Introduction
Jules Verne's seminal science fiction novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, was far ahead of its time when published in 1870. With its futuristic submarine, advanced technology, and themes of man's destructive relationship with nature, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea contains early examples of science fiction that seem eerily prescient today. This essay will analyze key elements of science fiction in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and discuss how Verne’s imaginative novel predicted future scientific innovations and environmental issues. Examining the science fiction aspects of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea provides insight into Verne’s pioneering vision and the lasting influence of this classic novel.
The Technological and Environmental Context
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea tells the story of Professor Pierre Aronnax and his journey aboard Captain Nemo’s technologically advanced submarine, the Nautilus. When published in the 19th century, submarines were just being developed and Verne’s detailed descriptions of features like electrical power, pressure systems, and underwater navigation were innovative science fiction concepts. Verne is considered one of the founders of modern science fiction for his commitment to scientific plausibility and prescience about future technology. Many of the novel’s predictions have proven remarkably accurate, including electric submarines with advanced capabilities. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea also expresses early environmentalist themes, as Nemo wages war against those harming the ocean.
The Advanced Technology of the Nautilus
One key example of science fiction in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is the advanced technology of the Nautilus submarine. Verne devotes whole chapters to describing intricacies of the Nautilus, including its electric battery-powered propulsion, heating and cooling systems, navigational instruments, and interior lighting. These fictional innovations foreshadowed later real-world submarines, like electric battery submarines first used in the 1900s. Verne’s Nautilus prefigures nuclear-powered submarines of the 1950s, with Nemo claiming the sub’s power “would allow him to navigate underwater for three to four months”. The extensive technology Verne imagined became reality in future submarines, showing him to be a prophetic science fiction writer.
Environmentalist Themes in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Verne's science fiction also expresses early environmentalist themes through Nemo's disdain for those harming the oceans. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was published during a time of rampant marine animal exploitation, which Verne criticized through Nemo waging war against whaling and cargo ships. When attacking a whaling ship, Nemo condemns their “massacre of a peaceful herd”. Verne imagined a submarine used not for war but to protect the oceans against human destruction. This environmental focus predicted later science fiction addressing climate change and human impacts on nature. Verne uses science fiction to provide social commentary, a technique that became common in the genre.
Verne's Contributions to Science Fiction
Some may argue that 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is not true science fiction because it lacks technological plausibility or social commentary. While some of Verne's predictions were far-fetched, he strove for scientific realism and inspired future engineers with his visionary ideas. Additionally, the environmentalist themes show Verne using speculative fiction to provide social criticism in the mode of science fiction. Though different from today's science fiction, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea helped establish the genre's conventions.
Conclusion
With its prescient technological innovations and environmentalist themes, Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was tremendously influential as an early science fiction novel. Verne extrapolated 19th century scientific knowledge into fictional concepts that proved remarkably prescient, predicting real submarines of the 20th century. By condemning environmental destruction, Verne wrote one of the first works of science fiction to deliver social commentary, which became a hallmark of the genre. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea clearly demonstrates Verne’s advanced vision and shows why he helped pioneer the foundations of modern science fiction.
