Journey To The Center Of The Earth

The idea of bravery is important throughout the novel as a measure of masculinity. Additionally, traditional heroes in epics and romances tend to be depicted as both brave and honorable. In Verne’s world, however, bravery can only be tested and demonstrated in confronting Nature. The well-ordered and prosperous Western middle class would not normally have need of bravery on a daily basis. Thus, the natural world becomes the locus of physical strife without the need to invent human enemies.

Verne uses his protagonists’ attitudes towards Nature to highlight and flesh out their personalities. Axel, who is expected to be brave and honorable, is, in fact, fallible and indecisive. He is not particularly concerned with fame, so his fiancée’s urgings are necessary to motivate him to undertake the journey. The young man is also doubtful of the endeavor’s viability, based on common sense, which makes him very relatable. Finally, he quickly succumbs to physical difficulties and is afraid of dying. As a result, the moments when Axel is awed by the surrounding world or undertakes dangerous acts, such as lighting the gunpowder, are particularly notable.

In contrast, Otto behaves as a typical hero figure, disregarding danger and attempting to control his surroundings. Unlike Axel, he does not express awe or admiration for the unusual sights he comes across and only cares about the surrounding world in as much as it helps him achieve his goals.