collage of bones, insects, a volcano, a dinosaur, and a skull

Journey to the Center of the Earth

by Jules Verne

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Discussion Topic

Character analysis of Axel and Alec in "Journey to the Center of the Earth"

Summary:

Axel is the protagonist and nephew of Professor Lidenbrock, characterized by his initial skepticism and cautious nature. He evolves into a brave and resourceful explorer. Alec, on the other hand, is not a character in "Journey to the Center of the Earth." The confusion might arise from mixing up characters from different works or adaptations.

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Who is Axel in Journey to the Center of the Earth?

Axel Lidenbrock is the narrator in Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. One of the main characters, Axel lives with his uncle, Professor Lidenbrock, a maid named Martha, and Lidenbrock’s goddaughter, Grauben. As with his uncle, Axel loves science. He adores geology and believes that he has mineralogist blood in his veins.

Axel is even-tempered. His poise is juxtaposed with Lidenbrock’s volatility. Lidenbrock yells at Martha early on in the narrative. Martha has entered Lidenbrock’s study to tell him the soup is ready. “The devil take your soup!” shouts Lidenbrock. He does not want to be distracted from the mysterious runic manuscript. He tells Axel that they will abstain from sleep and food until they understand what’s written. Throughout the narrative, Axel does an effective job handling his uncle’s brash demands.

Axel is smart and capable. He helps decipher the text. However, Axel has aims aside from a potentially groundbreaking scientific discovery. He does not want the manuscript and the ensuing adventure to consume his life. He’s not too excited about accompanying his uncle to Iceland.

Axel has a romantic interest in Grauben. While his uncle fixates on the peculiar script, Axel thinks about Grauben. Without even realizing it, he writes, “I love you, my little Grauben.” After returning from their dangerous expedition, Axel remains committed to Grauben.

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Who are Axel and Alec in "Journey to the Center of the Earth"?

Axel is one of the main characters in the Verne's novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. He is the book's narrator, nephew of Professor Otto Lidenbrock, who obtains an ancient Icelandic manuscript. By deciphering its runes, he and Axel discover how to find a passage to the center of the Earth.

Axel accompanies his enthusiastic uncle to the center of the Earth even though he thinks this is a bad idea. They have many adventures, discovering giant mushrooms, dinosaurs, and giant men before being expelled back to the surface of the earth.

Axel is resourceful, loyal, and energetic, as well as a good observer, despite not wanting to have gone on this journey. He nevertheless is awed by what he sees and becomes a full participant in the story's action.

Alec McEwan does not appear in the novel version of this story. He is a character, however, in the 1959 movie version, played by Pat Boone. He is the student of a Scottish professor named Sir Oliver Lindenbrook. Lindenbrook finds a mysterious runic message inside a heavy piece of rock. Deciphering it leads to the same knowledge as in the novel: the entrance to a passage to the center of the earth. Alec, like Axel, accompanies the professor in question to the earth's center: he plays a role very similar to that of Axel in the novel, though the movie version changes the story.

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