate human lives but also leave a lasting scar on the natural world. His deep-seated hatred for militaristic nations stems from the destruction they bring, not only to societies but also to the environment.
Verne subtly critiques the environmental cost of human conflicts. For instance, shipwrecks and naval battles leave behind debris and pollution, affecting marine ecosystems. Nemo’s decision to sink enemy warships may seem justified in his quest for vengeance, but it also serves as a grim reminder of how violence and war ripple outward, impacting not only humanity but the planet as a whole.
4. The Diversity and Vulnerability of Marine Life
Throughout the novel, Verne meticulously describes the astonishing diversity of marine life, from the vibrant coral reefs to the majestic yet mysterious giant squids. These vivid depictions inspire awe and admiration for the ocean’s wonders. However, they also hint at the fragility of these ecosystems in the face of human activity.
For instance, Nemo’s disdain for whalers reflects Verne’s concern about overfishing and the depletion of marine species. The narrative suggests that humanity’s unregulated exploitation of ocean resources could lead to the loss of this rich biodiversity. In this way, Verne positions the ocean not merely as a resource to be exploited, but as a living entity deserving of respect and protection.
5. The Symbolism of the Coral Cemetery
One of the most poignant scenes in the novel is the depiction of the Nautilus crew burying their dead in a coral cemetery. This serene and sacred underwater graveyard represents nature’s capacity for beauty and tranquillity. At the same time, it symbolises the inevitability of human intrusion. Verne suggests that if humanity continues its reckless ways, even these untouched sanctuaries could be desecrated.
The coral cemetery serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between life and death in nature. It emphasises the importance of preserving the purity of the ocean, not just for its aesthetic value but as a vital part of Earth’s ecosystem.
A Timeless Warning
Although 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was written over 150 years ago, its environmental themes remain strikingly prescient. During Verne’s time, industrialisation was just beginning to reshape the natural world. Today, his warnings have taken on an even greater urgency as we grapple with climate change, pollution, and the overexploitation of natural resources.
Captain Nemo’s life in the ocean is both an idealistic escape and a sobering critique. His world beneath the waves reflects what humanity could achieve through sustainable living, yet his isolation and anger underscore the consequences of humanity’s failure to respect the planet.
By combining awe-inspiring depictions of the ocean with a subtle yet powerful critique of human activity, Verne challenges readers to reflect on their relationship with nature. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is not just an adventure story—it is a timeless call for environmental stewardship and a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.