How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I can see, captain, that nature serves you everywhere and on all occasions. (2.10.33)
Aronnax is right. Nemo's truly the master of the ocean. Except that the ocean can probably wipe him out anytime it wants; like, by dragging him into the Maelstrom, for example.
Quote #8
Here, it would be killing for killing's sake. I realize that it is one of man's privileges, but I cannot condone these murderous pastimes. By destroying the Antarctic whale like the right whale, inoffensive and good creatures as they are, your fellows commit a damnable action. (2.12.96)
Nemo does side with the animals sometimes. He doesn't like seeing these whales massacred for vengeance, rather than carefully (and respectfully) hunted for food. Ned, evidently, believes his killings have a noble purpose. However, he views Nemo's somewhat arbitrary division of animal species into "good" and "evil" as ignoble. We have to side with Ned on this one.
Quote #9
"Monsieur," Land said to me that day, "if your captain goes further…"
"Well?"
"Then he will be a master amongst men."
"Why, Ned?"
"Because nobody can cross the ice-cap. Your captain is powerful, but hell! He is not as powerful as Nature, and you always have to stop when she has laid down her limits." (2.13.26-30)
According to Ned, Nemo is a master among men; he does not respect the supposed limits of Nature. What do we think Jules Verne's qualms are with man pushing past Nature's limits? What common themes of sci fi novels do we see a-brewing in this novel?