Top 3 Most Impactful Parts of 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas

1. The First Encounter with the “Sea Monster”

One of the most iconic moments in the novel is the opening mystery: ships around the world report sightings of a massive, glowing creature roaming the oceans. Professor Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and harpooner Ned Land join an expedition to hunt it down.

Why this part stands out

• It sets the tone for the entire adventure — suspenseful, scientific, and full of wonder.
• Verne builds tension by letting the reader believe the creature is alive, only to reveal it’s actually the Nautilus, Captain Nemo’s advanced submarine.
• The reveal is a turning point: the characters shift from hunters to captives, and the story becomes a journey into the unknown.

This moment captures the sense of awe and mystery that defines the novel.

2. Exploring the Underwater World

Throughout the book, Captain Nemo takes his unwilling guests on breathtaking underwater expeditions. One of the most famous is the walk on the ocean floor, where the characters wear diving suits and explore a submerged forest.

Why this part stands out

• Verne’s descriptions of marine life, coral landscapes, and underwater silence are vivid and ahead of their time.
• It showcases the Nautilus’s technological marvels — electric lights, diving gear, and the ability to travel anywhere beneath the sea.
• These scenes highlight the novel’s themes of scientific discovery and the beauty of the natural world.

This section is often considered the heart of the book because it captures the wonder of exploration.

3. The Battle with the Giant Squid

Perhaps the most famous scene in the entire novel is the terrifying encounter with a giant squid. When the Nautilus becomes entangled with the creature, the crew must fight it off in a desperate struggle.

Why this part stands out

• It’s one of the earliest and most dramatic depictions of a giant squid in literature.
• The scene is intense, dangerous, and action‑packed, showing the vulnerability of even the most advanced submarine.
• It reveals the bravery of the crew and the high stakes of life under the sea.

This moment has become a cultural icon — it’s the scene most people remember even if they haven’t read the book.