Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, Chapter 22 summary
Chapter 22 of 46 · Part 1 · 9 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 22, the Nautilus enters the Indian Ocean, where temperature experiments and glowing sea life absorb Aronnax before an unexplained sight disturbs Captain Nemo. Nemo confines Aronnax and his companions, and their sudden sleep after breakfast leads Aronnax to suspect that their food contains a sedative.
What happens
- The Nautilus travels west past reefs and islands, then turns southwest toward the Indian Ocean.
- Nemo measures deep-water temperatures and finds an average of four and a half degrees at five thousand fathoms.
- The drifting submarine passes through luminous microscopic organisms, illuminating the fish around it.
- On January 18, Nemo and his lieutenant watch an unexplained point on the horizon with increasing agitation.
- Nemo snatches Aronnax’s telescope, refuses questions, and orders him, Ned Land, and Conseil confined.
- After breakfast in their cell, all three fall asleep, and Aronnax suspects a sedative in their food.

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In this chapter
What to notice
Nemo asserts complete control over the companions’ movements. The order breaks their comfortable routine and prevents them from observing whatever troubles him.
Quick check
What makes Aronnax suspect that breakfast contains a sedative?

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