Consolidate: Read and Answer
A1. Answer these questions.
- Describe the Nautilus.
The Nautilus is Captain Nemo’s advanced submarine. It is a magnificent vessel, described as a masterpiece of engineering, capable of navigating the depths of the ocean. It is powered by electricity, which is generated through a mysterious and highly efficient process, and is equipped with every necessity for prolonged underwater exploration, including a library and an art collection. - What were the various equipments that Captain Nemo worked with?
Captain Nemo worked with various sophisticated equipment, including barometers, thermometers, humidity gauges, storm glasses, and a compass. He also had complex electrical instruments and a large, powerful searchlight to illuminate the underwater world. - Why did Nemo wish to have Dr Aronnax’s complete attention?
Captain Nemo wished to have Dr. Aronnax’s complete attention because he was about to provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation of how the Nautilus functioned.
He wanted the doctor, a renowned scientist, to fully understand and appreciate the revolutionary technology and engineering marvel he had created.
- Why did Captain Nemo show great appreciation for electricity?
Captain Nemo showed great appreciation for electricity because it was the lifeblood of the Nautilus. It provided power for propulsion, light, heat, and all the submarine’s mechanical functions. He saw it as a powerful, obedient, rapid, and easy force that could be adapted to any use, calling it “a god” for his vessel. - Describe the electric clock that he had designed?
The electric clock Captain Nemo designed was highly precise. It told the hour, the month, the day, and the year. It operated on a 24-hour system like Italian clocks and was powered by the unique electrical system of the Nautilus, making it incredibly accurate and reliable.
A2. Explain these lines with reference to the context.
1. Hence, it was only natural that I should learn as much as possible about its functioning.
a. What did the speaker have to ‘learn as much as possible’?
The speaker, Dr. Aronnax, felt it was natural to learn as much as possible about the operation and mechanics of the Nautilus.
b. What is ‘its’? Describe in detail.
“Its” refers to the Nautilus itself. It is a technologically advanced submarine, a self-contained world capable of generating its own power, air, and light, allowing it to journey through the ocean depths for indefinite periods.
2. Everything illuminated by indirect light. No comfort. Only the barest of necessities.
a. Where did the speaker see this scene?
The speaker saw this scene in the engine room of the Nautilus.
b. Why was the place bare and without any comforts?
The place was bare and without comforts because it was a purely functional mechanical space. Its sole purpose was to house the powerful machinery that propelled and sustained the submarine, prioritizing efficiency and utility over aesthetics or comfort.
3. ‘Dr Aronnax,’ answered Captain Nemo, ‘my electricity is not the commonly used sort, and that is all that I wish to say on the matter.’
a. Why was the electricity used by Captain Nemo an uncommon one?
The electricity was uncommon because it was not generated by traditional means like zinc-acid batteries or thermal energy. Captain Nemo had discovered a revolutionary and secret method to extract it directly from seawater, providing a nearly limitless and self-renewing power source.
b. Why do you think he did not wish to elaborate on this matter?
He did not wish to elaborate to protect his secret. This technology was the key to his independence and freedom from the surface world. Revealing its details would risk it falling into the hands of others, which could threaten his solitary existence.
4. I will only ask for a little patience, since you have plenty of time to be patient.
a. Who said these words, to whom and why?
Captain Nemo said these words to Dr. Aronnax. He said this because he was about to explain the secrets of the Nautilus but wanted to emphasize that the explanation would be thorough and that they had an unlimited amount of time aboard the submarine to discuss it.
b. Why did he say that there would be plenty of time for patience?
He said this because Dr. Aronnax and his companions were now permanent captives/guests on the Nautilus, which could remain submerged indefinitely. Their journey had no set end date, meaning they literally had all the time in the world.
5. ‘I do not know whether they will,’ replied Captain Nemo rather coldly.
a. What was Captain Nemo unsure about people discovering in the future?
He was unsure if people on the surface would ever discover the powerful and secret means by which he generated electricity for the Nautilus.
b. Why do you think he expressed his uncertainty in a cold voice?
He expressed this coldly due to his deep-seated misanthropy (hatred of humanity). He had renounced the surface world and its people. His tone reflects his disdain for them and his conviction that they are unworthy of, or incapable of, achieving such advanced, peaceful knowledge.